Residents of the Parc Fairview apartment complex are sounding the alarm over what they describe as unsafe living conditions that persist despite federal and state rental assistance. Jamia Dickerson, a mother of two with a grandchild on the way, says rats are entering the building through uncovered crawl‑space vents and a large hole in the floor that drops straight down to the space below.
Unaddressed maintenance problems
According to Dickerson, patched vinyl flooring split earlier this year, creating the floor opening. “We call it walking the plank—you’ve got to go straight through,” she said. She added that many of the vents along the building’s foundation are left lying on the ground, providing easy entry points for rodents.
Cassandra Alderson, who lives a few units away, points to constant staff turnover as a major barrier to repairs. “Every time I turn around, they’re changing. I never know who’s who,” she explained. Alderson’s three children receive Section 8 assistance, which uses federal tax dollars to help cover rent.
Failed federal inspection raises concerns
Inspection records shared by Alderson show that her apartment recently failed a federally required housing inspection. The failure puts both her housing voucher and the landlord’s guaranteed payments at risk. Alderson described how a contractor sprayed white paint over mold on a bathtub and the lower wall instead of treating the problem.
The same inspection issues appear at the neighboring Roundtree Manor Apartments, which was flagged three years ago for similar problems. A follow‑up visit this week revealed a leaky faucet that caused a ceiling to cave in, forcing resident Lacy Sullivan to bleach her floors to keep mold from spreading. “It was like a band‑aid. They did their part while they were in the public eye, and then they disappeared again,” Sullivan said.
Landlords cite limited authority
When asked for comment, staff at Parc Fairview said they do not have the authority to answer questions about the inspection outcomes. Both property owners accept government rental assistance backed by taxpayers, yet the recurring safety issues suggest a gap between funding and enforcement.
Calls for action
Tenants are urging local officials and housing authorities to intervene. They argue that federal and state dollars should not support properties where health hazards remain unresolved. The situation underscores the importance of robust code enforcement and timely repairs, especially for families relying on Section 8 vouchers.
NewsChannel 5 has reached out to the corporate offices of both complexes and to Fairview Codes for comment. The outlet will continue to follow the story and report on any developments regarding inspections, repairs, and the status of the rental assistance payments.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
