Allegations of unsafe living conditions have prompted legal action against Balfour Beatty Communities, as numerous families have filed a lawsuit accusing the company of negligent management at its military housing units at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. The lawsuit, which was submitted to a state court in Monroe County on March 27, involves claims of severe maintenance lapses that have affected both military and civilian families residing at the base.
Out of the 56 families involved in the complaint, a majority are military households, with the rest being civilians who were allowed to live in the community when space permitted. The lawsuit, involving 192 current and former residents, highlights serious structural and health issues within the housing units, including water damage leading to collapsing ceilings, mold, pest infestations, structural weaknesses, as well as problems with HVAC systems, plumbing, electric wiring, and hazardous materials like lead paint and asbestos.
Balfour Beatty, responsible for managing over 43,000 homes across Army, Navy, and Air Force bases, including 700 at NAS Key West, is accused of hiding these detrimental conditions from residents. The legal documentation claims that the company has consistently failed to address these issues adequately, misleading families into believing that repairs were completed, despite the ongoing risk to their health.
Residents have reported a range of medical issues allegedly linked to the housing conditions, such as respiratory ailments, migraines, cognitive issues, and skin rashes. The lawsuit also references the “Sigsbee cough,” a term coined by the community to describe a persistent cough in children living in the affected housing.
Among the plaintiffs is Virginia Guess, a former employee of Balfour Beatty, who has cited the development of respiratory issues in her children soon after moving into their residence. Her legal accusations include witnessing questionable maintenance practices firsthand, which were further exemplified when structural issues in her own home were inadequately addressed, leading to severe mold contamination.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, citing gross negligence and breaches of contract by Balfour Beatty. The company, which previously faced legal consequences for misconduct in federal housing contracts, has acknowledged the lawsuit and plans to rigorously defend itself.
In parallel with the lawsuit developments, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz raised concerns during a congressional hearing about the allegations against Balfour Beatty and its impact on service members’ living conditions. Navy officials confirmed that some of the housing units were deemed unsuitable for habitation, necessitating the relocation of affected families.
The Bottom Line
The allegations against Balfour Beatty Communities highlight significant concerns about the quality and safety of privatized military housing. This situation underscores the vital need for stringent oversight to protect military families from hazardous living conditions. As military personnel and their families rely on these facilities for their housing needs, the reported issues could have long-lasting health and safety implications.
For the affected families, the lawsuit represents not only a quest for justice but also a call for systemic change in how military housing is managed. The outcome could potentially influence future policies and practices in military housing management, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and the health and well-being of the residents.