ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Months after safety issues forced some residents out of Altamonte Terrace Apartments, inspection documents detail the safety issues experts say they found inside two buildings.
According to an engineer’s report, buildings three and six were deemed unfit for habitation after inspectors identified multiple structural and safety concerns. The report notes the buildings were constructed in 1973 and still had their original roof systems.
What You Need To Know
The documents show that inspectors determined buildings three and six were unfit for habitation
Inspectors say they found sagging floors, roof damage, exposed wiring and corroded stairways
City officials say future inspections will be coordinated by the owner and their engineer
Inspectors say they found sagging floors and balconies, deteriorated roof decking with standing water, exposed electrical components, corroded stairways, and unsecured railings. Engineers recommended both buildings remain vacant until extensive repairs or further investigation can be completed.
For former resident Stan Lerner whose lease was terminated in September when his building was deemed unsafe to live in, the impact of the evacuation continues months later. Lerner said the cost of being displaced has quickly added up.
“Whereas we had a $1,200 lease over there, this adds up to probably about a little over $2,000 a month,” he said.
Altamonte Springs City Manager Frank Martz said that any decision to inspect additional buildings at Altamonte Terrace Apartments will be coordinated between the property owner and the owner’s professional engineer.
As for the two buildings already deemed unsafe, city officials say the owner has the option to repair or demolish them. If the buildings are repaired and brought up to code, tenants could potentially move back in, but only at the owner’s discretion.