182 violations in one year for troubled Durham apartment building; frustrations mount for tenants
For years, WRAL has reported on issues at the JFK Towers apartment complex in north Durham. Records obtained by WRAL Investigates are providing insight into just how many issues inspectors found.
Through a public records request, WRAL Investigates received a list of violations from November 6, 2022, through November 6, 2023. It shows 182 violations, including bedrooms not having smoke detectors, water leak damage in carpet and ceilings, a trash chute full of trash, gnats and flies, and issues with roaches.
A roach issue is what prompted resident Joshua Allen to contact the WRAL Investigates' tip line. He claims his complaints to management have gotten nowhere.
"Something has to be done," Allen said. "Or this place is going to be sheer hell. That’s what’s going to happen."
Allen said he recently moved into a newly renovated unit in JFK Towers after five years on another floor. While there were some improvements, he says he remains unhappy with his living conditions.
"It's just filth," he said. "I'm tired. I'm fed up."
JFK Towers, according to its website, is open only for seniors and those with disabilities, and rent is capped based on income.
WRAL has reported on tenants' fight for better conditions, including a lawsuit recently filed by Allen and others against management company Millennia Housing Management.
The management company, which owns a number of properties in other states, is also the subject of a federal investigation into allegations it mismanaged security deposits and taxpayer funds.
WRAL Investigates asked the city if the violations resulted in fines to the apartment complex management. Alexis John, Assistant Director of Neighborhood Improvement Services, told us no fines have been issued. In an email, she wrote, in part: "We take these matters seriously and are actively working with the owners of JFK Towers to rectify the identified violations. Due to Millenia's progress in bringing violations into compliance, they have not been fined at this time."
Millennia Housing Management provided a statement:
"Since acquiring the property in 2019 after decades of deferred maintenance and the absence of physical improvements by the previous owner, The Millennia Companies has invested approximately $35M into the JFK Towers to improve the condition of the units, enhance community safety, and provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing. The community is still undergoing a substantial rehabilitation and residents are regularly updated on the progress. While numerous maintenance issues have already been addressed, the management team at JKF (sic) Towers continues to work to address resident concerns and improve the property."
