Residents of The Merc in downtown Dallas are upset over the short notice they received about management plans to leave their units’ doors unlocked and open following a recent leak.
Nearly a week after the high-rise apartment was flooded following a water line rupture, residents were informed of plans to keep unit doors open to help dry out the building and lower its humidity.
“There was 5 to 6 inches of water on the floor,” said a resident named Justin, who requested that his last name not be disclosed, per WFAA. The original October 2 leak damaged parts of the high-rise, resulting in a massive electrical short, according to Dallas Fire Rescue.
On the day of the flood, Justin was escorted to his apartment to retrieve any belongings. Since October 2, he has had to find temporary residence elsewhere, staying with coworkers and friends.
“Thank God I have a good community,” he said to WFAA.
Building management informed residents via email 24 hours in advance that elevated humidity levels had prompted the decision to open the doors to all units on Friday. Since units will be accessible, managers recommended that residents retrieve all their valuables within 24 hours of receiving the notice.
Electricity remains out, and elevators are not operating in the 30-story high-rise.
“Why can’t we just open windows?” said resident Jaqueline Koski.
“I personally have over $100,000 worth of art and furniture I’ve collected from all over the world. For me to have to leave my door open like that? I can’t even leave an Amazon package in front of my door,” she said.
Koski has been staying at her boyfriend’s mother’s home in Duncanville during the ordeal.
“And getting everything out for everybody in 24 hours? It’s not a reachable goal… Never going to happen with no elevators, no power, no electricity,” said Koski.
So far, residents say they have received no timeline about how long they may be out of their apartments.