HUD to check in on updates to Fort Myers apartments

Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Photo from hud.gov.

Updates are in the process of coming to completion at an apartment complex in Fort Myers. WINK News learned today feds will be back in Southwest Florida to look at the changes made next month.

New installation are being made at Jones Walker Palm Gardens apartments, but there could be extensions to the construction deadlines, which doesn’t make renters happy.

One person said no one has touched his apartment. Rakeem Harvin said he will consider moving.

“Better environment for me,” Harvin said. “I want a better change. I don’t wanna live out here in this jungle.”

Time is up and while worker construction trucks and new parts now fill Jones Walker apartments in Fort Myers, some people like Harvin said it’s a different scene behind doors.

“It’s what’s out on the outside,” Harvin said. “You gotta go on the inside. The outside might be looking brand new what’s on the inside?”

Harvin said he is still living with mold and old appliances

“The ceiling is still bubbling,” Harvin said. “It still the same, and nothings been changed to my apartment.”

This is after the Department of Housing and Urban Development gave the owners 60 days to make repairs.

That deadline expired Sunday. HUD scheduled new inspections for Dec. 11 and 12 to check the progress.

“They still ain’t going to pass,” Harvin said.

WINK News toured some of the changes with management at the complex. Many units have new windows and new doors. Other units were gutted altogether to be refurnished.

Depending on the outcome of next month’s inspection, HUD could give the owners yet another extension.

As of last week, 38 code enforcement cases remain open, totaling more than half a million dollars in outstanding fines.

Management moved in a few people already. Harvin said it’s not enough.

“I want a better change,” Harvin said. “I don’t wanna live out here in this jungle because that’s what it is. They failed last time 44 out of 100. What are they going to fail this time.”

 

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