JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman stood with Brentwood business owners at the Norwood Plaza Wednesday to address ongoing building concerns.
Water leaking into their businesses, damaging potholes in the parking lot and gaping holes in the ceiling due to a leaky roof are some of the problems the tenants face.
The business owners said these issues result from their landlord’s negligence and failure to address infrastructure concerns despite the tenants consistently paying their rent on time.
“We’re reaching out. We’re seeking help. We’re trying to get a better understanding and have been met with negative responses at this time,” Antione Gary, owner of Elevation Lounge said.
Gary said he and other business owners have tried to fix some of the issues themselves but unfortunately, the problems continued to compile, becoming health and safety risks.
“30 years? That’s a long time to continue to be in place that will not or a landlord who will not address the issues,” Pittman said at a press conference.
Pittman said despite numerous fines and broken promises, the landlord has refused to address the concerns of these long-time retail tenants.
By publicizing these growing problems, Pittman hoped for urgent action and necessary repairs.
“We are here in solidarity, to make sure the community knows what’s going on here, and that the landlord -- I hope he’s listening because these tenants are crying out for help. They want justice,” Pittman said. Pittman said her office has also received numerous complaint calls from customers who frequent the businesses, and that she’s shared the info with the code enforcement office.