A man from Waterloo believes bricks falling from his apartment buildings’ exterior are a safety risk to anyone walking near the property. Todd Chernenko, who has lived at the Dale Crescent building for nine years, said pieces of masonry have been flaking and dropping off the facade for more than two years. Chernenko said he is worried that a tenant or guest will eventually be injured. “It weighs about a pound,” he said, while holding a chunk of brick that he said he found earlier this week. “I’m not sure how high it fell from, but if someone got that in the head, you’re in for a world of hurt.” He said debris can be seen scattered around the building, including near doors and in grassy areas, throughout the year. But he said it gets even worse in the spring. The building was painted white a few years ago. In areas where pieces of masonry have chipped away, the original red brick underneath has been exposed, creating visible patches across the facade. Chernenko, who worked as a professional painter for 30 years, suspects the paint job contributed to the problem. “I think what happened was after they painted in the rain, it sealed the moisture,” Chernenko said. “And so, with the winter coming around, it would freeze. Warmer weather will come around, and then it expands and it pops right off the building.” Chernenko said he has tried to reach out to property manager Greenwin multiple times regarding the issue, but received no response. In a statement, a spokesperson for Greenwin confirmed the company completed painting and brick repairs at the building in 2023. “We are reviewing the concerns raised regarding the exterior masonry,” the statement said, in part. “The scope and timing of any further work are being determined, and any identified maintenance issues will be addressed.” Greenwin added that it takes resident safety and property maintenance seriously and remains committed to making necessary improvements, though the company did not specify what measures will be taken or when work might begin. Chernenko hopes something is done before it is too late. “They need to put up some sort of covering over our entrance doors out the back there to stop the brick from, you know, falling down. It’s going to hit someone eventually,” he said.
