A Philadelphia senior living facility, Brith Sholom House, located in the Wynnefield Heights neighborhood, is at risk of being shut down due to numerous safety violations. The building, housing over a hundred residents, has been under scrutiny for years, with seniors complaining about unsafe and deplorable living conditions.
During a recent visit by Action News, resident Marquerite Byrd highlighted the dire situation, including the lack of hot water and deplorable conditions. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) has deemed the second floor unfit for human occupancy, citing exposed electrical wires, leaking plumbing, sewage issues, and a frozen dam of water on the floor.
City records indicate that the building currently has 95 open violations, with court documents describing it as a public nuisance, unsafe, and a public danger. L&I is actively engaged in legal battles with the building’s owner, Brith Sholom Winit LP, to rectify the safety hazards and address the open code violations. Violations range from fire suppression issues to inadequate fire alarm systems, evacuation plans, and various electrical and plumbing hazards.
Residents have reported additional problems, including a rodent infestation, lack of heating in certain units, and frigid conditions in common areas. The building’s owner, Brith Sholom Winit LP, is currently in receivership following a dismissal of its bankruptcy petition. Aaron Puretz, listed as a responsible party for code violations, is also the president of Apex Equity Group, a holding company for properties nationwide. Puretz has a history of public safety issues, and his connection to companies fined over $1.2 million by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2022 is noted.
Despite legal actions and orders to address violations, residents claim little progress has been made. The receiver’s management, Stockton Real Estate Advisors Property Management, acknowledges ongoing work but asserts significant progress has been achieved.
Residents continue to express concerns about their safety, with one resident noting, “We don’t appreciate the fact that they lie to us. Don’t tell us that you’re going to fix something and then don’t do it.”
The Department of Licenses and Inspections declined to comment on whether residents should remain in the building due to safety hazards, citing ongoing litigation with the owners.
Source: 6abc.com
