Last month, Florida Senator Marco Rubio received reports of hazardous living conditions at Monaco Arms Apartments in Jacksonville. This property is supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance Program. Residents at Monaco Arms shared concerning evidence of an active gas leak.
Senator Rubio’s staff contacted HUD on July 10th to report these concerns and request an investigation into the property. Despite multiple attempts to prompt action from HUD, there has been no evidence of any attempt by HUD’s national or regional offices to respond to the situation and protect the safety of Monaco Arms residents.
Senator Rubio sent a letter to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge regarding the neglect at the Monaco Arms Apartments and the concerning lack of response from HUD.
“My staff reached out to HUD to share these concerns immediately after learning of them on July 10,” the letter stated. “After more than three weeks and several requests, my office has yet to receive evidence of any actions taken by HUD to protect the safety of residents.”
“Given HUD’s unresponsiveness thus far, I am concerned the residents of Monaco Arms are not experiencing the safe living standards they are guaranteed by law. If a representative of the agency has not visited the apartment complex since July 10, 2023, I urge you to dispatch someone immediately to take action. This must include alleviation of any active gas leaks on the property, relocation of propane tanks to a safer place, updated REAC inspections, and a Management and Occupancy Review (MOR) for the property.”
The full text of the letter is below:
Rubio_Jacksonville_housingneglect
