HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Neighbors who live in the Starboard Villa Apartments have had enough. They told Channel 11 they’ve had mold and mushrooms growing in their walls because of severe flooding. Every time they reach out for help, nothing seems to be done.
“There was actually a previous maintenance man who was wearing a mask when he came in and I’m like, ‘Well, they are letting me live here and not responding to this, but they come in here with masks on,’” tenant James Good said.
In a video sent to Channel 11, you can see a river of water streaming through his backyard during heavy rainfall. That same water started pouring into his living room.
This is a look from after the rain.
He said he’s had mushrooms removed from his kitchen; the moisture is so bad.
“I’ve lost pretty much everything in my living room,” said Good. “I’ve thrown things away: my couch, my chair, my electronics. My router was ruined because it was on the floor when this happened. So pretty much everything in that room has been ruined.”
James isn’t the only neighbor who’s struggled with flooding.
“This whole side, from this side the whole way down, flooded. So, it’s not just two or three people that got flooded,’ said tenant Amanda Drop. “It’s everyone.”
Amanda and Ford Johnson live a few doors down from James with their newborn and two-year-old daughter. They said their daughter is getting sick more often and her doctor said it could be mold exposure.
“I think I’m going to just break my lease and have them take me to court over it because it’s honestly devastating. I can’t live in these conditions,” Drop said.
“They said that they were thinking about installing a French drain,” tenant Ford Johnson said. “They were going to do all of these different things, and all they’ve done is put sandbags back there.”
Both of these neighbors said they have tried to contact the landlords for help on multiple occasions but have not heard back. Good said he’s documented the damage and has spoken to code enforcement several times, but still, no one has been able to help.
Channel 11 also tried reaching out to the number listed on the entrance sign but did not receive a response. The neighbors said they would just move out, but they don’t want this to keep happening to other people.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW