BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, N.Y. (PIX11) — Tenants in Brooklyn Heights are raising concerns about what they describe as unsafe living conditions inside a historic apartment complex and fears they could soon be pushed out.
Residents of the Riverside Buildings rallied Wednesday, chanting outside their homes while holding photos showing brown water, rats, and bite marks.
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They say years of neglect by owner Pinnacle Group have turned the complex into a health hazard, pointing to ongoing issues like mold, leaks, infestations, and heat failures.
Jean Campbell, who has lived in the building since the 1970s, says conditions have steadily declined.
“The neglect of Joel Weiner and the Pinnacle Group has made this building unsafe and at times unlivable,” Campbell said.
She described repeated rodent problems and a growing issue with mites.
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“We have dealt with repeated rat infestations and we are currently suffering from rat mites, which cause allergic rashes,” she added.
Campbell also says leaks from neighboring units have caused serious damage inside her apartment.
“I have routinely had buckets and tarps ready to catch water runoff from the apartment above,” she said.
Tenants say a proposed condo conversion is adding to their concerns, fearing many long-term, rent-stabilized residents could be forced out.
“A conversion process that the majority of our residents cannot afford,” said resident Hew Evans.
City Council Member Lincoln Restler called the buildings a vital source of affordable housing in Brooklyn Heights and said the city is stepping in.
He says he and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon are pushing for stronger enforcement, including more frequent inspections, additional violations, and action through the state’s housing agency.
“We are gonna work with our friends up in Albany at HCR… and we are gonna fight back and make sure that it is overturned,” Restler said.
Tenants say their demands are straightforward: fix the conditions, enforce protections, and preserve all 157 rent-stabilized units.
“There’s nothing being asked here, other than being able to go to sleep, wake up, go to work, and come home tired, it’s really that simple,” one resident said.
PIX11 reached out to Pinnacle Group for comment and is still waiting for a response.
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