Tenants of partial building collapse settle into new reality

Days after the partial building collapse, tenants of the Mitchel Housing Complex are left with more questions unanswered.

Jonathan Calixto

Oct 6, 2025, 10:04 PM

Updated 1 hr ago

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Days after the partial building collapse, tenants are leaning on a community center for meals, but they say there are still some questions unanswered.
"The firefighters went to my apartment, they broke my door and they broke my camera," said Jacqueline Galan Lakeh, a tenant on the 17th floor at 205 Alexander Ave.
Lakeh showed News 12 security camera footage of firefighters breaking apartment doors following the partial collapse. The video seems like standard routine for the firefighters, until they arrive at Lakeh's apartment door and break her security camera. She's filed a complaint with the city but has not received any response.
"It's not right, you came to help or to break things...I don't understand," she said.
Lakeh is currently staying at a hotel and was told she may have to stay there longer than expected because of the possibility of asbestos in her apartment. Between her broken property and possible health concerns, she was at the Mitchel Housing leasing company, asking for an apartment transfer. She is not alone in her concern, other residents in the NYCHA complex are wondering when gas will be restored.
"It's like, damn, if we do them, If we don't, we're just stuck pretty much. And it's like, nobody really cares," said Krystal Zachery, another tenant in the Mitchel Housing complex.
Zacahary was arriving at the Mitchel Community Center for food, but she says she is still without gas. She is grateful for the resources shared but says it is not enough.
"We need help. Somebody, please help us. Whoever can come, because that one hot plate is not it. I'm sorry. I appreciate it. Thank you. Yes, but it's not it," she said.
NYCHA said in a statement, "the Authority continues to take every precaution with regard to environmental safety and is working closely with our oversight and local city agency partners to ensure that our response is in compliance with all necessary protocols and requirements."
Sources also say that tests for asbestos dust in the air have come back negative.
News 12 also reached out to the FDNY about Jacqueline's broken security camera and is awaiting a response.