Bed bug complaints add to problems at Bronx building

HIGHBRIDGE, The Bronx (WABC) -- Residents of a Bronx apartment building say a bed bug infestation is the latest in a yearslong string of housing problems that have left some tenants frustrated and, in some cases, considering moving out.

Tenants at 1187 Anderson Avenue in Highbridge say they have endured poor living conditions for the past four years, including water leaks and rat infestations. Over the last six weeks, residents said they have also been dealing with bed bugs, which they say have spread through parts of the building and caused bites.

One resident described the impact of the infestation.

"Bed bugs, mouse it's too much. The night time I can't sleep. Can't sleep the night time. I'm so worried about that is very bad. Very, very, very bad," the resident said.

The building was previously the focus of a rent strike organized by residents seeking repairs. Some issues were addressed, but the landlord later declared bankruptcy.

A new management company took over the property in February. However, some residents say conditions have not improved. Currently there are 22 active violations with the Department of Buildings.

"The new management has not taken responsibility for any of the repairs or maintenance in the building," one resident said.

Residents have been working with tenants' rights groups and have appealed to city officials and elected representatives for assistance. Some tenants have chosen to leave the building.

"They have babies. And they cannot live in a building where that is in fact like that because of the, you know, it's not good for the family, for the kids, for the baby," resident Mercedes Escoto said.

Residents say the bed bug infestation has spread from the first floor to the fourth floor of the six-story building.

Efforts to reach Archrock Management for comment were unsuccessful.