seeks HUD help with Lithonia mold

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seeks HUD help with Lithonia mold

The Champion Newspaper,Decatur, GA*

by Andy Phelan

andy@...

http://www.championnewspaper.com/local24.html

While military brass put out the fires over a scandal at the U.S.

Army's premier health care facility, Walter Hospital in

Washington, which was found lacking with some buildings replete with

mold and roaches, local officials are dealing with questions about

housing at some projects under the Lithonia Housing Authority.

Congressman Hank has notified the U.S. Department of Housing

and Urban Development [HUD] Secretary Alphonso that

conditions in some units of the Lithonia Housing Authority's Bruce

Court apartments are " deplorable. "

" I was dismayed by the conditions of the property, " said U.S. Rep.

, D-Georgia. " The apartment that I saw was in deplorable

condition–overrun by mold and infested with roaches. "

In February, The Champion-Free Press and The Champion Online told

the story of one HACL resident, Shannika Grant, who was living in a

roach-infested, mold-ridden apartment with four children. Two of her

kids, twins Sheldon and Weldon, 4, have acute asthma, and were at

risk while living in the unit.

Professional mold inspector Zaeske of All Stucco & Mold

Inspections Inc. found that the level of mold in Grants' apartment

was 12,000 spores per cubic meter, unlivable by any standard.

" I do not recommend anyone inhabiting the premises without proper

respirators, " said Zaeske last month. " They're breathing in bad

stuff. "

Congressman visited the public housing complex last week

following complaints from constituents and at the urging of state

Sen. Ramsey.

While was in Washington, his district office met with

tenants throughout the week and with representatives from HUD's

regional office that oversees the Lithonia Housing Authority.

noted that this matter is a serious concern and requested

assurance that HUD would take all necessary actions to resolve it.

Specifically, said he would like to see the affected tenants

relocated to safe, sanitary units while their apartments are

restored to a livable condition that passes inspection by the local

health department.

" The highest levels of government are on notice that this situation

is unacceptable, " said . " I expect that it will be resolved

expeditiously. "