Health concerns mount for residents of Pasadena's Southmore Townhomes

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Health concerns mount for residents of Southmore Townhomes

By Deanna Sheffield, Citizen staff March 07, 2002

While residents of the Southmore Townhomes continue to fret over whether

condominiums were legally sold to them, many are also concerned their

family's health will be negatively affected by black mold growing within the

majority of the 81 units.

" The kids constantly have runny noses, and have been sick. They've had more

problems than normal, " said resident Debbie Conrad.

While some units contain thick, black mold throughout the condominium, in

other units maintenance personnel have simply painted over the mold, masking

but not killing the mold, residents allege.

Though the health department had received one call for lack of hot water,

thus far they have not received complaints regarding the potentially harmful

mold.

" If they don't call us, we can't catch it, " said city Health Administrator

Thad Ginn. Numerous other residents have said they have been ill since

living in the units, and mold also continues to grow underneath moldy carpet

that had been replaced, said resident Hill.

" There's still more growing out of it, " she said.

Though maintenance personnel have been spraying the moldy areas to kill the

fungus, the efforts have been futile, residents said.

A resolution to take action in regards to the unauthorized property at 2650

Southmore had been passed by city council Tuesday. The managing corporation,

J. Ten Karam, converted the former apartment complex into condominiums, and

the majority of the units were sold to low-income residents, who viewed the

opportunity as a chance to purchase their first home. Through the

resolution, city officials will attempt to assist individuals remove

themselves from the chain of title, said City Planning Director Tim

Tietjens.

" This wasn't done without some consideration, " said lender Tom Tramell.

" Regardless of whether the city of Pasadena approved it or not, they said

through an attorney it did not need to be approved. "

According to resident Reyes, many residents were required to put down

approximately $750 of the $3,200 downpayment, with the remainder in the form

of first-time homebuyers assistance from the federal government.

" We thought 'here's an opportunity to have something,' " Reyes said. " I don't

want this to be a hurtle we have to cross over (if we decide to purchase

another home.) "

Coldwell Bankers brokers have since purchased three units, which had been

foreclosed upon for nonpayment, and broker Ethel Cavness said the company

has spent over $200,000 purchasing and repairing the condominiums in

preparation of renting them out, though it is unknown what may happen with

the units at this point.

However, owners of the former apartment complex had divided the apartments

into condominiums without first securing permission from the city. Since the

regulations for condominiums vary greatly from those of apartments, a total

of seven variances would be required for the units to be in compliance with

the city. Because it was not determined that complying with city code would

be a hardship, however, variances for the units will not be granted by the

city, officials said. According to the adopted resolution, " no permit shall

be issued for Southmore Townhomes... " Furthermore, the city retains the

right to sever water, gas, electricity and sewage services to the units

until they are in compliance with city code.

Tramell contends both owners and lenders had spoken to the city, and had

been told they could proceed with the project.

©Pasadena Citizen 2002