Many displaced residents from the Highland Hills Apartments explosion were told last week to return to their homes. Shortly after that, officials said that it was not safe for them to return. Tenants reportedly experienced disturbing living conditions after returning to their homes.
The City of Dallas reportedly sent a message to tenants on Thursday saying, “We are pleased to let you know that all work is completed and the gas is turned on. Your apartment is ready for you to move back in.”
According to FOX 4, tenants who returned to their homes complained of unlivable living conditions over this past weekend, just a few days after they were told they could move back in. One tenant said that she noticed broken glass and what appears to be an infestation of bugs.
FOX 4 reported that Councilman Tennell Atkins said that two of the buildings housing about twenty-four people are not safe for living. According to the report, Atkins, who had code enforcement take a look at the complex on Monday, said it might take weeks or months for the buildings to be suitable for living.
Councilman Atkins attributes the confusion that tenants experienced to a lack of transparent communication between the city and apartment ownership. “Unfortunately, there might be a broken communication,” he said. Atkins further explained that tenants could not move back into the two damaged units at this time because repairs were unfinished.
Saying, “I think there has not been a great communication,” the councilman shares his plans to organize a community meeting between apartment management, tenants, and city officials. He believes that a meeting will get everyone on the same page regarding the state of the complex.
Atkins further encouraged tenants who could not move back in to call his office.
