ALBANY, N.Y. – An emergency meeting was convened by the President of the Parkview Apartments Tenant Association, Diane Deitz, on December 1, to address the recent deaths of several tenants within a short span of two weeks. Deitz, along with other residents, raised concerns about the living conditions in the building, including the presence of mold.
According to Deitz, a total of nine deaths occurred within a little over two weeks, coinciding with reports of mold infestation in the premises. The tenants gathered for the meeting voiced complaints about the existence of rodents, pests, and water access issues that have persisted for over a year. Furthermore, Deitz disclosed that several tenants had undergone blood tests, revealing mold in their blood, possibly related to the building’s condition.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Noelle Affordable Housing Corporation, the building owner, confirmed three deaths in November 2023. The spokesperson clarified that all three individuals had passed away due to natural causes while being hospitalized. However, Deitz, along with other tenants, remained steadfast in their claims about the poor living conditions and associated health risks within the building, advocating for improved landlord accountability.
Despite Noelle Affordable Housing Corporation’s assertion that a $16 million renovation was completed in 2016, complaints of recurring infrastructural issues, such as frozen and burst pipes in February 2023, followed by a history of multiple code violations, have contributed to the deteriorating trust between tenants and the building management.
In summary, the reported deaths and lingering safety and health concerns have intensified the ongoing dispute between tenants, building management, and public health authorities. The situation continues to be a matter of public interest and concern for the community.