East Patchogue apartment residents frustrated days after explosion at the complex
Brookhaven town officials say the high winds from the nor'easter caused bricks to fall, striking and damaging a gas pipe on the ground which left residents without gas or hot water.
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Days after an explosion at the East Winds Apartments in East Patchogue, residents are still on edge.
Officials say the explosion happened early Monday morning.
"I heard people knocking on the door saying get out," says resident Peggy Wilborn.
"We literally were woken up in the middle of the night, had to evacuate. I have five pets I had to scrounge them all up," says resident Eneida Moreira.
Brookhaven town officials say the high winds from the nor'easter caused bricks to fall, striking and damaging a gas pipe on the ground which left residents without gas or hot water.
"We need proof now from an engineer that what has been rebricked along the face is in fact safe," says Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico.
Residents say the bricks on the ground were fixed quickly.
But all week, they saw yellow tape and notices posted on the doors, declaring the structure unsafe and a hazardous condition notice.
They say as of Thursday afternoon, those notices were taken down.
But they're still concerned about the building's safety.
Residents say a leasing office representative told them they don't have to evacuate while crews work but they say there's been no official word from management, Main Street L.I., LLC.
Wilborn says she talked with the fire marshal when the notices went up.
"The notice went up. I did speak to the fire marshal. He said it's not safe to be in the building," says Wilborn.
Residents say they're relieved to see crews working. But they're frustrated with the management company.
"It's disheartening because this really should have been taken care of sooner. It's Thursday. We were left in the dark for three days," says Moreira.
Brookhaven officials say town inspectors will inspect the work done on Friday morning.
News 12 reached out multiple times to the management company. Someone said they would call back. A voicemail was left but News 12 still hasn't heard back.
