A troubled Brooklyn block has been thrown into disarray by the converging dilemma of drug-addicted squatters and migrants making a home in an abandoned duplex. What worsened the matter was an explosion, triggered by a potential cache of stolen e-bicycles and scooters, causing a fire that wreaked havoc on the adjacent properties.
Regardless of a significant fire breakout on August 17, the squatters continued to inhabit the boarded-up property on East 36th Street. A local resident aged 45 spoke of seeing individuals constantly returning to the premises. This occurred even after the city took measures to secure the building, sealing the doors and windows with layers of cement.
The house served as a refuge for approximately ten drug addicts and an unquantifiable number of migrants. The dilapidated state of the building, a two-story three-bedroom residence dating back to 1925, was not deemed a deterrent, making it a hotspot for unsavory activities.
In 2021, a family with three young children took up residence in this problematic building. Tensions escalated as the individuals began to infringe on others’ spaces, claiming ownership and causing disturbances. Recalling the unnerving events, a resident confided in calling the authorities whenever the squatters’ presence was noted after the catastrophic fire.
The fire, sparked by a ruptured e-bike battery, necessitated the deployment of 106 firefighters and resulted in the injury of three. It quickly spread, involving the neighboring houses and forcing six people to find temporary shelter elsewhere.
For over a decade since the passing of its previous owner, Mortimer Falk, the residence has remained unclaimed and has continuously been a cause for concern in an otherwise calm neighborhood. Efforts to draw attention to this persisting nuisance had not brought about any response, much to the disappointment of a local resident.
Despite the condition the property is in, its valuation is a considerable $729,300, according to Zillow.com. As it now stands, the Brooklyn Public Administrator oversees the property in lieu of any surviving kin. However, requests for a comment on the issue have gone unanswered.
In light of the data released by FDNY, the fire’s origin was a lithium-ion battery used in one of the scooters present on the site. As per the residents, the property has witnessed a relentless influx of drug addicts and freeloaders.
A female teenager staying across the street conveyed her fear exacerbated by the daily sight of unknown men loitering right outside the building. The situation took a new turn when a fresh batch of migrants started arriving, the local suggested this as a direct consequence of the establishment of the vast 2,000-bed shelter at Floyd Bennett Field National Park, located just five miles away.
According to a local resident, the original batch of ten addicts had over time welcomed migrants who they would charge $600 per month as rent. The resident pointed out that they likely resorted to thievery to afford the fees, correlating with the 12% uptick in robberies reported in the 63rd Precinct.
Moshe Kabasso and his wife Luly lived next door with their three children until they were forced to evacuate after the city authorities imposed a vacate notice on their property due to its proximity to the fire. Moshe expressed deep concern over the unpredictable visits from random strangers, which had intensified lately and had a scaring influence on their children.
A noticeable presence of drug activities included disturbing vocal outbursts, revelatory of their needs and threats alike. These created a chilling atmosphere-from the blatant display of smoking activities to random, threatening sounds echoing in the middle of the night; every instance terrorizing the neighboring residents.
The city’s helpline was utilized by the distressed local residents, with 18 complaints being registered till the end of August. This chaotic period also saw the City Police responding to calls 15 times within only two weeks. These calls varied greatly, with instances of burglary, larceny, disorderly groups, and miscellaneous others.
Even outside the property, illegal activities continued to be undertaken. An instance of auto grand larceny occurred on August 15, involving three individuals arrested for possession of a car stolen from around the area almost three weeks earlier. A subsequent arrest related to vehicle theft happened only a few days later.
Physical manifestations of the property’s current state were painfully evident. Among the remnants of the fire lay broken glass, charred clothes, and numerous scooters, in addition to the litter strewn across the yard. Another notable find was a partially burnt mattress balancing on the roof of a neighboring house, its windows boarded up after being affected by fire.
Stepping back and analyzing the ongoing chaos, Guardian Angels founder and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa anticipates a possible mass migration of residents from the area. Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse responded to these concerns, expressing her commitment to stricter state regulations to effectively tackle squatter and drug activities. A mayoral spokesperson also confirmed a review of laws relating to squatting to ensure New York’s homeowners, predominantly the working class, feel safer and protected.