CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A developer is looking to replace old apartments on Providence Road with new housing.
The project is forcing tenants at the Crest on Providence to move out at the end of their leases. Some neighbors have said they are happy to be leaving what they call "unlivable" conditions, while others are struggling to find somewhere to go.
Renters at The Crest on Providence apartments were notified in March they could not renew their leases, forcing them to leave to make way for new development by Levine Properties.
“I think it’s a great idea, these units should’ve been torn down years ago," renter Colleen Tolson told WCNC Charlotte.
Tolson pays just over $1,500 a month for her two-bedroom townhome but says the living conditions are what’s costing her.
"Sometimes you would just wake up and the water would be off," Tolson said. "You come home from a long day of work, the water is off."
But outdated appliances and plumbing aren't the only problems, according to residents.
"There's mold in a lot of these units," Tolson said. "When we moved in here, my daughter became sick right away."
Other neighbors have also complained of mold. Former tenant Nicole McNeil showed WCNC Charlotte photos of what appeared to be mold on her vents before maintenance addressed it. McNeil moved out in May.
"We had constant nose bleeds, my children [had] coughs, upper respiratory infections, things we never dealt with," McNeil said.
While the conditions are tough for some renters, others said they chose to stay over the years because it’s the only place they could afford.
"The rent is ridiculous and it does not make sense," Tolson said referring to the Charlotte area.
Redeveloping Crest on Providence is part of a larger project announced earlier this year hoping to revamp that part of Providence Road. Rezoning petitions have reportedly been filed by developers, but they are not publicly listed on the city's zoning website.
WCNC Charlotte asked the property manager about resident concerns and mold issues. A spokesperson said they could not comment beyond the following statement:
"The 50+ year-old Crest on Providence apartments have reached the end of their physical life expectancy which is why leases are not being renewed and properties will be replaced. Management is actively assisting residents in finding new homes by hosting weekend housing fairs with similar communities and offering help from our in-house relocation specialist.”
Tolson’s lease is up in August. She is working to find a new home and says she and many of her neighbors want their money back from Crest on Providence.
"I should have never been allowed to move into this unit," Tolson said. "These units have been passed their time."
"I really do hope that they have to pay for what they're doing to tenants," McNeil said over the phone.
According to management, 175 residents have found new homes so far and if people need more time after their lease ends to find something, they’ll allow them to stay.