PAHOKEE, Fla. — Dozens of residents must relocate after officials deemed their apartment building unsafe.
The building is located at 170 W 3rd St in Pahokee.
Interim City Manager Tammy Bussey told WPTV a special magistrate meeting took place on Tuesday, where the fire marshal presented photos of the property in "deplorable condition."
Bussey said the building is old, and some residents are living without power or water. She said there are exposed wires, opened electrical boxes and people using extension cords to share electricity.
According to the city, about 40 people, making up roughly 20 families, live in the building and will have 10 days to find a new place to live before the property is fenced off.
City staff, the fire marshal, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office are at the property going to each apartment to explain the situation and collect household information, Bussey told WPTV. The county is also assisting the residents in finding safe housing and jobs.
"I will not let them be homeless," Bussey told WPTV.
She said the building owner has avoided accountability for years and continues to collect $750 in rent per month. The city plans to demolish the building and take action against the owner.
Bussey, who retired from the sheriff's office, said she returned to her hometown to address issues like this.
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