WORLD WORLDWIDE USA New York NY New York City NYC the city THE CITY News Journal Update - Failed fire sale in Sunset Park, anger over Creedmoor, no heat in Brooklyn depot

 

Dear New Yorkers,

An unattended candle left by a curtain nearly five years ago in a Sunset Park building continues to upend the lives of people who lost their homes and, in some cases, their pets in a April 2019 blaze.

THE CITY caught up with the displaced residents. Tenants have sued to be able to remain in the 54-unit building that is still vacant and burned out. Meanwhile, condo owners want the building to sell so they can move on from their ruined property – where many are still paying mortgages and property taxes on wrecked and empty apartments.

Neither party got what they wanted when a courthouse auction on the property last week drew zero bids.

Max Plyshevsky is among those looking for closure. The former resident of the building is now living in a trailer in the Hudson Valley, living on meager savings. “I was forced to really simplify my life. The thing it made clear to me is there’s no financial security,” he said.

Read more about how the legal definition of “demolished” will determine tenants’ fate here.

Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Friday's Weather Rating: 6/10. A sunny Friday! High temperatures will reach the mid to upper 40s. While it will be a bit chilly at times, we've only got a light breeze to deal with and plenty of sunshine to go around. The vibes are pretty good out there today!

Our Other Top Stories

The state finally has a plan to turn the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center into thousands of units of housing. It will also have full power to approve the plan — angering neighbors who feel they’ll be sidestepped on a project that could transform the low-density neighborhood in eastern Queens with “tall monstrosities” up to eight stories high. As the cold settled on the city in recent days, bus operators in East New York have been running their buses inside a depot that hasn’t had heat. The MTA says they’re working on it, while workers say it’s a known issue that should have been addressed long ago.

Things To Do

Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.

Friday, Dec. 8-10:  BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center’s Holiday Craft Show, Thirty ceramic artists from across the city will showcase their finest pottery for sale. Saturday, Dec. 9: Friends of Morningside Park Tree Lighting, See the tallest, living holiday tree in the city bright up the park, and catch the ugly sweater dog parade. Free from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Saturday, Dec. 9: Jingle Fest! The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music will host a concert and cookie swap. Admission is $15 or bring a batch of cookies and get one free ticket per family.

THE KICKER: ‘Tis the weekend to be festive. Here are even more places to spread cheer: Lightings of the “world’s largest menorah” near Central Park, lightings of the “largest menorah in Brooklyn” at Grand Army Plaza, a Christmas tree lighting at the Lott House in Marine Park tonight, a caroling walk in Greenwich Village on Saturday and more caroling in Bronx’s Little Italy all weekend.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Friday.

Love,

THE CITY

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