Senator Golden Continues to Call on Mayor Deblasio to Address Issue of Illegal Conversions in the Wake of Brooklyn Fire

Brooklyn – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today has issued the following statement following last night’s fire in an illegally subdivided building on Flatbush Avenue that killed one and injured fifteen:

“The issues surrounding illegal conversions overtaking communities in our City, including in my district in Southwest Brooklyn, has been the topic of many conversations amongst my colleagues in government, community organizations and residents. Last night’s fire on Flatbush Avenue, which resulted in a loss of life and many injured, further highlights the need for Mayor Bill de Blasio to create a multi-agency task force to address this issue.

The proliferation of illegal conversions must be addressed on a number of levels. The safety of all people must be paramount in our discussions, including that of the tenants and our emergency service workers. The increase in population has also contributed to the overcrowding in our schools, and the impact on our quality of life cannot be ignored.

We should not wait any longer to develop a resolution, because further negligence will only expand the unconstructive result these dwellings are having on neighborhoods throughout out City.”