Galveston city officials are taking action against Antigua Apartments after uncovering hundreds of maintenance violations following months of tenant complaints. Inspectors have scheduled a meeting with management to demand repairs, warning that failure to comply could result in legal consequences.
Galveston officials are preparing to take legal action against the Antigua Apartments, a complex plagued by maintenance issues, following months of complaints from residents.
Noble Damron Jr., a former resident, claimed that he was evicted as a result of his refusal to pay rent, which was a result of the substandard conditions. Damron underscored the gravity of the situation by asserting that "homeless living is preferable to living here."
Inspectors discovered numerous violations throughout the complex, with one building alone accruing 41 infractions, according to city officials. In total, there are 18 buildings; however, the specific violations have not yet been disclosed. Eyewitness News requested a copy of the inspection report; however, it was informed that it was too large to be sent via email.
On Tuesday, inspectors are scheduled to convene with the complex's management to deliberate on a repair timeline. The property may be subject to fines and prospective legal action if management fails to comply. A manager claimed that the list of violations had not yet been received, but attributed the majority of the issues to the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl. Nevertheless, tenants provided a different narrative, asserting that the problems have persisted for a significantly extended period, with some residents experiencing weeks without electricity.
Damron continues to harbor apprehensions regarding his erstwhile neighbors, despite having relocated. "I am concerned about the individuals who are unable to leave," he stated, with the expectation that the city's actions will eventually result in the much-needed improvements to the complex.
Jasmine Yonko, accused of capital murder for throwing her 17-month-old child off a hotel balcony in Galveston, made her first courtroom appearance on Tuesday, marking the beginning of legal proceedings in the high-profile case.