Crime & Public Safety
Milwaukee apartments placarded, residents forced out over life-safety hazards
Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services placarded two apartment buildings on W. Michigan St., forcing residents to leave Wednesday because inspectors determined the properties presented immediate life-safety hazards. About 40 units were cleared after DNS escalated the matter, citing tampered electrical systems, defective fire systems and blocked fire doors as the primary concerns.
City inspectors told residents they had roughly 30 minutes to vacate the buildings when the emergency orders were issued; some people spent the night with family while others remained outside on the buildings’ porches the next morning. The front door of one building was boarded up Thursday morning as access was restricted for safety and inspection purposes.
DNS described the conditions as presenting a “clear and present danger” to life safety and said the department issued placards temporarily shutting both buildings. The department said the property owner is responsible for beginning repairs; DNS also said it likely would not be at the buildings on Thursday. The agency reported electrical systems had been tampered with and fire systems were defective, while some fire doors were blocked.
Nonprofit groups were reported helping some residents explore options for shelter and next steps. The property manager indicated it had contacted tenants and said it was cooperating with inspectors while attempting to arrange alternative housing and appointments for residents to retrieve belongings. As of the most recent reporting, the buildings remain placarded and repairs and investigations are pending.
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