The one-year anniversary of the horrific blaze that burned through Glenfell Tower in the North Kensington section of West London is upon us — and the images of torture send the reminder of how the promising lives of citizens who dwelled modestly — disappeared under the duress of gross negligence.
The incident recalls two occasions that I’m aware of that also ended in the demise of residents who are part of the population that works hard for the pleasure of renting units in buildings that were made to fall.
Back in 1995 — a six-story building situated in Harlem at 142 West 140th Street — collapsed one morning — killing 3 people— and leaving stunned residents who survived the accident — buried in debris as they tried to avoid the gaping holes featuring apartments — blasted beyond recognition.
It wasn’t shocking to discover what renters and neighbors had already known for years — which was that the building was not only glaringly unsafe — but also in severe violation of the codes that are in place to guarantee the basic safety of those who pay to live there.
Among other things — there was “a large crack in the wall” that caused the eventual collapse — and there were also gaps between walls and floors.”
