Mayor Ras J. Baraka, U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., State Senators Ronald Rice and Teresa Ruiz, members of the Newark Municipal Council, and Garden Spires tenants will hold a press conference to announce that the City of Newark has filed a legal complaint in Essex County Superior Court against First King Properties, over the uninhabitable conditions at the two residential towers that make up the complex. The press conference will be held on Monday, July 17, at 10 a.m., at the towers, which are located at 175 First Street.

The lawsuit seeks the appointment of a receiver and a Court Order declaring the buildings uninhabitable, and ordering the evacuation and relocation of the tenants of the property, at the expense of the landlords, First King Properties.

First King has a long history of code violations and the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness has determined that property is unfit for the human habitation as a result of rat-infested and unsanitary stairwells, evidence of urine and human feces, poor or inadequate ventilation which creates severe mold, defective radiators, deteriorated stand pipes, damaged window guards, excessive garbage in public areas, and active illegal drug activities.

The conditions cited in an Order to Show Cause filed in Essex County Superior Court are dangerous to health or life and are the likely cause of sickness among residents.