LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- Serious deficiencies and unsafe living conditions were reported when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Lafayette Consolidated Government each held their own inspections of Himbola Manor Apartments.

"The goals of both HUD and LCG are on parallel, but different, tracks," Lafayette City-Parish Attorney Patrick Ottinger said. "They all are the same, which is to render the property into a condition that is suitable, having addressed all the deficiencies that we've identified thus far."

The deficiencies LCG's Community Development and Planning Department found in its investigation led them to file a compliance order within a stated period of time, requiring Himbola's owner to bring the property into compliance with the standards of the city's code of ordinances.

“That time has come and gone," Ottinger said. "In fact, the owner has engaged a contractor to address some problems. We will evaluate next week the sufficiency of the efforts taken thus far.”

Ottinger said that if LCG's follow-up inspection next week finds the problems were not addressed, they will order a proceeding before their administrative adjudication bureau.

"A hearing officer will hear evidence and make a determination of a further remedy, which could range from a per-day fine or as far as condemnation of the property," Ottinger said. "At the same time, certainly based upon the determinations made by HUD, we are trying to facilitate additional opportunities for housing for certain residents so that they can move into a safe, clean and habitable lodging arrangement."

HUD representatives inspected the apartment complex themselves. Following the investigation, the housing department sent Agape Himbola Manor Inc. a formal Notice of Default of the Housing Assistance Program and a Site Deficiency letter.

The Notice of Default of Housing Assistance Program reads: "the owner is in default of its statutory, contractual, and/or regulatory duties to maintain the project in decent, safe and sanitary conditions."

The notification flags the owner affecting their eligibility to participate in HUD programs.

HUD ordered the complex to take the following corrective actions and provide verification of each to HUD:

• Conduct a 100% survey of the entire Project, identifying all physical deficiencies of units and exterior of buildings.
• Submit an "organic growth" third party licensed report of all units. Every unit will need to be tested for organic growth and a remendiation plan will need to be submitted to HUD.
• Submit documentation from a licensed contractor demonstrating that all interior kitchen and bathroom fixtures plumbing lines have been inspected for leaks. Provide the results and a plan of action to address all deficiencies.
• Submit documentation from a licensed roofing company demonstrating that all building roofs have been inspected for leaks. Provide the results and plan of action to address all deficiencies.
• Submit a plan of accommodations to address the potential relocation of tenants that will be directly affected by ongoing remediation efforts.

If the owner does not provide an action plan and make progress to maintain these issues, payments under the Housing Assistance Program contract may be suspended.

The Site Deficiency letter listed unresolved maintenance issues.

LCG, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and representatives of Himbola's owner will meet Monday morning for another walk-through to discuss how to move forward.

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