Jacksonville, FL – Friday marked the first day of inspections at Eureka Gardens, and tenants hope all the attention will bring about real change.
One tenant, Telicia Wright, had potentially deadly fumes slowly filling her home until Friday, and she’s thanking leaders for acting on a long overdue problem.
She and her two daughters live in Eureka Gardens. On Friday, they witnessed a massive sweep through their public housing complex by city inspectors after tenants complained of unsanitary living conditions.
She said her apartment is no different.
It’s like a strong fume. I would get a headache or feel nauseous, but the whole time, we were just thinking it was the gas, because we have gas stoves, Wright said.
Wright said she has wanted property management to come and take a look at the pipes, because she has smelled fumes and odors inside her unit. She said she’s been asking them to check it out since January.
She thought it was a gas leak, but when TECO gas tested Friday, they discovered it was something else.
A representative came. He actually went inside. He had a meter that was picking up carbon monoxide, said Fire Marshal Kevin Jones It leads to carbon monoxide poisoning. People wind up dying in their sleep, and they don’t even know about it.
City Council member Sam Newby was among several city leaders who came out to see the conditions first hand.
He said he has questions for property management.
Definitely tough questions. The council will have tough questions. I’m sure the mayor and the whole city of Jacksonville will have tough questions, and they’re going to be held accountable, said Newby.
Action News Jax tried to talk to the property manager, but they had no comment.
Wright said she’s relieved the problem is fixed but is frustrated this is what it took to get something done.
It’s sad, but that’s how it is. We’re people just like anybody else, no matter where we live, Wright said.