The city of East Orange this week launched a new program aimed at protecting residents from unsafe apartments while helping landlords bring illegal units into compliance.
Mayor Ted R. Green said the initiative, known as S.O.S., or Save Ourselves,, responds to the growing number of illegal basement apartments and recent regional tragedies involving fires and flooding in below‑grade dwellings.
“The S.O.S. Initiative is a proactive response to an emerging public safety threat,” Green said. “Cracking down on illegal basements is not just about enforcement — it’s about protecting lives and ensuring that every family has access to safe, secure, and dignified housing.”…