A resident told members of the East Ridge City Council on Thursday that conditions are deplorable at the Ridge Terrace Apartments on South Seminole.
Tonya Goins said there is mold in numerous units.
She added, "The cock roaches are so big I can't afford to feed them."
Eddie Phillips, city safety director, said the owner of the apartments has continually delayed making needed repairs after a three-alarm fire in March of last year that displaced 40 families.
Realtor Joe V.
Williams said he took over as the agent for the property on Wednesday night, and he said steps are now in place for beginning repairs. He said that is due to getting approval from the state fire marshal to work on the fire-damaged portion.
He said architect Charles King is drawing up plans for the work, and he said two contractors are ready to go as soon as the plans are available in a week-10 days.
Mr. Williams said, "We are on the verge of turning this around. We are under the gun."
Chief Phillips said the city is on the verge of either citing the owner to court or posting an order that the apartments are unsafe for human habitation.