Mold, cracks in the foundation and roach infestations are just some of the conditions the tenants of the Thames River Apartments are living in.
"(It’s) frustrating because I have a 5-year-old who can pick (pieces of the crumbling walls) up and put it in his mouth," said Angela Franceschi, who lives in one of the Crystal Avenue high-rises.
Several walls of her apartment are coming apart.
According to Franceschi, each problem she calls the building management about, is never really fixed. Like the mold on her bathroom ceiling. Next to her stove is more mold and a roach infestation. She said she’s had a mouse problem, too.
"It’s just heartbreaking," said Jeanette Parker, choking back tears. "And knowing that there’s kids in here…"
That's a concern of most people living in the Crystal Avenue buildings: the children.
Parker lives in one of the high-rises and serves as the resident commissioner for the New London Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
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"Look at this. (Mice) run all along here along the pipes," Parker said in one of the laundry rooms. She also showed rotted ceilings and lint traps.
The Thames River Apartments are subsidized housing.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently downgraded the New London Housing Authority to "substandard," in part because of the conditions in the apartments.
Executive Director Sue Shontell said she knows the apartments have many problems, but projects need to be prioritized. A new boiler system went to the top of the list.
"Man power is an issue and that goes directly back to budget," Shontell said, adding that the Housing Authority is working to get new housing for over 100 tenants.
"It takes time."
Kathleen Mitchell, a commissioner on the Housing Authority Board said the commissioners are new to the job and realize that nothing is getting done. It’s now a priority to fix these apartments -- or find a more livable option.
There will be a meeting Tuesday night to come up with more ideas.
