Urbana apartments still condemned after board of health review

Eight apartments in Urbana are still condemned - three days after flood waters forced residents from their homes.

The Champaign County Board of Health returned to the first floor of the Settlers Ridge Apartments, located at 941 W. State Route 29 in Urbana, on Wednesday morning in order to determine if they were still a health concern.

“They are still technically condemned,” said Gabriel Jones, Health Commissioner for the Champaign County Health District.

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Jones said previously the eight units were condemned due to a health concern for residents, which occurred after about 10 inches of water flooded homes on Monday morning.

Jones said on Tuesday that in order for residents to be allowed to return to their homes Wednesday, the board had to see, “progress is being made,” to repair water damage.

Jones said notes from the report conducted by the board say work is being done on the units, but not enough for residents to return.

“It’s noted that utilities had been restored as of 1:15 p.m. on June 17, which was a huge concern,” Jones said. “All excessive water has also been removed from all the units.”

But, notes also state three units are still in the process of removing personal property, Jones said.

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“All personal property has to be removed to allow the cleaning company to get in and do deep cleaning,” Jones said. “This means those units haven’t had deep cleaning yet.”

Notes also say that it was recommended to the Settlers Ridge property manager that both first, and second, floor units have, “consistent circulating air,” Jones said.

“This is to prevent mold growth, which has been a concern in the past,” Jones said.

Jones said the board will return to the apartments again tomorrow morning to again determine if residents can come home.

Settlers Ridge Apartments office have declined to comment.

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