Bronx tenants, local lawmakers unite to push landlord to fix building conditions

The residents of 124 East 176th St. held a symbolic protest to stand against their landlord, claiming the conditions of their building are unlivable.

Valerie Ryan and Adolfo Carrion

Mar 16, 2024, 12:15 AM

Updated 229 days ago

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A group of tenants are working together with local lawmakers to make a change, saying they’ve been neglected in their home for years.
The residents of 124 East 176th St. held a symbolic protest to stand against their landlord, claiming the conditions of their building are unlivable.
“We have a lot of water leaks, black mold in the building, we have rodents,” said tenant Marina Esquilin. “I’m terrified because [of] the water problem, the leaks problem and everything.”
The landlord of this building is also the same landlord of 1915 Billingsley Terrace, a seven-story building that partially collapsed back in December of last year.
The law that these concerned New Yorkers are looking to pass would allow them to take their building’s matters into their own hands by giving them permission to buy the building either individually or as a group.
Organizers say this bill, called the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, would help create a pathway for families to build generational wealth without being pushed out of their homes.