Displaced Tenants of Sunnyside Fire in Queens Sue A&E Real Estate Holdings
More than 175 Tenants About to be Kicked Out of Transitional Housing
Queens, NY – June 27, 2024 – The tenants displaced by the devastating fire at 43-09 47th Avenue in Sunnyside, Queens, have filed a lawsuit against A&E Real Estate Holdings, LLC, A&E Real Estate Management, LLC and the entity that owns the 43-09 47th Avenue building. The legal action seeks justice for the approximately 200 residents who were left homeless due to the fire on December 20, 2023, caused by the negligent actions of A&E and their contractors.
The lawsuit, filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, alleges that the fire resulted from A&E’s gross negligence in failing to properly supervise their contractors and/or employees. These workers used a blowtorch to remove lead paint from a wood doorframe, sparking the blaze that displaced many families just before the holidays. The fire has left the building uninhabitable, with residents forced to find alternative accommodations.
Brett Gallaway, the tenants’ attorney from the law firm McLaughlin & Stern, emphasized the severity of the situation: “The reckless actions of A&E have caused irreparable harm to these families. This lawsuit seeks to hold them accountable for the devastation they have caused and their continued failure to provide adequate support and compensation to the displaced tenants.”
Since the fire, A&E has been criticized for their inadequate response and lack of remediation efforts. Despite being one of New York City’s largest landlords, they have failed to take meaningful steps to address the damages or assist the tenants, many of whom lived in rent-stabilized apartments. Yesterday, the tenants, led by New York City Council Member Julie Won and Senator Michael Gianaris, rallied to support the tenants, demanding justice and compensation.
The tenants accuse A&E for obvious damage to their property and ongoing alternative living expenses for failing to provide adequate housing solutions and support for the displaced tenants. The landlord’s actions have left many residents in dire situations, with some forced to live in overcrowded and unsafe conditions or even on the streets.
UNASSIGNED Summons and Verified Complaint
For more information, please contact:
Josh Vlasto
917-881-9662