Eureka Gardens owner reveals the complex received 'passing score' in HUD inspection

The results of the most recent inspection of the Eureka Gardens apartments are in.

Action News Jax’s Tenikka Hughes called and emailed Global Ministries Foundation, the company that owns the troubled complex.

While they didn't give the specific inspection results, in a statement, President and CEO Rev. Richard Hamlet says they did receive a "passing score." A representative for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says their inspections earlier this month, found maintenance and quality of life at Eureka Gardens is "slowly improving."

HUD says it will return to Eureka Gardens this summer to make sure other repairs are completed. It will also monitor what Global Ministries is spending on the complex.

Global Ministries has 45 days to appeal before HUD makes the final report available to the public.

Full statement from Rev. Richard Hamlet:

“As the owner of Eureka Gardens, GMF has worked closely with HUD and the property’s management team to make the necessary investments in restoration to meet all local, state and federal standards and regulations. Today’s news of HUD’s passing score acknowledges the completed and on-going restoration work. GMF remains committed to continuing the steady progress which began when we acquired the property three years ago. We thank our residents, neighbors and local community leaders as they join us in identifying needs and restoring this important home to many families.”

Full statement from HUD:

“The score for the most recent Eureka Gardens inspection was released today to the property owner, whose parent company is Global Ministries Foundation (GMF). By regulation, GMF has 45 days to appeal the result before HUD makes the final report publically available.

“Meanwhile we want the residents to know we are committed to improving the quality of life in Eureka Gardens, not solely for a day or a week, or under threat of an impending inspection, but for the long term.

“The HUD inspection on Feb 9 and 10th provided a snapshot that illustrates maintenance and the quality of life at Eureka Gardens is slowly improving. We trust in the inspector and the score but we also believe we need to verify long term progress. HUD’s challenge is to ensure that this snapshot becomes status quo.

“Consequently, we are formulating a plan that includes comprehensive follow-ups, including additional reviews to ensure promised repairs take place, are structurally sound and meet industry repair standards. An example would be the complete repair of the stairs throughout the complex. That work is scheduled to be completed in August, 2016 and we will return to Eureka Gardens to ensure it has been completed.

“HUD conducted a comprehensive Management and Occupancy Review of Eureka Gardens in October 2015; however the score is not yet finalized. This review included an examination of the management team, in depth analysis of the records maintained by the Owner and Management Agent, and a review of the conditions at Eureka Gardens.

“Consistent engagement with the tenants is essential in more thoroughly understanding and effectively addressing the issues at Eureka Gardens. HUD will continue to respond to tenant concerns via the contract administrator, the Tampa Housing Development Corporation. Responses to tenant concerns may include additional tenant meetings and one-on-one interactions between tenants and HUD. We will continue to engage with the city as well to see where they can assist us in ensuring management not only meets HUD’s standards but, those of the city as well.

“HUD will also continue monitoring GMF’s financial expenditures on Eureka Gardens.  We’ll specifically be reviewing expenditures on areas such as maintenance and security.

“We will continue to monitor GMF’s entire HUD portfolio. Tenants residing in other GMF properties may notice HUD conducting Management and Occupancy Reviews in the near future.

“HUD is fully committed to ensuring that GMF’s contractual obligation for safe, sanitary housing is fulfilled throughout Jacksonville.”

Cox Media Group