Bushwick Tenants Headed to Court After 6 Months Without Cooking Gas

BUSHWICK, BROOKLYN — A group of Bushwick tenants who have lived at 36 Linden St. without cooking gas for six months are suing the city and ICON Realty Management, the building's owner, in the hope that a housing court judge will force the issue to be resolved.

City records show that the Department of Buildings ordered the gas shut off at the property in late January due to a problem in the boiler room. A DOB spokesman said Thursday that ICON has been issued a permit to fix the problem, but has yet to have its work tested.

Nicole Denuccio, a tenant leader who has lived in the building since 2012, said ICON gave out hot plates to the nearly 20 apartments that haven't been able to use their stoves and burners, though many have broken.

She also said the company cut some of the affected tenants' rent bills by 25 percent, including hers.

But boiling water on a hot plate can take an hour, she said, time she doesn't have, considering that she works two jobs and is in school.

"A lot of times, I'll buy food out, and that's a significant cost," Denuccio explained.

What's more, while her gas was free, the hot plates use electricity. That, combined with takeout bills, has surpassed the rent savings she was given, Denuccio said.

ICON did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday afternoon.

The tenants' suit was filed by lawyers from Brooklyn Legal Services in June, and a hearing is scheduled for Friday. The tenants will be rallying outside their building at 1:30 p.m., along with a collection of fair housing advocates.

Pictured at top: 36 Linden St. Image via Google Maps