The city noted two people were injured after falling through a staircase. Code Enforcement found the stairways outside eight buildings in dilapidated condition.
SAN ANTONIO — Residents at a north side apartment complex say dangerous living conditions, including dilapidated stairways, have been ignored for too long, until now. Tenants of the Preston Apartments have until Friday to vacate the complex following a notice issued by the City of San Antonio.
Eric Williams, who’s one-month new to the complex, says he was walking down a staircase outside building 10 on March 14 when it suddenly gave way beneath him.
“The stair that I’m on just shifted forward and then I went down,” Eric said. “Literally three minutes after Friday the 13th and I went through the stairs.”
Eric was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for a hip sprain, thoracic sprain, cuts and embedded rusted metal. He’s still recovering today with the aid of physical therapy.
Eric said his girlfriend alerted the elusive apartment manager multiple times about the stairways. However, nothing was done to replace the aged infrastructure.
Williams said after his fall through the stairs, the manager moved him and his girlfriend to a first floor apartment and was never seen again after the City of San Antonio’s code enforcement team came out to inspect the property.
“They should have never put us on the second floor. My girlfriend is 8 months pregnant with the stairs like that,” Eric said.
On March 31, a notice to vacate was issued to tenants living on the second floor at eight buildings due to the poor state of stairways.
“The stairways were found to be in an advance state of disrepair and some of the treads had completely failed, creating an imminent threat for the health and safety for anyone using these stairways,” stated the vacate notice.
The staircase outside building 10 remains in pieces with steps collapsed onto the ground, with visible rust and decay throughout the structures. Tenants describe the stairways across the complex as unstable, crumbling and dangerous.
“That’s scary, knowing that the stairs can fall,” said resident Shana Williams, who is disabled.
A city spokesperson told KENS 5 the city has been working at the property for the past year, addressing external structural deficiencies, including the falling apart staircases.
“The notice to vacate was issued after two people were hurt, falling through a staircase,” the spokesperson said.
City officials have since stepped in, issuing a notice to vacate, affecting 34 second-floor units across eight buildings.
A city spokesperson noted 20 units have been confirmed already vacant, seven units were contacted and another seven did not respond.
The Neighborhood and Housing Services Department is coordinating with residents for relocation assistance, including Shana who is looking forward to her new home off Rittiman Road.
“The city is really a blessing,” Shana said.
Residents recently learned the Preston Apartments were acquired by DJE Texas Management Group three years ago. In February, the company’s CEO, Devin Elder, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Court records show Elder raised more than $65 million from 345 investors as part of a real estate scheme over a two-year period. Elder, who faces up to 20 years in prison, is scheduled to be sentenced in June.
Meanwhile, Eric Williams says he plans to pursue legal action following his injuries.
“I hope he got enough money to cover my lawsuit.”