Mayor Gainey visits apartment building where 2-year-old girl died in fire
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey visited an apartment building in the East Hills where a 2-year-old girl died in a fire last month.
Praise Lemons was fatally injured in the fire that broke out at Maple Ridge Apartments on Dec. 27. Two others were injured in the blaze that heavily damaged one apartment building. Other apartments had smoke and water damage.
Now, the city is concerned about the living conditions at the complex, as Gainey and Pittsburgh City Councilman Khari Mosley visited the building on Monday.
"The conditions are horrible," Gainey said. "There is no other way to explain it."
The two said they were looking to find the owner of the complex, which was condemned by city crews. Gainey said people have complained about not having heat and rodent infestations.
"You're coming home to a house that has no heat and you have kids," Gainey said. "No one should have to live like that, and we've had a difficult time finding out who the ownership is. We know the name, but it's the principals that we've been trying to get in touch with. Because at the end of the day, they should be doing a much better job of taking care of this property."
New York-based MMS Group manages the property. It has offices in New York and Philadelphia. David Green, director of the city's Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections, said officials have been in contact with MMS Group.
"We are trying to make sure that we understand the conditions," Green said. "And that the property management group understands the steps necessary to repair the building and the process is as tight as possible so they can make it livable again."
The Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections said no one is allowed to return to the building until crews deem it safe. About two dozen families are staying in a hotel in Monroeville.
"There is no reason that anybody should have to live in these conditions," Gainey said.
Also, investigators with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire are asking for information in connection to the deadly fire. Pittsburgh Public Safety officials have also provided an online form where people can share photos or videos of the fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
KDKA reached out to MMS Group on Monday but did not hear back.
