AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta commissioners are threatening to revoke business licenses for three low-income apartment complexes.

But what would happen after that remains unclear.

Bon Air, Richmond Summit and Maxwell House renters have each experienced years of issues ranging from safety concerns and crime, to broken elevators, mold, leaks, plumbing issues and more.

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And Augusta commissioners say enough is enough.

Next Tuesday, they’re meeting to discuss whether to revoke the business licenses for the owners of these establishments.

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Representatives of the owners will be there, and we’re told residents will be, too.

But what will happen to these residents if commissioners decide to pull the business license? Is that something leaders are seriously considering?

They say they’ll have a better answer after Tuesday’s hearing.

Richmond Summit and Bon Air Apartments – currently owned by Redwood Housing – as well as Maxwell House, have stood in Augusta for years.

But it’s what’s inside that’s under review.

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“Some of the smells that you encounter in the facilities would, would just take your breath,” said Augusta Commission member Jordan Johnson, who represents District 1. “I’ve gotten folks sending me pictures of rats that are running around behind their beds at night.”

These are conditions commissioners say they’ve heard about for years.

But what are the city’s options?

“Probation, suspension, whatever it takes,” said Catherine Smith Rice, the commission member for District 3. “We’ll have to worry. We’ll have to go to the next step. But as the attorney and I had talked, we’ll get to that step. We’ll get there after we do what we need to do. So we’ll hear what happens on Tuesday, and I expect a lot of people down here.”

What happens if the license is suspended on Tuesday?

“Well, that’s where I will talk to Attorney Plunkett and see where we go from there,” Rice said. “But all I care about right now is the safety and the well-being of the citizens. The folks that live in that facility who do not deserve to be harassed, scared to walk out of their rooms.”

She said she’ll listen to what the owners have to say.

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“I’m a fair person. I’m gonna listen to what they have to say, but I’ve heard ’em speak before numerous of times. And they are not true to their word,” she said.

Is Johnson prepared to pull the nosiness licenses?

“Well, I wanna make sure that there won’t be any negative implications where the residents are concerned,” he said. “But I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that the folks who are living in these conditions have a better quality of life. … I want those owners to be partners. You know, we don’t want to be antagonistic. But we want those owners to be partners in making sure that, folks have a decent place to live.”

What apartment owners say

Maxwell House reached out to News 12 with a statement.

“Following the recent in-unit fire that activated the building’s sprinkler system and damaged both elevators, we have worked diligently to restore full building operations while prioritizing the health and safety of every resident,” the owners said.

As of 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, elevator service has been restored.

“We understand the disruption this caused and remain grateful for our residents’ patience and resilience,” the owners said. “During the repair period, we provided temporary hotel accommodations for all residents who requested alternative housing as well as supplemental trash pickup for those who are unable to dispose of household trash in the building’s designated garbage disposal area.”

The owners said they “continue to implement a comprehensive building improvement plan that addresses residents’ concerns and ensures a safe, supportive living environment”:

Cleaning: Common areas, including stairwells, have been cleaned four times per week since May 2025, and that service remains ongoing.

Pest control: To help keep the building clean and pest-free, all residents are encouraged to dispose of trash properly. In addition, all exterior entry points have been identified and sealed, “and we are actively working with a third-party pest control vendor who is providing weekly pest abatement services.”

HVAC: A full building walkthrough and inspection was conducted by a third-party HVAC specialist to ensure proper operation. Supplemental air conditioning units are being installed as needed.

Fire systems: Inspected and confirmed operational by a certified third-party fire protection vendor.

“We are committed to working closely with city leaders, inspectors, and residents to ensure that all services meet or exceed regulatory standards,” said a spokesperson for the apartments. “Transparency, responsiveness, and continued communication remain central to our approach.”

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