HUD officials set deadline for Eureka Gardens to fix issues

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two major deadlines for Eureka Gardens were set by HUD officials Thursday evening. Life-threatening issues like carbon monoxide and raggedy stairs have to be fixed by next Wednesday.

Eureka Gardens tenants told HUD officials in a meeting Thursday that they've had enough with deplorable living conditions at the apartment complex.

Residents Action News Jax talked to said they didn’t want to be identified.

“I don't want to live like (I’m) in an old slave house where somebody's patch-working to make it work. That's not how we should live,” a tenant said.

One woman was highly upset and said she's tired of management covering up the real problems and wants them fixed.

Dozens of other residents raised their hands and told HUD about unsafe and unsanitary living conditions.

“When are we going to see somebody tear down some stairs?” one tenant asked.

“When are we going to see somebody repairing the sewer pipes?” another tenant asked.

HUD said they're trying to get answers, especially from the owner.

Now Richard Hamlet, the owner of the properties, who didn't show up to the meeting, has several deadlines to fix these problems with the city and HUD.

“You fix it, or you give it up. He knows he bit off more than he can chew,” a tenant said.

WJAX