Several residents of the Riverwalk Homes housing development in Joliet have been facing mold contamination over the past year. After a water pipe busted last year, residents began dealing with flooding and property damage. Black mold began to appear afterward, despite the building maintenance team completing plumbing repairs.
Resident Dominique Hamilton has lived in the development for the past three years with her five children. However, she has not been able to stay in the apartment for the past few months after discovering mold on the walls throughout the house.
After speaking to maintenance, she said they came and painted over walls to cover mold, they also claimed that the mold was mildew. A city inspector claimed the same thing. A reporter reached out to the Interim city manager about this inspection, and he refused to comment.
“Nothing has been done,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton decided to bring in 3rd third-party restoration company O.C. Restoration. The company affirmed that there was mold present in her apartment last August.
Hamilton has become concerned for the health of her children.
Hamilton states, “I had to take my son to the hospital for severe headaches and fever.”
Her son previously to moving in showed no signs of illness. Seeing the impact on her family forced Hamilton to relocate.
“We have a home, but we cannot stay there because it is not safe or comfortable.”
She shared that this was only one of the issues, she said she has also dealt with mice, mushrooms growing, and sewer backup. During past issues the development offered temporary housing in a two-bedroom apartment, however, this was unrealistic for Hamilton’s family.
Property Manager Andrea Green claims that mold has not been discovered in the building, only mildew. She said residents require community education on the difference between mildew and mold. Green also claimed the issues the residents face has been due to a lack of cleanliness practices.
Fellow Resident Stephanie Conner has started treating mold herself, Spraying her walls with bleach. Conner says she talks to maintenance weekly about issues with her unit, including a broken AC unit.
“[Holsten] doesn’t really care about us or our livelihood,” said Conner.
Holsten Development is the city’s partner in managing the Riverwalk Homes and is currently working with Joliet officials on the redevelopment. Shrinking the current development from 356 units to 177 units in a $77 million dollar project. Hamilton’s building is one of those set to be demolished. What residents are asking for today is to make their living environment a safe and healthy place for their families to live in.