Copper vandals flood apartments - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS
JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Tenants at a Jackson apartment complex say their living conditions have hit rock bottom in recent weeks.
One of the problems is water flowing through bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms.
Monday, WLBT Three On Your Side received a call from a tenant at the Chalet Village apartments located at 530 Hiawatha Street near downtown Jackson.
The population at the apartments is down to just 12 people. A fire severely damaged a few units earlier in the year. Most recently, vandals and thieves pillaged others.
Tenant Annie Ford described her living conditions, "Water dripping, mold cracked ceiling, when it rain real hard you sit on the toilet and you need an umbrella."
Ford says last week, vandals broke the water line, while stealing appliances, and metal pipes.
Some of the vacant units now have a river of water flowing out the front door, making life difficult for those still living there.
The apartments are managed by the West Jackson Community Development Corporation.
Director Linda Carter says they've made several attempts to board up the building, but the thieves repeatedly go back in.
In most cases they're after copper pipes, and appliances with copper parts.
Funded only off grants and donations, those at West Jackson CDC says there's no money to renovate the apartments right now.
Carter says, "We've submitted applications to several funding sources."
The city of Jackson says they've contacted the West Jackson CDC about the safety and health issues at the apartments. They're giving them two weeks to make a change for the better, before their community improvement division takes action.
©2010 WLBT. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
 | 
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
715 South Jefferson Street 
|
