COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Moldy Situation at Willow Run Apartments
No one should have to raise their child in an apartment filled with mold and bacteria, but several tenants at the Willow Run Apartments have been facing this uncomfortable reality since June. The situation has become alarming, as families struggle with health issues and dreadful living conditions.
Portia Mack’s Experience
Portia Mack, a resident since September 2023, expressed her frustrations about the living conditions. “Me and my children are suffering. We’re living in this mold infested apartment, with gnats and flies. And it’s just water everywhere,” she shared. This dire situation stemmed from substantial water damage that occurred several months ago.
Mack described how her living environment has become intolerable. “You see how the floors are wet right now when you walk? That’s what we started to see,” she explained, revealing the ongoing water issues in her apartment.
Unresolved Issues
Despite repeated attempts to bring the situation to light, Mack stated that her neighbor’s reports of the water problems were initially dismissed. “They didn’t believe her until the property manager and maintenance came out and saw all the water,” she recounted, highlighting the reluctant response from management regarding the alarming state of their homes.
While the management offered to relocate Mack’s neighbor, they had no available units for Mack and her two young children to move to. Feeling helpless and frustrated by the lack of action from the property management, Mack decided to take matters into her own hands.
Taking Charge of the Situation
“I just had enough of it,” Mack said. She reached out to the Chief of Code Enforcement, an action that quickly led to results. “They came right out, in less than 24 hours,” she continued, implying the urgency and seriousness of her plea for help.
After the arrival of the Columbia Code Enforcement team, it was revealed to Mack that she had 24 hours to vacate her waterlogged apartment. “I was relieved, but then a sudden anxiety came over me, because I’m like, ‘Where are they going to put us?’” she recalled, capturing the complexities of feeling liberated yet uncertain about her future.
The City’s Response
In the wake of these troubling developments, inquiries were made with the City of Columbia Code Enforcement. They informed that the apartment manager was working on housing arrangements for the affected tenants like Mack. However, the timeline and specifics of these arrangements remain unclear.
In addition to reaching out to city officials, communication attempts were made with Willow Run Apartments and their property management company, Beacon Property Services, based in Spartanburg. Many questions remained: Why did it take several months and the intervention of code enforcement for the necessary actions to be taken for Mack and her family? Unfortunately, no responses had been received to date.
Community Outlook
This situation at Willow Run Apartments raises deeper questions about tenant rights and the responsibilities of property management in maintaining safe living environments. As more residents like Portia Mack come forward with similar grievances, it becomes increasingly important for officials and the public to pay attention to the urgency of these living conditions.
Families should never have to endure such worrisome environments, especially when the health and safety of young children are at stake. The community is hopeful for swift and responsible action to resolve the issues raised by tenants at the Willow Run Apartments.
