NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Repair work remains incomplete and residents still cannot return to the Seaview Lofts following a court hearing on Thursday morning.
The building's owner, Seaview Apartments LLC, once again appeared in court for a status hearing. The head of the company, Ben Weinstein, was also there again along with his attorneys.
During the hearing, the judge read a letter signed by the city's Director of the Department of Codes Compliance and the city's Chief Fire Marshall.
In the letter, the two summarize the ongoing repairs being made to the building. On the elevator system, the letter says additional parts are needed in order for the elevators to be able to pass inspection.
On the HVAC system, additional information is needed on the permit, which the city has requested from the contractor.
The fire alarm panel passed inspection on August 9, according to the letter, but additional electrical work is needed on lighting in the stairwell to make it up-to-code.
Click here to read the full letter provided by the City of Newport News.
Outside of court, an attorney for the owner said they are doing all they can to get the building fixed, but didn't want to commit to a move-in date. "You make promises and then you disappoint people. Every day we're trying to do what we can," attorney Josh David said. "I don't want to make promises."
The owner continues to be fined $1,000 a day until the issues are fixed.
Weinstein only briefly answered questions from reporters. "I love every one of [the residents] and feel for them and hope they can quickly move back in," he said at one point.
Dozens of residents have filed state and federal lawsuits against the owner. Among them is a resident named Tasha Gayle, who has been paying to stay at hotels.
She said she joined the suit to "recoup some of my losses and pain and suffering."
While the issues persist, residents News 3 spoke with say at this point, their focus is getting back into their homes. "I see what he's making progress and I'm happy with that. It's just been a long time waiting. We just want answers to get back in the building," said Sade Jackson, a resident.
The next status hearing on the building will be August 22 at 8:30 am.
