Crystal Towers, HAWS at odds over maintenance issues and repairs

It’s been three years since the City of Winston-Salem said they would help the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem (HAWS) make repairs to Crystal Towers. But during the city council meeting on Monday, Feb. 17, residents said not much has been done to improve the living conditions inside the building, while HAWS says more than $1 million in renovations have already been completed throughout the building.  After initially planning to sell the 11-story high-rise located on 6th street, in 2022 HAWS decided to retain the property and work with the city to make repairs. At that time, it was reported that the public housing facility for seniors and those with disabilities needed about $10 million in renovations.   Over the years residents have made several complaints about the building, calling out issues with broken elevators, bed bugs, rodents and other pests, security issues and more. The latest round of complaints is centered around plumbing issues throughout the building.   Dan Rose with Housing Justice Now, a local housing rights group, presented Mayor Allen Joines and members of the Winston-Salem City Council with a petition signed by over 100 residents. Rose said many residents are afraid of retaliation if they speak out about the...