NY1 For You: Gaping Security Problem At Vacant Harlem Building Is Solved

By: Susan Jhun

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An open, vacant building in Harlem had neighbors nervous until they reached out to NY1 For You for help. NY1's Susan Jhun filed this follow-up NY1 For You report.

Neighbors of a vacant Harlem building were worried a hole in a wall of the structure presented a whole host of potential problems, until they called NY1 For You.

"After NY1 broadcasted the interview, it was sealed the very next day," says neighbor Derrick Taitt.

It is a real relief to residents who live near the vacant building, which had been secure until December. At that point, the city broke in to inspect the structure, leaving a gaping hole covered with only a piece of plywood, which neighbors say fell down within hours.

"Every vagrant in the area goes in there to either get high or turn tricks. I'm worried that they'll start a fire and burn out my neighbors, or that the building will collapse on someone that's in there," says Taitt.

After repeated calls to 311 brought no action, the residents called NY1 For You.

NY1 contacted the Department of Buildings and a spokeswoman said the department did inspect the building. The agency issued an unsafe buildings violation to the building's owner ordering, Parade Place LLC, to seal the building to prevent public entry.

The owner was reached for comment, but NY1 did not hear back.

After NY1's story aired, the city stepped in and had the building sealed.

Now DOB officials plan to demolish the unsafe property, which means they will be opening the building, but for good reason.

"Thank you, NY1. And I hope we don't have to call again," says Taitt.