Cooper Road Plaza Apartment Residents Grapple with Dismal Living Conditions
Shreveport, LA: Residents Voice Out Concerns About Disturbing Living Standards Within Their Apartment Complex
Shreveport residents living in some apartment complexes have aired their dissatisfaction concerning deplorable and unsanitary conditions they contend with every day. Among those affected are occupants of the Cooper Road Plaza Apartments located on Peach Street, who have been grappling with these conditions for several months now.
Troublesome Conditions From the Start
Elizabeth Butler, who has lived in her apartment for approximately a year, reported significant problems from the very day she moved in. While the exteriors portray an elegant façade, the interiors picture tells a different, quite disheartening story. “Our chief concern is to have a decent and livable environment. We live with children amidst mold and mildew. It seems more attention is given to maintaining the exterior appearance than fixing the internals,” Butler said.
Poor Housing Conditions Impacting Children’s Health
The impacts of these grim conditions have gone beyond mere visual disputes, affecting the health of Butler’s child. “He has fallen ill multiple times… he once developed severe rashes. I had to rush him to the hospital,” she further shared. Apart from these concerns, Elizabeth spoke of pest infestations leading to food contamination, with all incurred losses being unremunerated, thus significantly impacting her financial status.
Call for Thorough Inspections and Decent Livable Conditions
A U.S. Housing and Urban Development Inspection notice was issued on the 8th of April. Prior to this, a complex crew conducted repairs on her ceiling, which had been exposed and covered with waste bags for close to a year. However, Butler claims the job appeared sloppily done, with the paint and plaster already showing signs of damage so soon after. She expressed her discontentment and frustration, saying, “If they can’t properly address our apartment’s issues, they should close it down. Grant us vouchers. We shouldn’t endure this.”
Official Response to the Situation
Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor, upon visiting the complex, voiced her shock, labeling the conditions as “inhumane and deplorable.” Elizabeth said she has done everything possible, from making formal complaints to corporate to longing for better living standards for fellow residents. “I’ve done all I can…I just wish for people to have a better living, and not need to endure this,” she added. City Attorney Marcus Edwards also chimed in, stating he has yet to receive any information on the inspection outcomes.
Complex Management Maintains Silence
When contacted for comments regarding the apartment’s maintenance, a representative from the Cooper Road Plaza Apartments chose to remain silent, not offering any remarks on the matter.