Residents at the Evergreen Meadows apartment complex in Edison are being allowed back into their homes after a ceiling collapsed early Friday morning.
According to Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, about 60 contractors have been working as quickly as they could after 11 of the 12 buildings were deemed unsafe to live in.
At a press conference Monday afternoon, Joshi said crews were actively working on buildings 5, 9 and 10. He had anticipated building 5 and 10 would reopen after a 6 p.m. inspection.
Residents, such as Veeresh Wali, of building 9 were advised to stay at a hotel for another night.
“[It’s] a lot of confusion. And we are like pong balls. They’re throwing us here and there,” said Wali.
However, Joshi later shared that all three buildings had been worked on and passed inspections.
“It’s important to note that touch-up work is going to be ongoing. So they will need spackling. They will need paint. However, the ceilings will be completed,” said Joshi.
Joshi didn’t provide a timeline for how long the additional touch-up work would take.
Residents were notified of the update via email and phone.
“It’s very good news. We are very happy to be home again,” said Wali. “These three days were very stressful for us. And it was very inconvenient for the kids as well.”
Although residents are relieved to be home, some are worried about future issues and the work that was done while they were away.
Vikas Kumar, a resident, said he doesn’t feel safe moving back in.
“I don’t know what they fixed. How it will be. What they did. Let’s see. Down the line it is still scary,” said Kumar.
According to Joshi, there will be a town hall-style meeting with his office, the management company and residents in the future to address ongoing concerns.
News 12's Senior Investigative Reporter Walt Kane found the building passed inspection last September with no structural issues.