Abandoned Neryungri building becomes hub for teen trouble and extremist graffiti
YAKUTIA.INFO. After a series of our reports on Building No. 6/1 on Lenin Avenue in Neryungri, local authorities have finally taken notice of the dormitory, which had become a hotbed of unsanitary conditions and a gathering spot for troubled teens who drew swastikas on the walls. Repairs have begun, but residents say the problem runs far deeper than Nazi symbols on the walls.
On February 21, Neryungri Mayor Ilya Gudoshnik responded to the publication, ordering the management company to paint over the banned symbols. Surveillance cameras were installed in buildings across the district, and the mayor promised that police would "deal with the teenagers," adding, "Kids will be kids."
On March 11, city officials began covering up the Nazi* symbols. However, the quality of the "repairs" outraged residents—walls were simply smeared with black paint in spots. According to witnesses, "the stairwell got even worse." Residents reported that even more teens—up to 15 at a time—were gathering there, burning things, huffing gas from canisters, and asking neighbors to buy them alcohol. A 24-hour liquor store in the building and a vape shop only made matters worse.
On March 28, residents reached out to our editorial team again—this time with gratitude, but also new concerns. Thanks to media intervention, the first floor of the stairwell was cleaned up. Meanwhile, the management company, Postkom LLC, complains that it is funding the work itself, even though the building is supposedly owned by the city administration. Still, the number of teens hasn't decreased.
