Brooklyn apartment residents demand action over hazardous living conditions

FLATBUSH, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- Residents of 55 East 21st St. in Flatbush, Brooklyn, demand immediate action from their landlord and the management company over hazardous living conditions that have persisted for years.

Corinne Matthew, a long-time tenant who has lived in the building for 32 years, described her situation as "living in my own apocalypse," highlighting severe issues such as leaking steam pipes and unsanitary conditions.

"I started having leaks from the steam pipes in my bathroom and the ceiling. The ceiling has come down on me already," Matthew said.

She expressed frustration over the management's failure to address these ongoing problems.

"The city's here almost every day coming to inspect the work that they certify that they've done, which they've never done. They've never addressed the issues; they will give me lip service," she added.

Another resident, Betzy Dorvil, echoed Corinne's concerns.

"The first thing was the floor; it was water, it was sinking," she said.

Residents are now calling for repairs and seeking compensation for potential health impacts caused by mold and other hazardous conditions. Corinne added, "I don't know how this mold or any of this stuff has affected me. My physical body. I don't know if it's affected my lungs yet."

According to New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development records, building owner John Bombson and management company J Wasser Management have accumulated 570 violations since 2004, with 558 complaints filed in the past two years alone. Despite numerous inspections and promises from management, residents report that no substantial action has been taken.

"Oh, we're gonna come in. This is what I got. We're gonna come in, we're gonna do this. We're gonna remodel your kitchen. We're gonna do this. That's been going on for, since they've taken over. Nothing," she said.

The tenants are united in demanding immediate and effective action to ensure their homes are safe and habitable. PIX11 News contacted management but has not responded; updates will follow once we hear back.