Williamsburg — Cancer Cluster Devoe St.


I keep reading about a Cancer Cluster on Devoe St. but I can’t find any specifics. There is some talk about it here:

http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2007/01/house_of_the_da_248.php

Does anyone know about this and are there any theories as to why Devoe st? I live on this street and would like to know more.

thanks

Categories: Quality of Life
By ute123 | 04/17/2011 11:09 AM | Comment

No Electricity


A week ago the single breaker for my apartment kept tripping and would not reset as of 4 days ago. The landlord finally got the super to come yesterday. He replaced the breaker and checked most of the outlets (finding one that had exposed wire possibly arcing) which he replaced, however the breaker still will not hold. The building is old and we have had many other problems in the past, but I am not interested in having a fight with the landlord … I am a single mother with a 2 year old and I can not afford to move right now. But after my pleas to get a licensed electrician to figure out the problem, I only get the super again today who is now looking at the lighting fixtures, etc. I am annoyed and upset with all of this… mostly the lack of refrigerator, and living by candle light. What can I do? How do I “demand” that my landlord fix this?

Thanks so much for any help.

Categories: Quality of Life
By ute123 | 04/13/2011 12:36 PM | Comment

Leaking Radiator


Hi,

The radiator in my apartment is leaking and I’d love to be able to fix it myself if possible. This is my first winter in the apartment so I have no idea if the leaks are new. Basically the leak comes out of the silver thing on the side. If I turn that thing one way the water comes out very fast. Turn it the other, the water comes out slower, but never stops. I have another radiator in this apartment that produces a steady stream of steam coming out of that silver thing. The steam does make a wet spot on the floor, so if it’s possible to fix that one too I’d love any advice. I can always call the landlord if this seems like a big job, but he is usually pretty slow about fixing things.

thanks!

Categories: Heating
By ute123 | 12/08/2008 8:44 AM | Comment

Just signed lease on apt. w/ lead paint… I’m pregnant.


Hello,

I just signed a lease on a very cute old apartment in Williamsburg. I wasn’t thinking about lead paint, and the landlord didn’t mention it at the lease signing. However now I’m very concerned. There is pealing paint on all the windows, doors, and old tin ceiling. Now I’m trying to figure out what to do. I’m assuming I should talk to the landlord and tell him I’m pregnant (I didn’t mention/he didn’t ask at lease signing) and ask him if he can help pay for the clean up, or if I can back out of the lease somehow. I haven’t moved in yet, and actually have one more month on my current place, so I have time for renovation or to find another apartment. My question is: do you know what my rights are here? Is this all my mistake? Or should he be responsible for clean-up, and/or consider letting me break the lease? Also if I break the lease, am I out 1st, last and security?

thanks in advance for any advice.

Categories: Renters
By ute123 | 06/28/2008 12:11 PM | Comment