Rotunda residents break their silence

NORFOLK, Va (WAVY) - One week after an arsonist forced residents to leave their homes at The Rotunda Lofts in Norfolk, 10 On Your Side has learned they are one step closer to returning.

There were five fires at the condo building in over one week's time. The most recent arson happened Feb. 1.

Residents told 10 On Your Side that property managers and investigators asked them not to talk to the media,
but out of sheer frustration, two of them agreed to an interview on the condition that their identities not be revealed.

"I wish that we could get on with our lives," one resident said.

Since the fires, residents have roamed from hotels to the homes of friends and relatives.

"I'm practically living out of my car at some point," another resident told WAVY.com.

But that's not what bothers them most.

"I think just being in the dark. I don't think we know a lot and I think that's a little alarming."

The condo board is giving them some information.

WAVY.com obtained a copy of an email sent to residents Wednesday. It said the security assessment ordered by the fire chief is complete and has been sent to the city for review. The email outlined several improvements, including mounting fire extinguishers outside of each stairwell. The city does not require that sort of improvement in a building with a full sprinkler system.

New security codes will also be put in place at the door. The proposals also calls for the addition of security guards and cameras. It also recommends all residents install peep holes.

Residents are awaiting the city's approval and a date they can return.

Battalion Chief Harry Worley said, "we're working on trying to get the residents in as quickly as we can."

Worley told 10 On Your Side that he sympathizes with the residents, but asks them to understand that giving information could jeopardize an arrest.

Residents don't like it, but they do understand.

In fact, the two residents WAVY.com spoke with already think the arsonist knows too much.

"Everybody, at least that that I've talked to in the building, thinks it somebody that lives in the building."

They cite the timing and location of the last fire as the reason why they believe a fellow resident could be involved.

"They had a neighborhood watch starting at 10, so that person thought 10 p.m. let's go ahead and start this at 8 p.m."

The latest fires were set on the fourth and third floors.

"Somebody knew there was a camera on that fifth floor."

The board will meet with the city Thursday, Feb. 9 and hopes to finalize the plan for improvements.

But even if they are given a date to return, the residents WAVY.com spoke with said they will not go back until the arsonist is caught.