Some residents of the Northview Garden Apartments, 755 Stultz Road, experienced a loss of water pressure on July 10, and so far, still have no access to clean water, and there are reports by tenants of continued issues inside the complex.
“We have no running commodes, the water has discoloration, and we can’t even drink it,” John Mahan, a resident living in one of the affected apartments said.
Mahan said he’d been told that repair companies were concerned about payment due to past experiences at the apartment complex, and as a result, it’s difficult to find a contractor to repair the pipe.
Mahan said potential contractors have said “the last time they did work for them, they had to take them to court to get their money, and they still owe them now.”
He also said that the manager would go into the office and not speak with the residents, even when media representatives that included Charles Roark of Star News showed up to ask questions.
“After the news media left, she jumped in her car, and she left in the early hours of the morning around 10 a.m.,” he said.
Mahan said he thought the manager returned in the evening but only looked at the problem from a distance and then left. The apartments have reportedly had problems in the past.
“You have people now that are living in pretty bad conditions in the apartments. You have mold, you have plumbing problems, you have people who have air going out on them in summer,” said Mahan.
“I know one resident went to complain about a leak under her sink,” and was told that she would be evicted, and a new tenant found. He also said racial slurs had been used in conversations with tenants.
Martinsville Mayor LC Jones has been to the complex every day so far, trying to get help for the residents, as well as Jones and Rayshaun Gravely, a candidate for Martinsville City Council, taking them drinking water.
By Thursday evening, Jones said that he had spoken with Charry Hatcher and Robin Brown from the apartment complex’s corporate office. Jones was told they “have identified a company to do the repairs and are trying to get them in by tomorrow (Friday) but can’t make promises.
“They said that they would follow up with me in the morning,” Jones added.
Because the complex is situated in both the city and in the Collinsville District of Henry County, Mahan said Joe Bryant, who represents that district on the Henry County Board of Supervisors, has not yet visited the complex. Mahan said he called Bryant, and that Bryant indicated he would make phone calls to try and get help for the residents.
With no maintenance workers in sight by Friday afternoon, Mahan and other residents are concerned the repairs will take longer. Currently, residents are bracing to go through the weekend without water.
This story will be updated as we learn more.
