Mold, bugs, trash, sewage: JFK Towers cited for 55 violations as frustrations mount for residents
Imagine living everyday with overflowing trash, gnats, flies and mold in your home.
According to residents of JFK Towers in Durham, this is their daily reality. JFK Towers is an apartment community for those 62 and older or those with disabilities, according to their website. There are nearly 200 residents inside the seven-story tower. Rent is based on income. Many residents say they live in fear for their health and are pleading for something to be done.
The city's code enforcement team cited 55 violations ranging from problems with smoke detectors and other life and safety devices - to plumbing fixtures in disrepair - and inoperable air conditioning units. The property owners essentially have two weeks left to clean up the situation.
Most of these code violations were issued July 19. That means the property owners - The Millenia Companies - have until Aug. 19 to bring the issues into compliance.
WRAL News first reported on conditions in JFK Towers back in July. Monday, however, the residents are taking matters into their own hands: Going before Durham's City Council to ask for help.
A video posted on Facebook shows the one 99-year-old woman's bathtub filled with sewage water.
Plumbing, mold and air conditioning are issues too.
"It's frustrating to say the least," said Phyllis Bryant, who has lived in the apartment building for 12 years.
Tom Mignogna with Millenia appeared virtually during Monday's city council meeting, telling City Councilors they're jetting the sewer pipes, ordered a new trash compactor, and are considering adding more frequent pest control.
"We hear these complaints loud and clear," Migongna said. "We're cooperating with the city and the neighborhood inspection services for the units that have not undergone the rehabilitation."
Johnetta Alston, who has been living at the complex for two years, says the three elevators break down almost every weekend – forcing her to take the stairs all the way to her home on the 7th floor.
"My apartment flooded through the air conditioning unit to the point that by the time I realized the carpet was flooded, my carpet then was a dark brown," she said.
She said she had over an inch of mold growing behind her couch.
While Bryant appreciates the legal action by the city. She wants to be sure the plan comes to fruition.
"This needs remedy now, not necessarily be typed on a page, but actually put into place on the ground," Bryant said.
In a statement to WRAL News, Millennia owners responded with details of a "substantial rehabilitation project" that started in September of 2022. Some of the projected improvements include new roofing, exterior doors, windows, utility service upgrades to current code, sewer, and drainage improvements. New AC units and upgrading the elevators are also in the works. Additionally, a covered picnic area and dog park planned to be built. Owners said that out of the 128 occupied units, 58 have been renovated and residents are enjoying their new fully-renovated homes.
The renovation project won't be fully complete until early 2024. Millenia acquired JFK in December 2019 and the company said construction financing was stopped at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
