Saturday, October 2, 2010

Illegal occupancy turns deadly


From the Daily News:

The blaze that killed an 8-year-old boy may be tied to a hot plate left plugged in at the Brooklyn apartment, law enforcement sources said Thursday.

The fire trapped Avigdor Krasny in his family's third-floor Midwood apartment Wednesday night while his parents were outside in a tent for the Simchat Torah holiday.

The boy's father raced inside, pulling out five of his children - all 10 years old or younger. He couldn't reach Avigdor, who was trapped in his bedroom. The survivors remained hospitalized yesterday, but are expected to survive.

Investigators are also looking into whether the apartment was illegally occupied. The building on Avenue P is zoned to be a two-family home, but the number of mattresses strewn about the floor raised questions about the number of people living there.

Neighbors said at least three families lived in the building. In 2008, the building's owner - Rosenbaum Heshel, who lives on the first floor - was issued a violation for illegal occupancy, according to a Buildings Department official.

The mattresses may have helped spread the flames, fire officials said.

Several of the building's first-floor windows were padlocked, but that would only lead to a violation if there were no other ways to get out, city officials said.

It was not immediately known if the third-floor windows were locked.

9 comments:

Snake Plissskin said...

So, meanwhile, this is where the chatting classes involved in discussing NY's future are focused.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/
article/culture/2010/10
/542235/new-urban-renewers-
getting-past-jacobs-moses-paradigm

I guess their first question is: did this place have a green roof?

Anonymous said...

One brave fireman on the news stated between the third and second floor, there were 20 people.
All but one got out, one life is too many however
Maybe the city should include another "Tip" on illegal occupancy; look out for folks in black garb, curls and stupid looking hats. As previously stated in past posts, whats' the diff. between so called illegals overcrowding a house and certain religious sects allowed to have homes overcrowded as well.
In fact are much more dangerous. Fact; they leave gas stoves on, candles, hot plates, leave children unattended, erect wood prayer structures wherever they please such as fire escapes, blocking sidewalks, ENTIRE PUBLIC STREETS, pretty much anywhere they can.
Countless illegal schools with no fire alarms, sprinklers or adequate egress, numerous illegal day cares in cellars & basements.
The hipocracy really stinks.

Anonymous said...

What's the diff? It is that the Hasidim vote and are rewarded with a blind eye to the violations and boatloads of tax dollars for their programs.

Anonymous said...

It doesn't matter what race or religion, the city needs to crack down NOW and change the laws so that the DOB can get in to inspect these homes. If you have a neighbor who's renting illegally, it's your duty to turn them in!

Anonymous said...

Exactly on point...Third term should be a charm.

Anonymous said...

Hey Snake, you hit the nail on the head - their problem is the roof is red!

Cherokeesista said...

43-31 Bowne Street, between cherry ave. and 45th ave. Flushing 11355
40+ people from the attic to the basement, We've been reporting this house for 10 yrs and D.O.B. does nothing:( They are also running PROSTITUTES out of this residents and there are about 7 or 8 small children that live in this House of Disgrace!!!! So who the hell do I call now??? it's only a matter of time before a horrible fire breaks out:(

Man With No Name said...

Cherokee

how do they vote, or more importantly, how do they not vote and drive out those who do?

once you can answer that everything else falls into place.

Auntie Invasion said...

Cherokeesista - if you want to give me your email address can send you a few suggestions.

does an illegal immigrant own this property?