DeLand Code Enforcement Checks Entire Apartment Complex After No Response to Hazard Complaints – WFTV
DeLand, Fla. – On Tuesday, DeLand code enforcement searched 200 units at the Hunters Creek Apartment complex after residents sent their concerns to city officials about potentially dangerous maintenance requests being ignored.
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“Not a day goes by that I don’t hate living here, but I don’t want to go out. But I have nowhere to go,” Patrick Street said.
Residents told Eyewitness News in the past few months they have had no working air conditioning units, a cockroach infestation, and feared a gas leak in some apartments due to the smell.
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Some people living in Hunters Creek with underlying health conditions said they have filed complaints with management but have gotten nowhere.
Residents told us that because rental prices have inflated throughout the city and bringing in enough income to survive, they cannot move out,
Antree Robinson moved to Hunters Creek in May and has already had to go back and forth regarding working air conditioning.
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“I’m very disappointed because I’m new here, and that’s why we have to go through this,” Robinson said.
Eyewitness News spoke to the Hunters Creek Regional Director. He said that in the past month, they have resigned several employees, even the property manager and all of the residents’ complaints did not reach his office until the city intervened.
The city said it was aware of the problems surrounding the complex and has since begun developing action plans, starting with a formal inspection of the property.
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“The city is developing an action plan to address the numerous concerns raised by residents of the Hunter Creek Apartments,” a statement from the City of DeLand said. “One of the first steps was a site visit today by city staff to identify any code violations and potential health risks. While there may be some issues that the city may not be able to address directly, we are committed to helping ensure residents have an acceptable location.” To consider it their home.
The city said the full violation report will not be available until Wednesday. Hunters Creek’s regional manager said they are working to resolve the issues and it will be completed within 30 days.
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