I-TEAM: Rep. Rick Allen ‘impressed’ with improvements at Bon Air Apartments
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - One year after demanding answers about one of Augusta’s most historic landmarks, Congressman Rick Allen toured the Bon Air Apartments on Friday.
The I-TEAM first exposed the conditions there eight years ago.
It appears tenants at Bon Air are finally seeing the changes they have asked for the last decade.
The I-TEAM didn’t get to go inside to see the upgrades for themselves, but Congressman Allen did and met with the I-TEAM after his tour.
Seniors surviving in unbearable conditions.
MORE COVERAGE:
- Ossoff probe brings hope for troubled Augusta apartments
- Congressman wants answers on problems at Bon Air Apartments
- Bon Air Apartments fails latest inspection, letter to Rep. Rick Allen reveals
- Bon Air Apartments’ owners give city an update on safety
- Augusta leader addresses crime at Bon Air Apartments
“If you walk in, sweat pours off of you. If you lay down, you get drenched in the bed,” said one tenant.
Glimpses of Bon Air Apartments stunned elected officials years ago.
“I was in shock when I walked into one of the rooms,” said Augusta Commissioner Catherine Smith-McKnight in 2022.
From the local level to the federal level.
“Redwood has owned the place for over a year and nothing has changed not one thing has changed,” said Smith-McKnight.
Harris will campaign with Usher this weekend in Georgia
On Saturday, Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Atlanta for a campaign rally alongside Usher, who will speak at the program.
Allen said: “I had a meeting with the tenants, and they said that no one had ever met with them. I couldn’t believe it.”
Allen sent a letter to HUD, citing the I-TEAM findings requesting the department to open an investigation into the Bon Air Apartments in 2022.
In 2023, he sent a second letter, demanding HUD take action once and for all to improve the conditions at the tax-funded senior apartment building.
“What we attempted to do was to get HUD’s attention, and we did,” said Allen.
Phase One of renovations at Bon Air began last year.
MORE FROM THE I-TEAM:
- A look at Helene’s impact on mail-in voting
- A look at how officials assess Hurricane Helene damage
- Some say FEMA aid isn’t coming fast enough
- What to look out for when choosing a roofing company
- How to protect your home, wallet from tree damage
“I’ll tell you I’m impressed,” said Allen.
Allen came to check on the progress.
“We walked through the new units. There are 200-plus units here. They are about 98% complete on the renovation of the units and they’re beautiful,” said Allen.
An enormous positive change considering just two years ago, county officials found 20 code and 19 fire violations.
Once upon a time, the Bon Air was a resort destination, not a last-resort housing option.
Phase One will be complete in about a month, which includes the interior of the apartments.
Phase two will be all exterior, which will include new windows and amenities including computer rooms and a library.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
