Resident tells council of alleged mold exposure, references lawsuits and federal inquiry

At the public‑comment portion of the Chattanooga City Council meeting, Alexander Mendillo of the Second District described serious health problems he attributed to mold exposure in his housing and urged the council to address what he described as an escalating issue affecting residents.

Mendillo told the council he had received a terminal diagnosis from a physician and said he had been acutely paralyzed after exposure. He referenced a recent class‑action lawsuit in Sewanee and a family settlement he described as $24 million; he said his own testing showed a higher measured exposure level than the Sewanee case.

Mendillo said he had been in contact with federal authorities. “...Friday morning at 8AM, I had 2 FBI officers or agents come to my, my apartment and meet with me... to gather this evidence because they think it's an ongoing issue,” Mendillo said. He said he has also contacted the Department of Justice and the White House.

What the council record shows

Mendillo provided personal allegations and described investigations and contacts with federal agents; he asked the council to note the matter. The transcript records his statements but does not show any formal council response, referral or immediate action recorded on the minutes.

Caveat

This article reports Mendillo’s remarks as made in public comment. The council did not adopt any formal action or resolution on the record in this meeting related to his remarks, and the city did not provide independent verification of his medical claims or the legal matters he referenced in the transcript.