EAST VILLAGE — Controversial developer Icon Realty Management has ceased construction on its embattled East Village properties and hired a “Building Safety Manger” to help address tenants’ complaints.
A week after tenants and local politicians staged a protest outside Icon properties 445 E. Ninth St. and 57 Second Ave. accusing the landlord of using “construction-as-harassment” tactics to displace rent-stabilized tenants, the group has hired Felipe Olmeta to oversee conditions in the buildings and act as an “advocate for tenants,” according to a statement released by the group.
“After hearing from several tenant leaders in the last few weeks, Icon has added a new position of Building Safety Manager, to serve as an internal safety coordinator and tenant safety advocate,” the statement reads.
Tenants of the buildings, joined by advocacy group Cooper Square Committee and local pols, on May 9 protested conditions stemming from ongoing construction that have left them fearful of their safety and security, as reported by the Lo-Down.
Construction at the East Ninth Street property left holes and collapsed ceilings in the tenants’ apartments, while those dwelling in the Second Avenue building must maneuver across a ripped-up lobby floor, according to the Cooper Square Committee and tenants.
Icon halted construction on both buildings in the aftermath, and will not start up again until tenants’ complaints have been addressed, according to a spokesman.
Olmeta, who began on May 15, will meet with tenants to hear their concerns and gather feedback, then will report directly to Icon and to the contractor, said an Icon spokesman. Tenants will be able to contact Olmeta directly and will be able to meet with him at their convenience, according to a rep.
Olmeta has a background in the hospitality and restaurant industries and comes to Icon from Blackwood Hospitality, a consulting firm serving clients in the hospitality industry, according to his LinkedIn profile. His past work has provided him with experience in the field of construction, according to Icon.
