After a devastating fire tore through a Hartford apartment building earlier this year, tenants are alleging nothing has been done by the owner to ensure safety of the property.
The Wethersfield Avenue Tenant Union and Make The Road Connecticut will hold a press conference outside Hartford City Hall on Monday at 5:30 p.m., demanding action from city officials after they allege weeks of neglect, unsafe conditions, and lack of transparency since the Oct. 30 fire. The basement fire, which tore through the 12-story apartment building, displaced two dozen tenants and two people had to be taken to the hospital.
The displaced tenants, many of whom lost all their belongings in the fire, allege they have been forced into dirty, uninhabitable hotels with mold, bed bugs, and crime, while receiving little to no support from the city. The landlord for the property is listed as Israel Wiznitzer, according to a press release.
Following the press conference, council member Josh Michtom said he will introduce an amendment to strengthen Hartford’s relocation ordinances.
“People lost family heirlooms, cherished photos, and valuable possessions … They had nothing left. Their landlord isn’t even on the mayor’s list,” said Teresa Quintana of Make the Road Connecticut.
All are welcome to attend the press conference Monday at 5:30 p.m. outside of Hartford City Hall.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
