This browser does not support the Video element.
Milwaukee apartment pipe burst, no heat; tenants evacuated
At least 42 residents have been forced to evacuate an apartment near 29th and Wisconsin after a pipe burst in the building, and the building itself has no heat during the bitter cold temps.
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services on Thursday said residents are being forced to leave a near west side apartment building due to "life safety issues" that include no heat, no water and a burst pipe.
What they're saying:
It happened at 29th and Wisconsin. Milwaukee County records show Berrada Properties owns the apartment building. It has 36 units, all but one of which is occupied. At least 42 residents, including children, have been impacted.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
Jeremy McGovern, a Milwaukee DNS spokesperson, said the department was alerted about the extent of the issues two days ago. The department verified the complaint and issued a 48-hour emergency order, which expired Thursday.
"Life safety issues are too grave to allow people to stay," he said.
This browser does not support the Video element.
No heat at Milwaukee apartment, interview with DNS official
The Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services on Thursday said residents are being forced to leave a near west side apartment building due to a "life safety issue" that includes no heat, no water and a burst pipe.
The apartment building has no heat, no water and burst pipes. Though some units do have water, according to the city, the water that services the boiler is not working. Another pipe burst while city officials were at the scene Thursday.
FOX6 News got a look inside before being asked to leave by someone representing the property. A car in the parking garage was covered in ice, and small icicles had formed on the ceiling.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
DNS put placards on the building, a temporary determination that it is not safe to live there. McGovern said placarding is fairly new, and this was the first "massive" building impacted. DNS also said, while not conventional, they are pooling resources to get residents into hotels.
"Unfortunately, there's nothing within the law that would allow us to force the landlord to find additional housing or alternative housing for their tenants," said McGovern.
FOX6 News called and emailed the attorney for Berrada Properties but did not immediately hear back.
Milwaukee County warming centers, cold weather resources
As dangerously cold weather grips the area, Milwaukee County officials on Thursday highlighted the warming center and safety resources available.
The Source: FOX6 News requested information from the Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services.