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Dear Editors:

I am a big fan of your paper. While reading the May issue, I felt happy for Jessica Berk regarding her victory over the heartless people who own the building she lives in.

When my husband Bernard Pollack was no longer able to walk up the four flights to our apartment, I found another apartment for him at 95 Christopher Street. The rent was $5,400.00 per month. I signed a lease for another year, but my husband died on September 14, 2016. As years of around-the-clock caregivers had been required, we’d seen our life-savings go down the drain. But the building management has been ruthless in holding me to the lease. I’ve written them several nice letters asking them to show some humanity, but their answer has always been “No.” They knew that my husband had Alzheimer’s and died of cancer, but they only cared about getting their money. Several people advised that I stop paying rent to the building, so I haven’t paid any since February. The lease expires at the end of May. The management is holding $21,400.00 in security that I would like to get back. I would settle for half of that amount—which would be better than nothing. Do you think Mr. Schwartz would be interested in helping me?

On December 23, 2016, we lost gas access in the building where I live. We are still waiting for Con Edison to turn the gas back on, even though a plumber fixed the leak several months ago.

About four weeks ago, my phone stopped working. Verizon repairmen came and told me that they don’t repair the old boxes outside, that a box would be installed in my apartment, and that the new system would end the trouble with my phone. I told the two men that whatever they planned to do, they must not lose the voicemail greeting on my phone because it was the voice of my late husband. They assured me that wouldn’t happen, but it did. I lost what was a daily comfort to me—hearing my husband’s voice on the voicemail. I’m no longer with Verizon.

If you take a long look at what is happening here—with Con Edison, Verizon, hospitals closing, and more—it’s beyond scary.

Thanks for listening.

Beulah Pollock

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