New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing the owners and managers of the Kenney Apartments in Newburgh.
As News 12 reported, residents there have been dealing with significant problems with their heat, hot water and unsafe conditions.
“It is outrageous that the Kenney residents have suffered in dangerous and inhumane conditions,” said Attorney General James.
James announced the lawsuit Monday against Bourne & Kenny Redevelopment Company, LLC.
Residents tell News 12 they are grateful something is finally happening.
"This is something big. Now, hopefully we'll get the communication and respect for the residents at the Kenney apartments," says Bridget Jackson, who has lived at the Kenney Apartments for decades.
Jackson and other residents say they've been living in unsafe, unsanitary and inhumane conditions.
News 12 reported back in January about ongoing problems with heat, hot water and the sewage system, as well as concerns over rodents and mold.
"A resident who was a mother of two children had to boil water to stay warm. She ran space heaters and ovens just to survive," James said Monday during a press conference.
James says the residents did everything right, contacting management and filing complaints.
"We're seeking a court order requiring them to fix all outstanding violations including their boilers to make residents get the consistent heat and hot water that they are entitled to. We're seeking to have them eliminate mold, repair unsafe structures, rehabilitate condemned apartments," says James.
James says they're also seeking restitution for tenants and penalties for the owners.
Also, the appointment of an independent monitor to make sure the work gets done.
"It hurts that it went this far but it's a start today," says Jackson.
News 12 reached out to the owner of the property but we have yet to hear back.
You can read more about this action by the attorney general
here.