LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- Himbola Manor Apartments was given more time to make repairs to the 132 code of ordinance violations LCG found in its July 30 inspections.
LCG gave Himbola until Wednesday’s hearing to repair the list of violations. LCG reported of the 132 violations, 123 remain. LCG’s documented the repairs were made to insect screens.
Himbola’s attorney called this a “cooperative process” saying they will do all repairs necessary. The attorney also said they marked 89 violations complete.
The apartment complex conducted mold and plumbing tests as requested by HUD. The plumbing results are expected this Friday, and the mold test results are expected Sept. 4.
Himbola representatives said they cannot move forward with repairs until they receive the mold test results.
Hearing officer, Attorney Stuart Bowe, told Himbola’s representative that it is “absolutely atrocious” that his client let the complex get to this condition while tenants live there, saying part of him wants to order for the building to be boarded up and for everyone to be moved out.
“Your client has done a major disservice to the tenants living there,” Bowe said.
No tenants attend the hearing.
Himbola representatives mentioned the progress they've made, including repairing the roof and relocating some tenants.
Ten tenants were recommended by HUD to relocate. Five accepted, and five declined, staying in their units. The five who accepted were moved to hotels, paid for by Himbola. They were also given gift cards valued at $41 per day per person. Himbola Manor’s property manager Quoizael Green reported giving around $6,000 worth of gift cards to relocated residents.
Attorney Bowe told Himbola’s attorney that there will be a fine at the end of the repairs because it is “unacceptable.”
“How quickly the issues are resolved determines what the fine is going to be,” Bowe said.
LCG’s attorney Patrick Ottinger said the city will revisit the range of fines and penalties that might be appropriate under the circumstances.
“Our primary goal is to see the property turned into a condition that is clearly livable,” Ottinger said. “I'm hoping that we're on that path now.”
An inspection will take place Sept. 16, giving the apartment time to make progress on repairs after the apartment receives the mold test results.
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Sept. 18.
