Essex House residents complain to Takoma Park Mayor and Council

A group of residents of the Essex House apartment building at 7777 Maple Avenue in Takoma Park turned out at last night's Mayor and Council meeting to implore officials to address a litany of complaints they have. Several tenants who spoke cited exorbitant rent increases, broken-down elevators, pests, mold, uncleaned swimming facilities, and windows that haven't been cleaned in "years."

Two residents told officials that there is drug use in the hallways and stairwells of the building, and asked for police to patrol inside the common areas. One resident said she and her fellow tenants are also being gouged by the single cable TV provider in the building.

Councilmembers Jarrett Smith, Terry Seamens and Fred Schultz praised residents for coming in to speak, all saying that the physical turnout will help them muster the assistance to address these and other issues, as opposed to officials simply repeating what they have heard in private conversations or emails. They did not address any of the specific allegations made at the meeting, however.

Several tenants stressed that they very much want to stay at Essex House, if the rent can be kept within their reach, and if other issues can be resolved.