$75,000 fine levied on apartment owners

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Since August, the owners of the Wood Ridge Apartment complex in southeast Austin have been penalized $75,000 for not fixing the balconies that were deemed dangerous in May.

On Wednesday evening, the property manager for the apartment complex gave an update to the Building and Standards Commission.

The manager said there is an interested buyer but since the process is in its infancy stage, she didn't have any paperwork to present to the board members.

During the meeting, members discussed the possibility of revoking the apartment's Certificate of Occupancy but that option didn't get much support. Some members are concerned that if the apartment complex is completely vacated, the residents who are currently still there will have no place to go.

As many as 50 families were forced out of their apartments when the balcony collapsed in May.

Asset Plus Companies representative Byron Plant has said the apartment owners do not have the finances to make the repairs.

The city will continue to fine the owner $1,000 each week for every building in violation -- which is 15 buildings -- and amounts to $15,000 each week.