Somers Cove residents speaking up about unlivable conditions in Crisfield
CRISFIELD, Md. – A major concern for Crisfield residents, who are taking a stand against the Crisfield Housing Authority over what residents claim are unsafe living conditions.
Josh Gillepsie sharing his story with WMDT. “I’ve stayed there the last 3 years, ever since I moved in, I’ve had problems with my heat, my water, and my windows falling down.”
Duvall Fisher another resident, explains what happened.
“I know how Titanic felt, but just without the water. It was so cold that I had to put on a pair of sweatpants, gloves, t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, and cover up with a blanket.”
Residents at Somers Cove Apartments, saying unsafe and unlivable conditions forced an emergency meeting. At the meeting stood Mayor Darlene Taylor, and cabinet members of the Crisfield Housing Authority.
The Executive Director Keyshia Wigenton, says the city had a gas leak. “Unfortunately, we have a gas leak, and a lot of our gas escaped, which mean it lessened our gas. A lot of our tenants was impacted by that.”
She continues saying, the hope was to get the gas back in working condition. “Get our units up and running today, which we pray it does, then we will be housing our tenants in a hotel.”
The city has been working with Woodson High School and the Public Library for potential shelter in place options.
Crisfield Mayor Darlene Taylor writing to all residents of the complex on social media…“Currently the residents in sections 1-50 are without gas… The Housing Authority continues and has been working diligently to resolve this issue.” said Mayor Taylor. “Crisfield’s Housing Director and staff went door to door providing space heaters and offering to purchase electric blankets to those who did not wish to leave their homes.”
Residents though, don’t believe the city officials said Gillepsie. “They’ll come by and say it needs fixed, and the next day not fixed.”
One resident states the housing complex has developed a toxic relationship with its tenants. “One of the issues with the tenants is the lack of trust with the maintenance, and with the office, and that comes with the lack of communication, that comes with broken promises.”
She did not want her name to be public.
WMDT reporter, Ronnell Foreman, says he could smell the gas as he walked through the complex. Josh Gillepsie caution others to be as vocal as possible to bring upon changes. He feels those struggling in the complex remain scared to speak up.
“Usually around tax time, I take care of my back rent. Why would I pay for something, when I’m better off staying in an abandoned house.”
Meanwhile, a select number of residents were able to get hotels for the time being.
Crews were in the city working on the gas leaks Tuesday. The expectation is to resolve the issue by Tuesday night.
For residents, though, the gas leak is merely one of several problems devastating the community.
