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Community Board 11 committee approves support letter for 2019 Wallace Avenue residents after fire; residents raise overdevelopment concerns
Summary
The committee voted to forward a support letter asking elected officials and city agencies to intervene on substandard conditions at 2019 Wallace Ave after a Jan. 10, 2025 fire. During public comment residents criticized recent local overdevelopment and asked the board to remain engaged.
Community Board 11's Housing & Land Use Committee voted on Jan. 15 to accept a draft support letter urging elected officials and relevant agencies to intervene on behalf of residents of 2019 Wallace Avenue in the Bronx, who the letter says are living in hazardous, substandard conditions following a Jan. 10, 2025 fire.
Rich Reynoso, the committee co‑chair, read the draft letter to the committee, which asks officials to coordinate inspections and enforcement with agencies named in the draft — including HPD, DOH, MH and the Department of Buildings — assist with expediting violations or court proceedings, and connect residents with emergency housing resources if relocation is warranted. The letter was described as a template that could be reused for similar incidents.
Reynoso moved to accept the letter "as is." Juanita seconded the motion; the chair called for opposition or abstentions and then stated, "So moved. Motion passes." The committee did not record a roll call vote in the transcript.
During the meeting's gallery session, residents raised broader concerns about rapid new construction nearby. A longtime resident who identified herself as Jeanette said four new apartment buildings have been built between Burke and Allerton avenues over the past 18 months and warned the influx has strained parking and neighborhood resources. "You just quadruple the density of the neighborhood," she said, asking the board what role it can play in addressing the changes.
The committee chair and other members responded that Community Board 11's jurisdiction and influence are limited when private developers do not take HPD financing; the board can advise on HPD‑funded projects and encourage continued public engagement at monthly housing and full board meetings. Committee members also flagged a recently posted permit filing for a building near 800 Brady, reporting roughly 86 units, and said they will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The committee adjourned after administrative items and an attendance check.
