LAFAYETTE PARISH, La. — Property inspections began at Himbola Manor today after mounting criticism from tenants over the condition of the apartment complex.
In a notice to tenants, Foresight Asset Management—the company responsible for the upkeep of Himbola Manor—said it would be conducting inspections between Tuesday July 23, 2024 and July 25, 2024.
In the letter which was shared with KATC , Quoizael Green, property manager with Foresight Asset Management said, "violations will be given for unreported repairs, and housekeeping issues.”
The letter went on to say, “any damages that we find in the apartment will also be given a violation and will be charged for the repairs.”
KATC was at Himbola Manor today as management completed the first day of inspections. Residents expressed concern about whether they will yield any positive results.
At a meeting with Lafayette Consolidated Government last week, officials said Himbola has until July 30th for an updated inspection. LCG said if corrective measures are not taken, the case will be forwarded to adjudication court.
The latest development comes after Himbola Manor failed inspections by the Department of Development and Planning. Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) says the company has been notified of the violations and the need for compliance.
"If significant progress hasn't been made, this will likely go to the administrative adjudication bureau so we are working to do everything we can to keep people housed especially with the housing market we are facing today, ” said Jamie Boudreaux, chief communications officer at LCG.
Tenants at Himbola Manor have long complained about what they describe as hazardous living conditions, even reports of ceilings caving in.
KATC obtained copies of a June 27th inspection report conducted by the Department of Development and Planning.
The 10-page report supports residents’ claims, citing numerous violations for most of the buildings on the property. The report details mold, decayed wood, cracks, and holes in numerous units.
In a letter from Patrick Ottinger, city-parish attorney for LCG, to David Starr, president of American Agape foundation—the owner of Himbola Manor—Ottinger described, living conditions at Himbola Manor as "absolutely deplorable.”
In a statement to KATC, Eric Pullen, legal counsel for Starr, issued the following:
American Agape Foundation, Inc., the owner of the Himbola Manor, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing affordable housing to those in need. This has been the stated mission of Agape since its founding. Agape is working closely with the City of Lafayette and the Louisiana Housing Council to ensure that all necessary repairs are made. On behalf of the owner, I have been in almost daily contact with the City of Lafayette and the housing council regarding the property. No tenant has been threatened with eviction in response to a complaint or request for repairs. In fact, no tenant has asked to move out or be released from his or her lease because of any alleged conditions at Himbola Manor.
