Black mold forces Linden family from home

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http://www.tctimes.com/030602/030602-mold.html

March 6, 2002

Black mold forces Linden family from home

By Cheryl Dennison

Staff Reporter

Linden - Dave and Hope Neuwstadt and their two young children were forced

to leave their Lindenwood Drive home Monday evening after a home inspection

uncovered black mold in the basement.

The family was advised to leave until testing can be done to determine the

level of existing black mold, and if it is airborne.

Hope said her family has experienced continual flooding problems in the

backyard, which on several occasions has filled their basement. She said

their sump pump runs 24 hours a day.

Because of reports last year about flooding problems in Lindenwood, which

many residents have attributed to the Creekwood development behind their

neighborhood, Linden's engineer has been working with the Creekwood engineer

to come up with short- and long-term solutions to deal with the flooding

problems.

While it is unknown whether the black mold in the Neuwstadt's home is

linked to water problems previously reported, city officials have agreed to

pay for the family to stay in a motel until it can be determined if their

house is safe.

" We are taking care of a resident in need of assistance, " said City

Manager Dale .

said he can't say whether there's a direct link between the black

mold and the Lindenwood flooding problems at this time because he does not

know.

Mayor Bill Rose and several of the city councilors approved the expense,

said.

Hope said her family has been sick, which led to the couple pursuing the

home inspection. Her son, Cameron, who is 7 months old has been continually

congested, and Reanna, age 2½, has suffered continual ear infections, the

parents say.

Hope said she wakes up in the morning with headaches and burning eyes

burning. She said she knew that something was wrong in their home.

When the inspector found the black mold in the basement, he told Hope the

basement was " toxic. "

They were advised not to return to their house until the air was tested on

Tuesday. The family must contact the Genesee County Health Department to

determine whether the illnesses being suffered are due to the black mold.

Hope's 74-year-old mother, who stays with the family frequently, has also

experienced health problems, she said.

When she heard about the black mold, Hope said she went to city hall and

confronted the mayor, who was attending a meeting there Monday evening.

" We did confront the city, " said Hope. " Bill Rose said the city would

cover our expenses at the motel, "

If the inspection reveals that the black mold is airborne, Hope said the

family not only has to leave their home until remedial action takes place,

they must leave all possessions there as well.

" We have been given the run around for a whole year, " Hope said of the

flooding problem. " It has been a big joke. "