Edison ceiling collapse latest: What’s next for displaced residents?

Nearly 300 apartment units at the complex were evacuated during the second collapse on Friday, according to authorities.

News 12 Staff

Aug 10, 2024, 4:24 PM

Updated 30 days ago

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It's been nearly 24 hours since residents who live in the Evergreen Meadows Apartments in Edison were forced out of their homes following a series of ceiling collapses.
“It is very inconvenient and frustrating for anyone. I mean this could have been easily done. This is just negligence for so many years," said Umesh Patthar, a resident.
Officials say a ceiling collapse inside a unit on Friday prompted the township to inspect each apartment building for safety. The inspections showed that out the 12 buildings – 11 were unsafe.
Contractors have been working to complete the necessary repairs to get everyone back inside. Hotel rooms were offered to people with no place to go and free meals were given out at Lincoln Elementary School to residents. Mayor Sam Joshi says more help is on the way to accommodate those displaced.
"We have authorized a second night stay for every single resident,” he said. “…We are in the process of giving them food vouchers as well," said Joshi.
The township’s Building Department will reinspect all units to make sure they're safe. The hope is to get everyone back into their homes sometime on Sunday.
News 12's Senior Investigative Reporter Walt Kane's report on the history of the Evergreen Meadows Apartments.