22News has produced a report about units at Longhill Gardens Condominiums being condemned this week, saying that 32 tenants are being displaced due to the unlivable conditions there and three of the five buildings’ danger of collapse.
Structural defects have apparently called for the condemnation of about 40 units in all at the complex, a number of which are estimated to be vacant already (such as the one pictured at left).
Units at Longhill Gardens are owned by various entities and individuals, but the condominium trust is currently under the control of a court-appointed receiver, Valley Real Estate, which has been charged with taking a close look at the structural conditions at the complex, among other fact-collecting tasks.
Originally built in 1952 partially on landfill, the buildings are showing signs of large cracks as they settle into the hillside.
It is possible that pipes and other key infrastructure inside is also failing due to the slow settling.
While security challenges and the prevalence of chipping lead paint were shown to be a salient problem at the complex prior to receivership, it is now evident that more serious problems exist and pose a threat to the units’ habitability.
Tenants who must find alternate housing have been instructed to attend a Housing Court hearing tomorrow.
