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down the stairwell – that was unacceptable and unsafe. CFM Senter shared a second emergency
mandatory injunction with multiple hearings during the months of April and May 2022 eventually
leading to the condemnation. During which time the boiler system, which was to heat the building,
was not properly vented to the outside of the building, and had the potential to lead to carbon
monoxide poisoning and/or explosions, numerous electrical hazards, and numerous concerns with the
fire alarm system which had been broken. Again, the Circuit Court Judge ordered condemnation of
the building after little to no progress was made for the serious concerns.
Mr. Roach advised of the following details regarding the condemnation of Seaview Loft Apartments:
• July 1, 2022 – The building was condemned and evacuated; emergency sheltering operations
were put in effect for a majority of tenants.
• Over the next eight months, repairs were slowly made to the four major items causing the
building to be condemned. City staff attended 21 court hearings and provided 11 periodic
updates to the Court.
• February 21, 2023 – Court lifted the condemnation at Seaview Loft Apartments after both
elevators were returned to service, and the boiler system was repaired.
• March 23, 2023 – A rental inspection was made and the property failed. Units contained trash,
plumbing and electrical code violations and had evidence of water leaks throughout the
building (shown on slide 6 of the attached presentation). Codes Compliance informed Seaview
owner of the inspection results and the need to schedule another inspection when the building
was ready.
Mr. Roach reiterated that Code Compliance staff went out to inspect 17 units at the request of the
property owner and none of those units were in a condition that could pass. He indicated electrical
covers were missing over electrical junction boxes where live wires were present. There was evidence
of water leaks and improper plumbing connections. The property was filthy and nowhere near where
it needed to be for approval of inspection for occupancy. Mr. Roach indicated that during inspection,
Codes Compliance staff inspected the plumbing, heat and air conditioning, and electrical system and
reviewed at the cleanliness of the building. He advised that Seaview Loft Apartment failed in every
category.
Councilwoman Vick inquired about what the rental inspection entailed. Mr. Roach replied the rental
inspection was meant to ensure that properties were maintained in a safe, decent and sanitary
manner consistent with the requirements of the Virginia Maintenance Code. He reminded that City
Council adopted the Newport News Residential Rental Dwelling Inspection Program in October 2016.
He reminded that the Rental Dwelling Inspection Program would be performed south of 39 th Street,
not citywide. Councilwoman Vick believed that the rental inspection program was for single-family
rentals. Mr. Roach replied no. Councilman Long questioned over the six-year period whether there
had been a significant change during the rental inspection. Mr. Roach replied there had always been
problems at Seaview Loft Apartments since 1999, and routinely, the elevator was out which made that
a building safety issue; however, in 2022, it was the first time that both elevators had not been
operational. In addition, he learned that the fire and safety systems were in dire conditions.
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