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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - Two properties. One owner. Many shared alleged issues. We’re talking about Redwood Housing. They own Bon Air Apartments and Richmond Summit in Augusta. Now, we're hearing from Congressman Rick Allen in a one-on-one interview about his latest letter to HUD on Bon Air. This, as concerns about disrepair and safety continue emerging from both locations.

At one point, Allen had faith in Redwood Housing to give Bon Air the overhaul it needs. That’s not the case anymore. He says he’s just not buying it.

"Well, we’re very concerned. We’ve been getting the same story for what, two years? I mean...Good grief, I’ve just never seen something so mismanaged.” said Congressman Rick Allen, GA-12.

Renovations were expected to be already underway at Bon Air, starting in the first half of 2023. Redwood Housing hoped to get tax credits to fund it. They didn’t.

"They held firm that they had planned to move forward, they had alternative financing and you know and everything was on go…Yet, here we are, months later, nothing is happening.” said Allen.

Allen says a longer wait won’t help their cause - due to troubles nationwide with credit and construction costs.

"I don’t even know if they have, if they can meet the requirements financially to make this thing happen. We can’t seem to get any proof they can.” said Allen.

We asked Redwood, again, directly: What are the backup fund sources? Where is the renovation? There was no direct answer, other than affirming a commitment to the property.

It’s a similar case for Allen when he has also asked the same questions as FOX54.

"They said they did have a plan B, but we still don’t know what that is.” said Allen.

Redwood also tells FOX54 they made significant investments to address immediate needs, including a now passing HUD grade after repairing storm damage, as well as maintaining consistent communication. Allen says he disagrees with those statements and what's been done is not good enough.

“The residents were complaining to me as I was standing there. I asked the management company have you had a meeting with the residents to talk about these concerns and they said no. I mean, I think that's irresponsible...People just don’t need to be treated like this. It just really bothers me when these people say well I’m meeting the minimum standards. Well, that just…I don’t know. That doesn’t sit well with me.” said Allen.

He cites security concerns in his letter and to FOX54, too.

"Something is going to happen at the Bon Air if they don’t adequately secure that building and get security people up there because the residents are hearing gun shots.” said Allen.

In a previous report, a tenant showed FOX54 people could open the front doors if they are tall enough. Afterwards, the owners hired security. Now, that security is no longer there. We asked if they would return and have not received a response.

Allen plans to keep the pressure to get answers and action against Redwood.

"You know, if they can’t get the job done we need to get somebody else in there who can.” said Allen.

The Congressman encourages tenants to get involved by calling HUD directly with their concerns. Meantime, he set a May 22 deadline for a response from HUD. He also requested another visit, a briefing and a community roundtable.

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