JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Despite multiple inspections, there are still a lot of problems that need to be fixed at Eureka Gardens.
Action News Jax reporter Erica Bennett pressed the owner of the complex, the Rev, Richard Hamlet, who runs Global Ministries Foundation.
"Is this embarrassing to have all this happen?" Bennett asked.
"Absolutely. It's affected me. This year has been a great challenge for me," Hamlet said.
It's a candid answer from a man who's been at the center of controversy. Eureka Gardens Apartments are in deplorable condition, all under Richard Hamlet's watch.
Monday morning, he met with U.S. Housing & Urban Development Department officials and city leaders to see how they can get things cleaned up.
"It saddens me and it burdens me – because I want all of our residents to be able to live without any health or safety issues," Hamlet said.
Issues reported include mold, mildew, roaches and gas leaks.
Hamlet toured Eureka for himself. He tells Action News Jax that since the 163 code violations were handed out, 35 percent to 40 percent of the problems have been fixed.
Hamlet's company, Global Ministries Foundation doesn't handle onsite stuff, but pays LEDIC, the company that does.
When asked if that group will be fired, Hamlet said no, but they will be going over the management plan and staffing of Eureka. He believes he's been unfairly demonized and has a message for tenants.
"I want to say that I love them and people may misjudge me, people may mischaracterize me, but that's OK,” Hamlet said.
The federal government pays a lot of money for Eureka Gardens and other properties like it each year.
WJAX
