Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he is no longer waiting on the federal government to take action on a “deplorable” subsidized housing complex in Jacksonville. DeSantis slammed the “lack of interest” from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for allowing the living conditions to become so run down that rats have infested the complex.
“Despite recent statements by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that ‘The management agent has continued to work with the most critically affected tenants,’ in reality the persistent and deplorable conditions that dozens of Hilltop residents have endured is simply unacceptable,” said DeSantis in a press release. “Our patience has run out for this developer and their management company’s failed stewardship of safe, decent and affordable housing for Floridians.”
Officials at state, local, and federal levels have been imploring HUD to investigate the living conditions since April. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio previously sent a letter calling for increased monitoring in the housing complex, and HUD responded by saying they would be looking into it.
“The Owner has been cooperative,” and “HUD will continue to monitor the physical condition and work the Owner and Agent to develop a plan that will provide increased maintenance and management oversight.”
Rubio expressed support for the State of Florida to intervene on behalf of the Floridians living in the complex.
“As a result of HUD’s persistent lack of oversight, tenants at Hilltop Village Apartments are still living in abhorrent conditions,” said Rubio. “Addressing constituent housing takes multiple levels, and I am thankful that Governor DeSantis is a partner in these efforts. I am committed to continuing to work together to ensure that the families at Hilltop Village Apartments are afforded the safe and decent living conditions that they deserve.”
DeSantis demanded the complex developer, Southport Development Services, eliminate the rodent infestation. Until that is completed, the management company is prohibited from bringing on new leases.
“In light of the clear lack of interest by the federal government to take action to rectify the situation, the state is using its authority to stand up for the residents of Hilltop Village,” DeSantis said.
– – –
Grant Holcomb is a reporter at the Florida Capital Star and the Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
Photo “Ron DeSantis” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo “Department of Housing and Urban Development” by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
