City wants apartments' violations fixed

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The City of Norfolk condemned six apartments on Washington Avenue Friday, because inspectors say the landlord failed to provide adequate heat.

The inspectors told WAVY.com they warned Nega and Woineshet Muluneh to get heat in the apartments. The forced evictions unsettled all the residents, but by the end of the day the city changed its mind.

23 people, including ten children, were told Tuesday they had 72 hours to get out.

"My little sister has asthma, and we can't be in here with this mold in here, and we need some place to go," 12-year-old resident Keontae Sawyer said.

The family claims the landlords have refused to fix the ceiling or the mold problem.

Late Friday afternoon, inspectors took down the eviction placards and allowed the residents to stay. The city says it was determined at the end of the day that there was adequate enough heat.

City inspectors also found 162 non-life threatening safety violations, which must be corrected by the property owners

The Mulunehs did not return phone calls for WAVY.com, nor did their attorney. 10 On Your Side went to their home in Isle of Wight County, but no one answered the door.

Even though the Sawyers were told they could stay, they are leaving. They are still very concerned about the mold in the home.

It's been a tough week for Keontae and his family. "Some things are hard. Mama works hard to have this house," Keontae said.

The City of Norfolk says it will continue to pursue the safety violations in court, if necessary.