'It’s absolutely horrible.' East Flatbush residents fed up over constant sewage flooding in apartment building
In the past two years, 60 East 93rd Street has had 522 Housing Preservation and Development complaints.
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Imagine coming home from a long day of work wanting to take a shower. But when you flush your toilet, you're greeted with sewage. For many, it sounds like a nightmare. But for Rochelle Hobson in East Flatbush, it's a reality.
“I haven’t taken a shower in that bathroom in over two months because of the sewage backup. I either go to another neighbor in the building or my brother’s across the street to shower - my son and I. It’s absolutely horrible," said Hobson.
In addition to Hobson's apartment, News 12 observed sewage in the parking lot and the hallways of the building.
Hobson tells News 12 just this week she had flooding in her apartment at least twice, forcing her to throw out some of her belongings.
In the past two years, 60 East 93rd Street has had 522 Housing Preservation and Development complaints. Hobson says she's worried for her and her son's safety.
“As parent, you supposed to be able to protect your child, take care of your child, and he tells me, 'Mommy, I want to move. Let's go. Let's go somewhere.' He's ready to go to a shelter opposed to living here are open shelter with a bunch of strangers then live here. It breaks my heart," Hobson said.
The building is just steps away from a school and a day care. News 12 spoke with parents, like Michelle, who say the walk to school can become unpleasant.
“You can smell that it reeks. It’s a terrible smell that sometimes she’s even like ‘Mom, what’s that smell?" said Michelle.
News 12 reached out to Amistad, the management company, who says it does not want to comment.
A spokesperson for HPD tells News 12 the building was selected for HPD’s Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP).
They say it's a targeted initiative that ramps up enforcement in the city's most poorly maintained buildings.
The spokesperson says they are ramping up oversight, issuing violations and if necessary, requiring major repairs to address hazardous conditions.
They say they will "continue using every tool available to hold the landlord accountable."
