City of Galveston investigates Antigua apartments after tenants express anger over worsening living conditions after Beryl

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Galveston apartment tenant says the complex is so bad he’d rather sleep on the street, and now the city is looking into it.

For Noble Damron Jr. and his wife, it’s not the 1-year-old who keeps them up at night.

“Water’s coming out of the walls,” Damron explained. “The ceiling fans are about to come out of the ceiling. The lights are flickering. I mean, it’s like we’re haunted in here.”

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Damron and his wife reside at the Antigua Apartments, a complex ABC13 recently visited in February.

Residents of the apartments had to use extension cords for weeks because they were without electricity.

Damron said Hurricane Beryl in July compounded the problem by washing away parts of the complex, collapsing ceilings and knocking out power for weeks.

“We brought our beds out here, on the sidewalk, and we came out here to sleep with the baby, and we took out the playpen and everything,” Damron recalled. “My neighbors came out with the dogs and we slept out here.”

The issues were reported to Galveston City Hall, according to a spokesperson who said a tenant contacted them.

Inspectors have visited the complex and are expected to complete their assessment by the end of the week, officials said.

Authorities said the complex could face numerous tickets, orders to make repairs and court proceedings. So far, the tickets have not been issued.

ABC13 spoke with a manager who said the resort is complying with rules and allowing inspectors on site. However, management is blaming the hurricane for the problems.

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Residents said they hoped the inspectors’ visit last week would bring change as they were fed up with restless nights.

“It’s just horrible,” Damron said. “That’s how I would compare it to life. Homeless life. That’s how I feel.”

The city spokesperson said if they find anything wrong, the complex would have ten days to make repairs, but depending on the problem, it could take longer.

A detailed report on the inspector’s findings is expected to be completed by the end of September.

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