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'Why would you put somebody in here' | Councilman calls for the Willows to be shut down

City Councilman Oliver Thomas and WWL Louisiana's Eleanor Tabone, walked through the Willows, and what they saw left the councilman stunned.

NEW ORLEANS — The apartment complex in New Orleans East has been riddled with problems for years, and WWL Louisiana has covered the issues that have plagued the complex countless times. From violent crime, to mold, to rats, to most recently bats.

Tenants and city officials are calling for the complex to be shut down.

City Councilman Oliver Thomas and WWL Louisiana's Eleanor Tabone walked the property and what they saw left the councilman stunned.

Thomas said, "It's still in deplorable conditions." Councilman Oliver Thomas says he's reached the end of the line. "So they're collecting thousands of dollars a month in rent, they're not letting these people to live here for free."

The line stopped a long time ago he says at the Willows Apartments on Lawrence Road. The Councilman says he walked the property a few weeks ago. This time we went with him.

Councilman Thomas says the back side of the property is a disgrace, he said, "Look at this, why would you put somebody in here?"

As the two walked closer they saw a completely gutted unit, Thomas said, "Even if you have some apartments back here where they are living, why would you want them to live above, below, or next to this?"

A father himself, Councilman Thomas feels both angry and sad children are growing up in and around these conditions. 

Matilda McClain lives at the Willows, she says she's been dealing with pests and mold for months.

McClain said, "I'm a single parent with two kids, I don't have a job right now, I am trying to do what I need to do to have a roof over my head."

She went on to say, "We are dealing with respiratory issues right now, my kids were found with mold in their system." She says she's tired of reporting issues, even keeping a diary of problems.

"They need to shut them down. Between the crime rate and the unlivable conditions this is not right," she said.

Another resident showed WWL Louisiana the mold inside her unit. Councilman Thomas is asking, at what point, do all city agencies, roll up their selves, work together, and shut down the Willows for once and all?

"We just need them to give it up, tear it down, and get out of town," said the councilman.

While the decaying structure stands tall in New Orleans East, the rat traps appear to be the newest-looking addition at the Willows Apartments.

The councilman said, "The places where the rats can come are new. The places people can live are old and raggedy."

The Willows said, "The facts are Dr. Hamlet have invested significant resources in repairing the complex, particularly in response to storm damages. Unit 213 was accessed and repaired several months ago, and we continue to address any ongoing issues. Additionally, we have a pest control contractor who visits the property weekly to address any pest-related concerns. Lastly, We care about our residents and continue to address issues within our available resources."

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