Squatters Seize $4M Brownstone in Brooklyn, Leaving Chaos in Their Wake!

In a shocking incident that has unfolded in Brooklyn, nearly two dozen squatters have taken control of a vacant $4 million brownstone, instilling fear and chaos in the surrounding community. Residents and local businesses have reported a series of disturbing activities carried out by these young intruders, including package theft, property damage, and drug use openly on the stoop.

Infamous Brownstone in Turmoil

The infamous three-story building located at 60 S. Fourth St. in South Williamsburg was the epicenter of turmoil until it was emptied this week by law enforcement. One squatter, identified as Ryan Grewal, 26, was taken into custody and charged with felony criminal mischief after damaging a motorcycle parked outside a nearby shop.

Community Feelings

“They terrorized this whole neighborhood,” commented P.J. Ximenez, the newly appointed manager of the brownstone, who recounted that the squatters first infiltrated the second floor on September 21. They had barricaded the entrance using a makeshift door secured with a wooden plank adorned with the slogan, "Home is where the blunt is," a grim reflection of the activities occurring inside.

Findings in the Residence

Ximenez, who has been a resident of the area for nearly six decades, recounted finding alarming remnants of drug use, including needles and other paraphernalia, upon entering the residence. “I guess two people must’ve OD’d in here,” he grimly observed, indicating the alarming state of the premises.

Vandalism and Theft

Notably, the squatters managed to access an attached carriage house, where they vandalized the property and made off with computers and other items. The police intervened on October 2 by boarding up the property, and security guards have since been employed by owner Stella Tsang, who envisioned renovating the brownstone after purchasing it in 2021.

The Absurdity of Claims

While the squatters initially attempted to convince authorities of their rightful claim to the property with a supposed lease signed by a previous owner, Ximenez quickly pointed out that the individual in question had passed away in 2020. “I guess she rose from the dead to sign that lease,” he quipped, revealing the absurdity of the situation.

Return to Collect Belongings

After the eviction, squatters returned with a van to collect their belongings, indicating a level of organization that suggests this may not have been their first illegal occupation. “They’re professionals; they planned this,” Ximenez asserted, highlighting concerns that they could be targeting additional properties in the vicinity.

State of the Brownstone

Inside the now-vacant brownstone is a testament to the chaos that ensued over the past few weeks. Stained mattresses litter the floor, walls are covered in graffiti, and the lack of running water forced squatters to resort to using buckets for sanitation. Complaints regarding their presence flooded local authorities, with 17 reports made to 311 between September 21 and October 2 alone.

Relief Among Residents

Local residents expressed relief that the ordeal ended relatively swiftly, with many hoping that the squatters won’t attempt to return. “They were loud and they smelled, and I'm really glad this didn’t drag on for months and months, which happens,” said Cordelia Dalle, a neighbor frustrated by their disruptive presence.

Consequences for the Squatters

Ximenez believes that such brazen activities should warrant severe consequences for the squatters. “These are bad people doing drugs. They’re not homeless; they’re drug addicts. They’re criminals. They’re domestic terrorists,” he stated emphatically, echoing the sentiments of many in the beleaguered neighborhood.

Ongoing Concerns

As the community breathes a sigh of relief and begins to recover from the turbulence, questions linger about the growing issue of squatting in urban areas. Will this be the last we hear of the squatters’ reign of terror, or is it merely a warning of things to come?