Eureka Gardens owners say property issues addressed in time for HUD deadline

People who live in a troubled public housing complex that was supposed to have all of its major issues fixed by Thursday said they don’t believe the owners will make the deadline, though the owners say the issues have been addressed.

People living at Eureka Gardens said improvements have been made, including renovations to bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor stairs, but they said there’s still a lot more that needs to be done.

"Nasty. This is what (we've) got to drink,” Dwan Wilson said as she showed Action News Jax a black substance coming out of her faucets. “We have to drink this and bathe in it."

Wilson said she now relies on a machine to help her breathe because of mold.

"I've been in the hospital about three times,” Wilson said.

An Action News Jax investigation over several months revealed deplorable living conditions including mold, roaches and gas leaks.

A city codes inspection found 163 violations.

Repairs began in October, and Eureka Gardens Tenants Association president Tracy Grant said there have been improvements since the violations were discovered.

"A lot of people's bathrooms got redone,” Grant said.

Grant said the problems are far from over and said many tenants are still left with unanswered questions.

"We don't know anything about the mold testing results,” Grant said. “We don't know any of that and the air quality testing.”

Wilson said she’s fed up.

“I’m really upset,” Wilson said. “We need to think about us as people and children, not as a commodity.”

Rev. Richard Hamlet, CEO of nonprofit group Global Ministries Foundation, which owns Eureka Gardens, issued the following statement:

"Today I am pleased to announce that we have submitted certification of compliance with the HUD housing assistance payment contract pertaining to Eureka Gardens. With the exception of the few remaining items we are correcting for the City and two work-in-progress projects involving completion of external stairway repairs and improvements and final steps to complete air quality remediation work where necessary, we have addressed each of HUD's requirements.

"When areas for improvement arise at Eureka Gardens, we take responsibility and ensure the necessary resources are allocated to get the work done as soon as possible. Working in partnership with HUD and our residents, our management team works diligently each day to make sure all Eureka Gardens apartments, common areas, building, grounds and systems are in compliance with local, state and federal standards and regulations.

"I want to thank our Eureka Gardens residents as well as our tenant association leaders and local community leaders for their patience and support as our leadership and management team rebuild, renovate and rejuvenate this important home for families in our community.

"Beginning in March, our Eureka Gardens' management team will host monthly Coffee Gatherings for residents at the Community Center in order to provide regular opportunities to exchange information about exciting developments, share ideas and collaborate on solutions for issues and concerns. Global Ministries Foundation remains committed to working with federal and local partners and to meeting the physical and emotional needs of Eureka Gardens residents."

HUD said the deadline still stands and that an inspection will happen soon.

Grant said tenants were told that the next federal inspection will be Feb. 9-10.

Cox Media Group