What you should know
- In a rare move, after years of trying to fine the owner of a Washington Heights building and make emergency repairs, the city issued an arrest warrant for a man it says is a slum landlord.
- Another tenant said they would go two weeks or even a month without hot water, “always at the worst times.”
- It’s not the first time the city has taken action on conditions inside the buildings, including a seven-figure fine issued in 2022. In January 2023, HPD made nearly $50,000 worth of emergency repairs.
NEW YORK — A New York City landlord, deemed the city’s worst by the Public Defender’s office, could now go to jail after allegedly failing to make hundreds of court-ordered repairs to some properties he owns. property in Manhattan.
In a rare move, after years of trying to fine the owner of a Washington Heights building and make emergency repairs, the city issued an arrest warrant for a man it says is a slum landlord.
At the two buildings along West 170th Street, the city alleges that Daniel Ohebshalom and his company, Belmont Ventures LLC, have racked up 700 serious violations affecting the health and safety of those who live there. As a result, Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. escalated action and issued an injunction.
“We caught up with him. He faces fines and penalties of $3 million and will go to prison for 60 days,” Carrión said.
For years, tenant Sonia Peralta and her neighbors have complained about the conditions in their apartments.
“We have rats, cockroaches, we have no heat or hot water,” he said. “We’re going to have a little celebration, we’re so happy that’s happening. It’s about time.”
Another tenant said they would go two weeks or even a month without hot water, “always at the worst times.”
It’s not the first time the city has taken action on conditions inside the buildings, including a seven-figure fine issued in 2022. In January 2023, HPD made nearly $50,000 worth of emergency repairs.
Ohebshalom owns several properties in Manhattan, which also regularly appear on the list of the city’s worst landlords.
“People are dealing with mold and leaks, pests, rats and roaches, peeling paint, lead paint. Their kids are exposed, seniors are exposed. It’s time to stop this nonsense,” Carrión said.
Carrion said Ohebshalom “happens to be out of state right now,” but he made a promise: “Wherever you are, we will reach you.”
“Until we see this behind bars and in handcuffs, we won’t be happy,” said tenant Edward Lenis.
NBC New York contacted Ohebshalom’s attorney for comment, but he did not return calls.
2024-03-12 02:20:43
#Arrest #warrant #issued #NYCs #worst #landlord #accumulating #hundreds #violations
