Congressman Johnson Demands Livable Public Housing for Tenants

CONGRESSMAN JOHNSON DEMANDS LIVABLE PUBLIC HOUSING FOR TENANTS

Congressman Hank Johnson has notified the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Alphonso Jackson that conditions in some units of the Lithonia Housing Authority's Bruce Court apartments are "deplorable.

"I was dismayed by the conditions of the property," said Rep. Johnson. "The apartment that I saw was in deplorable condition - overrun by mold and infested with roaches."

Congressman Johnson visited the public housing complex last week following complaints from constituents and at the urging of State Senator Ron Ramsey. While Johnson was in Washington, his District Office met with tenants throughout the week and with representatives from HUD's regional office that oversees the Lithonia Housing Authority.

Rep. Johnson noted that this matter is a serious concern and requested assurance that HUD would take all necessary actions to resolve this unfortunate situation. Specifically, Johnson said he would like to see the affected tenants relocated to safe, sanitary units while their
apartments are restored to a livable condition that passes inspection by the local health department.

"The highest levels of government are on notice that this situation is unacceptable," said Rep. Johnson. "I expect that it will be resolved expeditiously."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ga04_johnson/2007_03_02_housing.html