Local

Eureka Gardens residents relieved water hasn't been cut off in 9 days

Action News Jax Investigator Courtney Cole went back to a troubled local apartment complex on Wednesday to find out if persistent water problems are fixed.

We told you earlier this month neighbors in Eureka Gardens reached out to us because they had to go without water two weekends in a row.

Millennia Housing Management said they temporarily fixed the problem.

RELATED: Failing water pumps causing regular water cutoffs to Eureka Gardens set to be fixed

Cole visited the apartment complex to see if the problem was fixed for herself. She also went to follow-up with neighbors about the issue.

"Everybody needs water,” said Gail Thomas, the vice president of the Tenants Association at Eureka Gardens.

That's why Thomas said she's glad she hasn't had to worry about her water cutting off this week.

She invited Cole inside her apartment to demonstrate the water was running again.

“I'm glad everybody is back happy and glad,” Thomas told Cole.

Shannal Respess said she feels like this is the first step towards improving other problems at the complex.

"I just appreciate that fact that now we have a voice,” Respess said.

Action News Investigates was at the apartment complex earlier this month to find out why the water was frequently cutting-off on at the property.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development told us it was due to failing pumps.

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Councilman Garret Dennis, the leasing officer manager and the on-site engineer escorted Cole on the property to show her the control panel to operate the pump was replaced.

Dennis told Action News Jax the new control panel was replaced and cleared last Monday.
When it comes to fixing the problem long term, Dennis said holding the property manager, Millennia, accountable is going to be key.

“At the end of the day we have to continue to hold their feet to the fire and our federal partners feet to the fire because they're the ones that have the big stick in order to press the sale,” Dennis said.

Right now, the Global Ministries Foundation still owns the property.

This afternoon Millenia Housing Management sent a statement saying in part, "Millennia has plans to address these issues decisively, starting with its imminent acquisition of the property in 2018."

Since there wasn’t a specific date listed in the statement, Action News Jax reached out to find out when exactly this is supposed to happen.

A spokesperson for Millennia said the acquisition is still in the works, but they’re aiming for fall 2018.

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Millennia also said they plan to spend between $600,000 - $800,000 to fix the sewer system, which is a part of the fixing the problem permanently.

Ultimately, after Millennia has completely acquired the property, the company has plans to commit $17M for top-to-bottom renovations to transform the look and livability of the apartment complex.