Residents tell housing authority of mold, ceiling damage and frequent police calls at authority properties

Two residents used the public-comment period to press the authority to fix longstanding maintenance and safety problems at authority-managed housing.

Yvonne C. Jefferson, president of the residential council, described ongoing trash and yard-maintenance problems that she said make seniors and other residents ashamed of their community's condition and urged more proactive property upkeep. She thanked staff who try to help but said additional authority action is needed.

Resident Kim Riley said she has sent repair requests and received no response. Riley told the board vents in her apartment are "all black" and that the kitchen ceiling is damaged and peeling. She said the stove frequently shuts off in the middle of cooking and expressed alarm about recurring police calls to a neighboring unit. Riley said she has health concerns tied to indoor air quality and that repairs have been pending for years.

Chair and staff thanked both speakers and said the reports provided sufficient information for staff to act. Theresa and operations staff acknowledged receipt of photos and paperwork and said they would follow up; the transcript records no specific timeline for remediation.

Why it matters: Resident reports raise possible health and safety issues (mold, structural damage and appliance malfunctions) that can affect vulnerable tenants, including seniors. The board acknowledged the complaints and asked staff to address them.

What happens next: Staff committed to follow up with the residents and to take action on repairs. The board did not set a specific remediation deadline during the meeting.