News Summary
The Augusta Commission has warned the owners of Bon Air, Richmond Summit, and Maxwell House apartment complexes to make urgent improvements by the end of the year. Residents reported unsafe living conditions including mold, broken elevators, and inadequate maintenance. Security was heightened at a public meeting where complaints were voiced, and failure to comply could lead to revocation of business licenses. With a significant number of emergency calls reported, the Commission emphasized the need for tenant safety and quality housing in Augusta.
Augusta – The Augusta Commission has issued a stern warning to the owners of three struggling apartment complexes—Bon Air, Richmond Summit, and Maxwell House—necessitating urgent improvements by the end of the year, following numerous complaints from residents regarding unsafe living conditions.
The public meeting, which commenced at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, highlighted long-standing grievances that include significant safety concerns, broken elevators, mold, inadequate maintenance, and overall poor living conditions. Throughout the session, residents expressed their frustrations, noting that they felt their safety was compromised and that living environments were unsanitary.
Bon Air and Richmond Summit, both managed by Redwood Housing, were specifically highlighted during discussions. The commission contemplated revoking the business licenses of Redwood Housing and Maxwell House due to the extensive complaints and issues that have persisted over time. The meeting was heavily attended, with groups wearing support T-shirts for both Redwood Housing and tenant rights present, indicating a division in public sentiment.
Security was notably heightened at the meeting, with eight officers present compared to the customary one or two, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the discussions.
Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice expressed considerable frustration towards the management of the apartments, emphasizing the dire need for renovations and improvements. In response, an attorney for Redwood Housing requested that any decisions regarding business licenses be postponed until renovations could be completed, claiming significant enhancements were forthcoming. A video presentation showcasing ongoing renovations and tenant satisfaction at Bon Air and Richmond Summit was provided to the Commission to support their case.
Mayor Garnett Johnson acknowledged that while improvements have been initiated, they are not advancing quickly enough. Consequently, the commissioners voted to place a formal warning on the managing companies, mandating that substantial progress be made by the year’s end or face the revocation of their licenses.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reported a staggering 342 emergency calls to Bon Air alone this year, marking it the most problematic complex in the area. Residents have raised serious concerns surrounding security vulnerabilities, particularly at Richmond Summit, where issues such as recent power outages have exacerbated dissatisfaction.
Maxwell House, although under different management, is also under scrutiny. Reports indicate ongoing pest problems, significant renovations, and continued complaints regarding living conditions. An attorney representing Maxwell House requested that no immediate actions be taken concerning their business license, echoing Redwood’s plea for time to effectuate improvements.
The Augusta Code Enforcement Manager has noted that while some issues are being addressed, significant challenges persist, particularly concerning rodent infestations and maintenance deficiencies. Residents voiced their discontent over their living conditions, emphasizing financial struggles that prevent many from relocating, especially those reliant on Section 8 housing vouchers.
Both Bon Air and Richmond Summit have suffered considerable reputational damage over the years due to repeated incidents and complaints. This ongoing scrutiny reflects a growing concern for tenant safety and the quality of housing in Augusta, underscoring the critical need for accountable management at these properties.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle
- WRDW
- WJBF
- MSN Money
- WRDW
- Wikipedia: Augusta, Georgia
- Google Search: Augusta apartments news
- Google Scholar: Augusta apartment conditions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta, Georgia
- Google News: Augusta apartments
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AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
