Video - New SAHA tests show toxic mold

May 1, 2007

New SAHA tests show toxic mold

San Express-News

Drew Roesgen

KENS 5 Eyewitness News

NS.2521eb27.html

Environmental test results from the Mirasol Housing Development are

back and seem to prove Precious Street homeowners were right — they

are in danger of toxic mold. However, the San Housing

Authority says it's not their fault.

Residents have long complained of nosebleeds, headaches, ear

infections and more, and environmental reports released by SAHA

Monday confirm those complaints.

Of the 247 homes in the Mirasol development, 11 homeowners

complained in 2001 and 2002. These 11 homes were the ones tested,

and today, SAHA CEO Henry Alvarez met with each family to give them

their home's results.

Ann Olivares says Alvarez said her home will most likely have

to be gutted to be livable again, and that shoddy construction work

and materials were to blame. She feels justified by the results, but

also upset.

" I told Mr. Alvarez, I said, 'Apparently, you knew from the get-go,

when I ... told you, and I indicated to you that there was some

major damage from 2002, nobody bothered to listen to me. Condemn

these houses. Don't fix them,' " she said.

SAHA would prefer to fix them. In the meantime, SAHA has agreed to

give the 11 families free health assessments. However, it is still

unknown who will be ultimately responsible for the homes — SAHA or

builder KB Home.

More coverage

• KENS video: Watch the broadcast

• April 19, 2007: Precious Street residents rally at the Capitol

• April 18, 2007: SAHA toxic mold tests are negative

• March 30, 2007: Study showed problems with Precious Street houses

• March 29, 2007: SAHA residents confront council with health issues

• Jan. 11, 2007: A nightmare on Precious Street

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