Tenants displaced by Wethersfield Avenue fire appeal to Hartford council for housing help and accountability

Hartford — Dozens of tenants displaced by a recent structural fire at 271 Wethersfield Ave. urged the Hartford City Council during public comment to secure safe housing, cover hotel costs and hold negligent landlords accountable after what tenants described as days of being barred from their homes and subsequent thefts of personal property.

"We were not allowed into our building for 6 days following the fire," said Ryan Pierre, who described being rescued from the blaze and then finding many tenants' units ransacked. He said 24 people were displaced, that the city paid hotel costs for the first month and then stopped, and that several tenants were still living in motels with poor conditions.

Baron Burn Powell, who identified himself as one of the displaced tenants, urged stricter landlord screening and an apology from council members for what he described as a lack of preparedness: "I would just like for just a formal apology," he said. Tenants named landlord Israel Wiznitzer and management firms including Arlington Management and Mint Management during testimony.

Marisol Herman and other tenants asked the city to cover hotel expenses until permanent placements are found and to publicly list landlords who repeatedly violate housing codes so prospective renters can make informed choices. Victor, a long‑term resident of the affected building, said inspectors had issued orders for repairs over several years but the landlord failed to act, and that the city should enforce corrective action when landlords ignore violations.

Council members and staff discussed who restricted re‑entry to the building; witnesses said the fire marshal ordered tenants to stay out during the investigation and that a city representative said tenants could re‑enter only if the landlord permitted it. Tenants reported that during the six‑day period, some people entered the building and stole items, and that security deposits have not been returned despite written requests to the landlord.

No formal council action was recorded during the public‑comment period. Speakers asked that the council coordinate with the mayor's office and housing staff to ensure displaced families receive longer‑term relocation assistance and to examine the city’s enforcement options when landlords fail to comply with inspection orders.