Residents of Realty Tower who have been displaced following an explosion in the Chase Bank, which is housed below the apartments are not being allowed into the building to pick up their belongings.

A letter to tenants from Youngstown Third Ward Councilwoman Samantha Turner informed residents they could return to the building between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 31 to claim their belongings. 

However, Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley is now telling residents they cannot go into the building because the fire escape is completely collapsed. Residents were told that the fire escape is not accessible from the outside of the building and the inside of the building is unsafe.

"I can't safely put you into the building," Finley said.

Residents were notified on Thursday by councilwoman Samantha Turner that residents would be allowed into the building to get essentials from their apartments. Councilman Julius Oliver also told 21 News on Thursday that residents would be given an opportunity to gather belongings, but details where not complete at that time.

Here is the letter:

 

 

City officials say this letter had been sent out without clearance by the NTSB. 

Councilwoman Turner told 21 News she will be releasing a statement on this memo and what exactly happened between it being sent out and residents being denied entry.

In the meantime, residents are voicing their frustration with the situation.

One resident can be seen crying as city officials delivered the news, and others who spoke to our reporters on scene told us they were annoyed and let down at this new development.

"Just knowing that you can't get up there and get certain things is pretty annoying because for example, we need out ID to get our mail, and that's been hell," said tenant Shahaun Williams.

Another resident, Alphonso Simmons expressed frustration with the company that owns the building stating that he had received an email stating residents would still be liable for rent unless all of their property was removed from their apartments within 30 days.

At this time, there is no time frame for when tenants will be able to return to pick up their belongings. In the meantime, fire officials and NTSB workers will be going through the apartments to look for blast damage.

From there, officials will look at how tenants can safely get into the building to get their belongings.

When tenants are allowed in, each tenant will be accompanied by a Youngstown firefighter and will be scheduled in 30-minute intervals so tenants are asked to be quick and gather only their essential belongings.

Tenants will need to take the stairs to each floor, so if any additional assistance is required, tenants are asked to bring another person to help collect their items.

Tenants must collect items they can safety carry in their arms or a suitcase and are not allowed to take large non-medical items.

Tenants can register with the Red Cross for financial help for food, clothing and shelter. Catholic Charities is helping tenants find another place to live. Some apartments in Boardman and Austintown are waving first months rent and are not requiring people to sign a lease. 

The Youngstown YMCA is also offering a free summer membership for any of the Realty Tower tenants. They can sign up at the front desk and must show proof of residence.