Many residents at the Wabash Crossing apartments complain that there are several abandoned apartment buildings. The unlivable conditions add stress to being a renter in Decatur.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Many residents at the Wabash Crossing apartments complain that there are several abandoned apartment buildings. The unlivable conditions add stress to being a renter in Decatur. 

"With them being so many abandoned houses. We have squatters," said one Wabash resident.  

Complaints range from maintenance delays to safety concerns in the neighborhood. Decatur Councilwoman Consuelo Cruz said this reflects a larger issue. 

"We've had several residents come to council meetings to complain about housing units such as Wabash, where the codes may or may not be enforced," Cruz said.  

Cruz said Wabash Crossing is privately owned. After a recent inspection, city inspectors found a total of 75 code violations at the property.  

"That is definitely something that council should look into how we can enforce codes more effectively," Cruz said.  

Longtime Decatur resident James Taylor said he is devastated by how the area looks. 

"Just makes me sick in the stomach. It is a disaster. The roof is even raining inside of this building right here, when the rain is building get wet inside, and the drywall, the ceiling is falling out, and all the drywall is deteriorating," Taylor said.  

Taylor is concerned that if the property doesn't get cleaned up, it could lead to the city tearing it down. 

"If we have to demolish them again, then we will have the taxpayers will have to pay for it again," Taylor said.  

Decatur City Council members will hold a public forum to address renters' concerns at 5:30 p.m. May 11 at the Decatur Public Library.

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