by TAMER EL-GHOBASHY, JOHN GALE, and BROOKE NAYLOR
Two Garment District apartment buildings were evacuated Monday after officials found cracks in walls that may have been caused by construction in a neighboring lot.
Residents who have lived in the building at 307 W. 39th St. for decades were given just five minutes to clear out when firefighters feared the building might collapse.
"Everything I have is in there," said Phylis Hilliard, 69.
No one was hurt.
A neighboring Comfort Inn and a building on W. 40th St. were also evacuated. Guests were soon allowed back inside the hotel, but the other building was still off limits.
It may take a few days for officials to determine whether it is safe for residents to return to 307 W.39th St., which has 16 units, and 304 W. 40th St., which has 10 apartments.
"I'm going to have to go to the street and sleep in the subways," said Mike Tulco, who's lived in the building for 39 years. "I have nowhere to go."
Acting Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri said the city would force the building owner and the developers who are constructing a hotel next door to repair the damage. If they fail to do so, the city will do the work and bill them, he said.
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