In Arnold, Missouri, four apartment units on Crosswinds Drive have been deemed unsafe for people to live in. This means that the renters who were living in these units must find a new place to live. Two of the renters mentioned to FOX 2 that they have nowhere else to go, so they are refusing to leave.
City inspectors in Arnold recently discovered a ceiling collapse in one of the units, as well as issues with the bathroom ceiling. They also found a door that wouldn’t close due to rot, and there were reports of roaches and roach droppings in the units.
While the affected renters did not want to speak on camera, neighbors in the area expressed their sympathy for them. One neighbor, Nick Gruendler, raised concerns about where the renters would go and how they would move their belongings on such short notice.
Residents of Crosswinds Drive noted that there are about four different landlords for the buildings on the street, and some landlords maintain their properties well. However, others are not as diligent in upkeep. Some buildings have newer roofs and freshly paved driveways, while others show signs of neglect.
At the end of the street, there is another building that was red-tagged and shut down by building inspectors back in July 2023. Neighbors mentioned that the building has been empty ever since.
Janelle Hackmann, a resident of the area, expressed gratitude for her well-maintained apartment and landlord. She emphasized the importance of having a landlord who takes care of their properties regularly.
Hackmann also advised potential renters to speak to neighbors before moving into a new place, as they often have valuable insights into the condition of the property. She acknowledged that affordable and well-kept housing is hard to come by, making her feel fortunate.
While some landlords in the area were not responsive to FOX 2’s inquiries, others mentioned off-camera that they are actively involved in maintaining their buildings.
Overall, the situation on Crosswinds Drive serves as a reminder of the importance of proper property management and the impact it can have on residents. It also highlights the challenges that some renters face in finding safe and suitable housing.
