They poured into Community Board 7’s headquarters on April 3, frustrated and searching for answers. But they’ve only arrived at one conclusion—the crime and disrepair at 2922 Grand Concourse is deliberate, and it’s okay with management.
The Bedford Park building tenants have pressed the 52nd Precinct to redouble its investigative efforts in solving some burglaries that have happened inside the vulnerable six-story building.
Tenants, some living there for 20 years, have asked to remain anonymous for fearing retaliation from 2922 LLC and Apartment Rental Masters, the management company that’s left the building in disrepair in vulnerable to crime.
Burglaries are the main crime happening inside the –story building. In one bizarre case, tenants explained that some keys not only fit the front door to the building but to other apartments, believing several some burglaries were inside jobs. Tenants expressed concern this could happen again, later requesting cameras to be installed in the building.
Officer June Cortez speaks with one frustrated tenant at the Community Board 7 Public Safety and Quality of Life committee.
Photo by David Cruz
“This is not forced entry,” said one tenant. “Not in my apartment, not in her apartment, not in his apartment. So this is internal!”
Police nonetheless pointed the finger at management as the main “root of the problem,” telling tenants to take their frustrations to management. Community Officer Dimas “June” Cortez of the 52nd Precinct reminded tenants that the NYPD cannot solve management issues, only crimes.
“When it comes to repairs, when it comes to your cameras, when it comes to everything else, I’m very sorry but we have nothing to do with that,” said Cortez.
Repeated calls to the investigating detective requesting an update have gone nowhere, said one tenant. A representative from Councilman Andy Cohen’s suggested that the detective meet with tenants at the next public forum, but Cortez said it’s not going to happen.
The front door lock many suspect to be the exact same one as other tenants apartment doors. Photo by David Cruz
One solution that was welcomed was residents forming a tenants association. John Snider, the committee chair, resolved to write a letter to Apartment Rental Masters, telling management to correct the issues. Cortez also ensured tenants that the responding detective will get back to tenants.
The building manager for Apartment Rental Masters did not return a call for comment.
Source: norwoodnews
