Cuomo orders probe of Williamsbridge building amid crime, bedbug complaints

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is ordering state agencies to investigate a government-funded residential building in Williamsbirdge amid allegations of a bedbug infestation and drug-related crime.
The governor is directing the state Department of Health of Office of Rent Administration to take action.
The Health Department's inspection team has been ordered to perform an environmental health assessment to make sure that standards are being met.
The Office of Rent Administration has been directed to investigate whether rent-regulated apartments in the building are being adequately maintained. If they are not, the building owner may be penalized.
The manage company is Five Star Management, and Acacia Network is the social services provider.
Gov. Cuomo said in a statement on the issue, "The alleged conditions in this apartment building are horrifying and completely unacceptable. The government's job is to protect the health and safety of all New Yorkers, and apartments in the rent regulation program have an obligation to maintain a decent environment for tenants to live. That's why I am directing state agencies to investigate these disturbing allegations, and if any wrongdoing by the owners of the building or the social services provider is found, we will hold them accountable."
The Department of Buildings says there are no open violations on the building. It says the last violation was in 2018 for elevator issues.
News 12 reached out to Acacia Network for comment and is awaiting a response.