Mold removal begins following KATU report

PORTLAND, Ore. - An exclusive Team 2 investigation got results after we shed light on a potentially dangerous mold problem at a public housing project in north Portland.

KATU News exposed the problem at The Plaza Townhomes on Wednesday and on Thursday came news that new policies were being implemented to make mold-free apartments a priority.

On Wednesday, the manager told KATU News there was no proof of mold at the complex, which is owned by the Housing Authority of Portland, despite the fact that we found mold everywhere in one of the homes.

On Thursday, officials with the Housing Authority of Portland reacted swiftly.  They said mold has been an issue at The Plaza Townhomes for years, but they had not idea it was so bad.

"As soon as we became aware, thanks to your news report about just how extensive the mold was in this unit, we moved quickly to move the residents to another unit," said Shelly Marchesi.

One couple who has been living with black mold for years is glad something is finally being done.

"It's just funny that we have to go through the news to get something done for us," said Yakim Girma.

"I'm just surprised that it took them so long and took going through all of this for them to do something about it," said Ashley Price.

Price and Girma cannot wait for their clean start in a different apartment, which they will move into on Monday, but they are concerned about other families still living in moldy apartments.

"It can cause a lot of problems to your health and your body," said Price.

The Housing Authority of Portland will be inspecting every apartment and will tell the private company that manages the complex to deal with the mold.