Guest guest Posted July 27, 2005 Report Share Posted July 27, 2005 Green resurfaces as landlord behind " disgusting " apartments an ABC Action News report 07/26/05 related story: Steve Green discusses recent bay area apartment purchases (3/11/04) http://www.abcactionnews.com/stories/2005/07/050726apartments.shtml TAMPA - Every rainy day brings water into the Kennedy home. The leaks breed mold that's growing in the carpet, ceilings and kitchens of several units at Westport Commons. But it's not just another run-down complex. Green's company, Madrid Inc., is listed as the owner of Westport Commons, and Green is no stranger to troubled rental properties. In Hillsborough County, Green racked up more than $2-million in fines for code violations at Amberwood Apartments that cost dozens of families their homes. In another unit at Westport Commons, Caroline is living a miserable existence. Two fans are all she says she has had to keep cool since her air went out two weeks ago. " It's difficult every day, " she complained. Taking Action reporter Jackie Callaway reported the disturbing conditions at Westport Commons to Tampa Code Enforcement. Green has been called a " slumlord " in the New York media. " It's disgusting how people are living out there, " observed Curtis Lane of Code Enforcement. Lane says his department is familiar with the complex. A recent inspection found bad roofs, rodents, and even broken toilets leaking into neighboring apartments " The worst thing was the broken toilets, " he continued. Eighteen days after Code Enforcement tagged more than 100 of the apartments, Jackie and the Taking Action Team could find no evidence of any repair work. A man who only identified himself as Mr. Sokol is the local property manager at Westport Commons. " I just called today to make extended time, " he told Jackie. The Westport on-site manager didn't have much to say. Sokol would not acknowledge the seriousness of the problems Jackie saw. " I have no reports of that, " he insisted. " Please turn the camera off. " Green purchased Westport as part of a very generous deal with the city of Tampa. Then-mayor Dick Greco signed off on the agreement, giving Green's company a modified mortgage that does not have to paid back until the year 2099. An employee of Green in New York returned Jackie's calls Monday afternoon. He blamed the on-site manager, Mr. Sokol, for the conditions. He claimed work crews and a roofer would begin repairs Tuesday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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