WASHINGTON — The problem-plagued Lynnhill Condominiums complex was declared unsafe Tuesday, and residents were given a day to get out.
The two mid-rise buildings in Temple Hills, Maryland, failed a morning fire safety inspection.
The buildings at 3103 and 3107 Good Hope Ave. failed to rectify 14 of 23 fire code violations uncovered late last week. Inspectors found a nonworking fire alarm system, broken fire doors and vacant condos filled with trash.
“Management was notified of these violations multiple times, and ordered to make corrections, but failed to do so in a timely manner,” officials said in a statement.
“What am I supposed to do? Because I live here. I have nowhere to go,” an unidentified resident shouted at Prince George’s County Fire Chief Ben Barksdale as he announced the shutdown to cameras and microphones.
Most of the residents have already left their homes. But about 100 residents of 36 still-occupied units have been told to leave within 24 hours with any essential documents. (The residents can arrange a time to collect the rest of their belongings later.)
“We still have issues with lots of accumulated trash in the trash rooms,” Barskdale said. “Social services will be assisting the residents.”
The Red Cross and other county agencies will also assist.
The condo complex has a troubled history. Last fall, residents faced evictions over unpaid gas and electric bills. James Braxton, the complex’s property manager, said last week that many of the problems are the result of squatters who moved into the buildings.
Fire officials stressed that the county is not exercising eminent domain. Owners can access their units once all violations are corrected.
WTOP’s Jack Pointer contributed to this report.
