News
Antigua Apartments Hundreds of Violations From City Inspection
Antigua Apartments, located at 8008 Seawall Blvd in Galveston, Texas, have recently come under scrutiny due to significant maintenance and safety concerns. A comprehensive inspection by the City of Galveston revealed numerous violations, prompting city officials to take decisive action to ensure resident safety and compliance with housing standards.
Inspection Findings
In November 2024, city inspectors conducted a thorough assessment of the Antigua Apartments complex. The inspection uncovered a range of issues, including:
- Structural Deficiencies: Inspectors identified unsafe stairs, balconies, and guardrails. Some units were missing walls, allowing daylight to penetrate, indicating severe structural neglect.
- Electrical Hazards: The presence of exposed wiring, damaged electrical panels, and improper use of extension cords to supply electricity to units without power posed significant safety risks.
- Health and Sanitation Issues: The complex was plagued by roach and rodent infestations, unsanitary pool conditions, and a sewer pump discharging waste onto the ground, creating hazardous living conditions.
- Severe Living Conditions: Units were found filled with debris and mold. In extreme cases, inspectors discovered a chicken coop and a live hog inside apartments, highlighting the extent of neglect.
Out of 177 apartments, only 79 were occupied, with vacant units being used for storage, posing potential fire hazards
City's Response
Following the inspection, city officials presented the property manager, Vicki Fry, and owner, Jennette Hunnicutt, with a detailed report listing hundreds of violations. The management team was given 10 days to submit a corrective action plan or address the violations. Failure to comply could result in the case being escalated to municipal court, where a judge may impose fines, grant additional time for compliance, or escalate the matter further.
What Now for Residents?
Should the complex face condemnation, the city would be responsible for temporarily housing displaced residents. Mona Purgason, executive director of the Galveston Housing Authority, noted that while there is low-income housing on the island, demand exceeds availability. Residents relying on housing vouchers are encouraged to monitor the housing authority’s waiting list, which is currently closed but will reopen at a future date.
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