JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Feeling angry and frustrated, City Council Member Ju’Coby Pittman sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development calling out the “dangerous” living conditions for families in the Moncrief neighborhood.
Pittman said, “I’m angry and frustrated because the residents are feeling helpless. The living environment in the apartments at Hilltop Village is unacceptable and despicable for parents to raise their children.”
The city councilwoman toured the complex last Tuesday, May 4th. In her letter, Pittman addressed the rat infestation and mold throughout the 14 buildings. Residents came up to her while she walked around, stating that it felt like they lived in prison as rats run rampant through the walls, light fixtures and through their homes.
Pittman wants help condemning the buildings in order to make way for new housing, calling it a “game changer.”
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Al Lawson (D-FL) sent letters to the H.U.B. last week asking for housing inspections to resume after they were put on during the pandemic.