On Wednesday, Mayor Lenny Curry got an up-close look at the conditions some Jacksonville residents are living in.
For months, Action News Jax has been investigating health concerns at Washington Heights and Eureka Gardens. Both are U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development complexes owned and run by the Global Ministries Foundation.
Now Action News Jax has learned that Curry plans on taking his concerns to HUD Secretary Julian Castro in Washington, D.C.
It's conditions that include mold and leaky ceilings that people living in Washington Heights say they’re sick of.
On Wednesday, Curry walked through the complex to get a look for himself.
“There are certainly some issues that this is a dated facility, a dated property, so again, I was just out here listening to the folks today,” Curry said.
Curry said both Washington Heights and Eureka Gardens need work.
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On Wednesday, Action News Jax reached out to the Global Ministries Foundation to get their reaction to the visit by Mayor Curry. We received the following statement.
“The City has allowed previous owners to neglect Washington Heights for decades, never investing in the property nor the residents. As the current owner, GMF is actively working with HUD and is investing in restoration of Washington Heights which is an important home for families in need of safe and affordable housing. GMF full-heartedly agrees with the recent Florida Times-Union editorial that emphasizes that residents of affordable housing projects should not be used as a political football.”
A source at Global Ministries Foundation says, “GMF has spent roughly $1 million on restoration of Washington Heights since purchase of the property three years ago. And GMF’s investment in and restoration work at Washington Heights continues including replacement of four stairwells and restoration of several others which are scheduled for completion this year.
"Washington Heights apartments have the same housekeeping and hygiene issues that GMF is working with residents on. Washington Heights residents have been increasingly responsive in addressing these issues. The Tenant Association is well organized and engaged. GMF and the Washington Heights Tenant Association leaders regularly share information with residents about the restoration work and improvements made since GMF purchased Washington Heights.”
And as for the people trying to live at Washington Heights, some told Action News Jax they hope ownership will make changes, something city leaders hope they can make happen sooner than later.
“We’re going to be working with HUD to make sure that we hold ownership accountable, to make sure that people have a safe place to live or a place that I’d be comfortable with me and my family living in,” Curry said.
Mayor Curry said he'll be reviewing what he saw Wednesday and will take all of his and the residents' concerns to the head of HUD, Secretary Castro, when he meets with him next week in D.C.
Cox Media Group
