The victims were found in the basement of a house in the Richmond Hill section that was previously cited for an illegal cellar dwelling, records show. Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Basements and Cellars”
A Bronx Basement Highlights New York City's Biggest Problem
By Gotham Rex on October 13, 2021
The devastation wrought by Ida underscored the need for a better way to legalize basement homes. But one woman’s experience shows the difficulties of finding a solution. Source: New York Times
Should You Get Flood Insurance for Your Home?
By Gotham Rex on October 8, 2021
Hurricane Ida was a wake-up call for many homeowners in the New York region, and there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re rethinking your homeowner’s insurance. Source: New York Times
Ida Flood Victims Who Are Undocumented in N.Y. Are Eligible for Aid
By Gotham Rex on September 27, 2021
“I almost died,” said one Queens resident who forced her way out of a basement apartment. Now she is eligible for help. Source: New York Times
11 Deaths Put Focus on N.Y.C.’s Failure to Make Basement Apartments Safe
By Gotham Rex on September 14, 2021
Even before a deadly storm, a pilot program was supposed to lead the way toward legalizing tens of thousands of dangerous basement units. Source: New York Times
They Put Everything Into Their Homes. Not One Was Spared in the Flood.
By Gotham Rex on September 6, 2021
The record rainfall from Hurricane Ida appeared to damage every home on one block in Queens, where some families had lived for decades. Source: New York Times
De Blasio Says New York Will Increase Storm Alerts and Evacuations
By Gotham Rex on September 3, 2021
Advocates and officials questioned the mayor’s new ‘Climate-Driven Rain Response,’ which includes door-to-door evacuations and stronger flood warnings. Source: New York Times
Trapped in Basements and Cars, They Lost Their Lives in Savage Storm
By Gotham Rex on September 2, 2021
The storm’s victims included at least 15 people in New York State and 23 in New Jersey. Some died as waters inundated their basement homes. Source: New York Times
Raw Sewage Flooded Their Homes. They’re Still Waiting for Help.
By Gotham Rex on April 15, 2021
New York City accepted responsibility for a collapsed pipe that flooded 127 homes in Queens in 2019, but it has been slow to pay homeowners. “This is a problem of environmental racism,” an expert said. Source: New York Times
Housing Fights to Be Heard in the Mayoral Race
By Gotham Rex on December 10, 2020
A coalition of housing groups releases a blueprint that includes rezoning affluent neighborhoods, legalizing basement apartments and turning hotels into affordable housing. Source: New York Times