Bronx tenants demand accountability months after devastating fire
Residents say they were recently notified by Wavecrest Management that their hotel accommodations could be discontinued as early as Feb. 13 despite no clear timeline for repairs.
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Tenants of 1235 Woodycrest Ave. rallied Tuesday, demanding repairs and continued temporary housing months after a fire destroyed 16 of the building’s 59 apartments.
Residents say they were recently notified by Wavecrest Management that their hotel accommodations could be discontinued as early as Feb. 13 despite no clear timeline for repairs.
“This has been six months of uncertainty,” said a tenant leader. “Our families, seniors and children are being forced to live in unsafe, unhealthy conditions.”
Tenants report ongoing issues inside the building, including rats, lack of heat, mold and broken elevators. Advocates say that because the property is a HUD project-based Section 8 building, residents cannot simply move elsewhere with their subsidy.
Tenants say they will continue organizing until they receive clear answers and a path back to livable homes.
News 12 reached out to Wavecrest management, and they said living accommodations for displaced residents at 1235 Woodycrest Avenue will continue to be provided until residents can safely return to their homes and will not end on Feb. 13.
They said that of the 10 apartments in need of accommodations, 4 will be moving from the hotel to temporary housing on Friday, and the remaining 6 will be moved to temporary housing soon.
"Wavecrest is doing everything possible to safely and quickly return residents to their homes and complete the repairs. Staff is meeting with contractors tomorrow and will have a final timeline for repairs then, which will be shared with all residents," they said.
