'Horror Stories': Maxwell House Confronts City Threat Similar to Bon Air and Richmond Summit

Augusta Faces Potential Revocation of Business Licenses for Low-Income Apartment Buildings

In a recent development, three low-income apartment buildings in Augusta may soon face the revocation of their business licenses. The Augusta Commission has taken a decisive step by unanimously voting to discuss the potential revocation of Maxwell Housing’s business license on August 5. This date coincides with another meeting where officials will also consider revoking Redwood Housing’s license.

Redwood Housing is responsible for managing the Richmond Summit and Bon Air apartments, while Maxwell Housing oversees the Maxwell House. These properties have long been under scrutiny due to ongoing issues that residents and city leaders say are unacceptable.

The meeting regarding Redwood Housing was initially scheduled for this week but was moved to Friday. Despite the change, community members were still eager to voice their concerns during the commission meeting. Yolanda Brooks, a tenant at Maxwell House Apartments, described her daily struggles with living conditions that she says are anything but safe.

“We’re dealing with rodents. We’re dealing with mold. We’re dealing with lead paint,” Brooks explained. She added that tenants on the 10th and 9th floors suffer the most when it rains because the roof hasn’t been repaired. Water leaks into stairwells, apartments, and even elevators, creating a hazardous environment.

Brooks also mentioned that the elevators have been out of service since a fire in early July. Fire marshals indicated that it could take two or three more weeks before they are operational again. For elderly residents and families with infants and children, this poses a serious risk.

City leaders are also growing increasingly frustrated with the situation. Commissioner Jordan Johnson visited the Maxwell House Apartments and described the living conditions as inhumane. “No one should have to sleep with rats running around their heads,” he said. “No one should have to be afraid to step outside of their units because they know what they’re going to be met with in the hallway.”

Johnson emphasized that no one should feel threatened or unsafe in their own homes. He also criticized the lack of action from property owners despite repeated warnings. “Maxwell House has had ample opportunities to get its act together, and some of the horror stories that we continue to hear are just unacceptable,” he said.

Maxwell House is now part of a growing list of complexes facing scrutiny. Johnson stressed the importance of accountability, stating that all property owners need to come forward with clear plans to improve conditions. “At the end of the day, you should not be comfortable with having people living in your properties with the conditions that they’re living in,” he said.

Brooks has taken it upon herself to check on her neighbors, ensuring they have access to air conditioners or fans, especially since many are over 65 years old. “We don’t want to live in those unsafe conditions,” she said. She hopes that today’s developments will lead to real improvements for residents.

This latest move comes after years of complaints about violence and poor living conditions at Bon Air, which once served as a grand destination hotel but is now subsidized housing. Similarly, the Richmond Summit and Maxwell House have faced their own share of issues over the years. As the city continues to address these concerns, the focus remains on ensuring that all residents can live in safe and healthy environments.