COLUMBUS, Ohio — Colonial Village Apartments used to be filled with residents, now just a few people remain.
Most units are boarded up, with vacant signs on the doors. LaToya Bonner has called Colonial Village home for seven years. She said the last week has been strange.
“It's an eerie feeling, it's just so quiet,” said Bonner.
Tony Celebreeze, the director of the department of building and zoning services for the city of Columbus, said major changes need to happen at the apartment complex.
“The complex is being vacated per the receiver. Hopefully, they will get it prepped so we can get it sold to someone who can rehab these buildings, rehab units and create a new community,” said Celebreeze.
He said whoever buys the complex will need to renovate every building. He thinks it could take more than a year before anything is fixed and people can think about moving back in.
“Whether they demolish everything and start from scratch or keep the buildings and rehab the insides, the key for the city is that any rehab that is done is high quality rehab,” he said.
Bonner is being relocated to a hotel temporarily but isn’t happy about it. Her hotel is far from her job and she doesn’t have transportation.
“I love my job. It’s hurtful,” said Bonner.
She’s not sure where she will end up permanently.
“If I want to get a place it will be hard,” said Bonner.
Bonner said she understands why the apartment complex needs to be shut down but feels it’s unfair. Celebreeze said the city is working to help people find new permanent homes.
“They are looking for housing these folks can afford long term. The city is helping them get back on their feet for three months and helping with deposits,” said Celebreeze.