The Jordan Park community in south St. Petersburg is coming under government control, again.
- Jordan Park, a lower income housing community, is in disrepair
- Facilities will go under St. Petersburg Housing Authority in September
- Residents are optimistic, but remain skeptical
The St. Petersburg Housing Authority plans to take back control of the low income housing community next month. Even after the city's decision was announced, residents made sure officials at Thursday’s meeting knew exactly how despicable the current living conditions are.
Sylvia Norris has lived in the community since 2005. She said WINN, the private company that manages the community, didn’t keep up with renovations and maintenance.
“All that black over there,” she said, gesturing to the ceiling, “that's carbon monoxide.”
Residents also complained to the board about wood that was painted over instead of replaced following an infestation.
Board Chair Delphinia Davis said the housing authority's hands were tied as far as getting the developer to do anything.
“Due to contractual agreements in the past, we weren't in a position to do that," stated Davis. "Now we are in a position to do that and we want to help the residents.”
Officials plan to move forward with repairs and renovations quickly, but residents remain skeptical.
“All we can do is wait and see," said Norris. "But we're not gonna stop doing what we're doing. We're gonna keep on until it gets better like it should be. Because we deserve to feel at home where we live.”