‘I feel terrible.’ News 12 confronts owner of Plainfield building condemned for multiple violations
The tenants at 501 and 515 West Seventh St. say that they had just paid their August rent when they were told they must vacate the building.
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As hundreds of tenants of a Plainfield apartment building are forced out of their homes, News 12 New Jersey confronted one of the building’s owners about the conditions that led to the building being condemned.
The tenants at 501 and 515 West Seventh St. say that they had just paid their August rent when they were told they must vacate the building. They have three days to pack up, but effective immediately, are not allowed to sleep over.
Tenants were outside the building on Thursday to confront one of the landlords and to demand he take responsibility for the 235 violations the building has.
MORE: Plainfield residents suddenly forced out of apartments after condemnation notice
The four-story buildings are owned by Cyclone Investments, which is owned by Charles Aryeh and Aaron Eichron. City officials say that the building had leaks, mold and rodent droppings.
News 12 confronted Aryeh inside the building and demanded to know why his company did not fix the violations.
“I understand. I feel terrible,” Aryeh said. He would not say why the issues on the building were not taken care of. But he said that his contractor would take care of the issues "ASAP."
Residents like Ninoska Guido say they are now homeless and are feeling helpless. Guido says that all she has is $300 after paying this month’s rent to Cyclone Investments.
Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp says that the building is too dangerous for anyone to remain inside.
“We couldn’t give three months [notice] because you can die in an explosion in one day. We want to minimize any potential loss of life,” Mapp says.
The landlord told News 12 that he is hoping to get people back into their apartments as soon as possible. In the meantime, the city is providing a hotel for five days to those that qualify. But many are choosing to sleep right outside of the building for the time being.
