SE DC Apartment Building Falls 90% to Squatters as Drugs and Filth Spread
Updated
Updated · WJLA · Sep 4
SE DC Apartment Building Falls 90% to Squatters as Drugs and Filth Spread
3 articles · Updated · WJLA · Sep 4
Summary
1828 Q Street SE in Anacostia is now about 90% occupied by suspected squatters, according to ANC Commissioner Tom Donohue, with remaining tenants living amid trash, pests and broken entry points.
The building deteriorated after becoming mostly vacant while between owners and management companies, Donohue said, creating easy access and drawing more drug use in and around the property.
7News saw syringe caps in hallways and stairwells, while residents and Donohue described feces, urine, roaches, rodents and heavy garbage buildup inside and outside the building.
Kramer Middle School sits less than half a block away, adding urgency as Donohue pushes for more city help after resident meetings, agency outreach and service visits aimed at housing squatters and getting them IDs.
Councilmember Elissa Silverman said the response must both secure the building and address wider drivers of squatting, including housing waitlists, as tenants await a new owner and manager.