Plainfield City Council holds first meeting since hundreds were forced from condemned apartment
As News 12 New Jersey first reported, the residents of 501 West Seventh St. were first told on Aug. 8 that they would have to leave their homes.
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The Plainfield City Council held its first meeting since hundreds of residents were forced to leave an apartment building that was condemned for safety violations.
As News 12 New Jersey first reported, the residents of 501 West Seventh St. were first told on Aug. 8 that they would have to leave their homes.
The main question that was brought up in the meeting was how long it would take for the building to be brought back up to code and when displaced residents would be allowed to move back in. Officials said there was no date in mind and that everything could take a while.
RELATED: Nearly 300 Plainfield residents of condemned apartment temporarily move to Performing Arts Center
MORE: News 12 confronts owner of Plainfield building condemned for multiple violations
KANE IN YOUR CORNER: Condemned Plainfield building had history of violations. Here’s how to avoid a housing nightmare
Mayor Adrian Mapp says that Cyclone Investment, the company that owns the building, is now applying for permits to begin work on repairs.
A City Council member blamed the city for the issues and asked Mapp if he knew that the building owners did not have a certificate of occupancy. The mayor's business manager said that the state inspected the building in 2022 but allegedly didn't notify the city.
Another point brought up during the meeting was to see if the city has an actual plan for long-term housing for residents, including relocation costs, which are part of the New Jersey Relocation Assistance Program.
Tenants were also concerned about rent increasing once all repairs are made.
Mapp says that Cyclone Investment will be held accountable in both a civil and criminal way.
Watch below for an exclusive interview with one of the landlord's of the condemned Plainfield apartment building
