Tenants Forced Out as DOB Deems Building Dangerous, Illegal

About 60 tenants at 8-29 Astoria Boulevard in Queens were evacuated after the city found their building full of safety violations. A tenant had initially complained about bedbugs, but then the Department of Buildings found (report) inadequate sprinkler system, illegal electrical and gas work, illegal plumbing, no fire escapes, and no emergency exits (gas and water were shut off) . WABC 7 spoke to residents who said the landlord for the building--which was zoned only for commercial use--charged $900-1300/month and that they had paid their rents in cash on October 1. The Red Cross is helping residents, but one said to WCBS 2, "I'm nervous because what I can do with my baby?"