Some of the more than 200 of people displaced by a fire last month in Queens are being given three-hour windows to gather their belongings so repairs can start.


What You Need To Know

  • Tenants who live on the top floor of a six-story building in Queens were told by the building’s management a few days ago that they had a limited amount of time to clear out their apartment so construction can begin on the roof, which sustained the worst damage

  • Some residents are living in shelters or with friends and said they have no place to store their property

  • A representative from A&E Real Estate Management said the company is supplying movers to help clear out apartments and continues to provide hotel shelter for those who need it, which has extended to Jan. 9

“Most of the rooms had at least a little bit of ceiling collapse, smoke damage. Definitely water damage, mold damage,” said Kathleen Kim, one of the residents.

She and her husband walked into their apartment at 43-09 47th Ave. in the Sunnyside, Queens Thursday for the first time since a 5-alarm fire destroyed much of the building two weeks ago — though she believes others have been inside.  

“A lot of the units have experienced looting, and we were no different,” Kim said. “We were missing family heirlooms. My daughter’s piggy bank was raided. My wedding ring.”

She and other sixth-floor tenants were told by building management a few days ago that they had a limited amount of time to clear out their apartments so construction can begin on the roof, which sustained the worst damage.

“Trying to move our entire lives in three hours,” Kim said.

In a recent email, Queens Councilmember Julie Won called on volunteers to help this week and next during three-hour time slots set by building management company, A&E Real Estate Management.

“Whether you come to claim your things or not, it’s going in the trash,” Won said. “And I call them again this morning saying, 'Are you going to help them to move?' And they said no.”

A representative from A&E Real Estate Management, however, said the company is supplying movers to help clear out apartments and continues to provide hotel shelter for those who need it, which has extended to Jan. 9.

In a statement, the company added: “If residents need additional windows to move belongings, we’ll provide them. We’ll continue working one on one with every resident for as long as it takes to get them through this.”

Kim, her husband and their 8-year-old daughter have been living in a hotel on renter’s insurance. She said they need to find a new place to live soon, before the insurance runs out.

The management company has offered tenants short-term leases in other apartments, but Kim said they’re located too far.

“They’re expecting us to pay the same amount to live in East Harlem or who knows where,” she said.

The management company said it has offered tenants whatever vacant apartments are available in several of the buildings the company owns, recognizing that it’s currently hard to find housing in the city.

The fire marshal’s office said the fire was caused by illegal use of a blowtorch by a contractor. That company is facing criminal summonses for the alleged violations.