By TNCPNEWS Staff
⚠️ WARNING: Some of the photos associated with this story may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
LANSING, MI — Residents of an apartment building at 318 W. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906, say they have been dealing with an alleged bedbug infestation and have contacted the City of Lansing’s Code Compliance Division in hopes of resolving the issue.
The New Citizens Press visited the property after speaking with residents who requested that attention be brought to their concerns. During the visit, two of the three individuals interviewed showed what they said were bedbug bites. One of the residents is pregnant and expressed concern about the impact the situation has had on her health and well-being.
Out of concern for staff safety and the potential spread of bedbugs, The New Citizens Press did not enter the building and therefore did not independently verify the conditions inside.
Public tax records identify Todd Dowrick and Brad Dowrick as the owners of the 21-unit apartment building, which was constructed in 1922.
Owner Responds
The New Citizens Press contacted property owner Todd Dowrick, who said the concerns are being addressed.
According to Dowrick, the apartment building was professionally fumigated on July 23, and a follow-up treatment has already been scheduled for approximately two weeks from now to help ensure the effectiveness of the extermination process.
Dowrick said bedbug infestations are a challenge faced by many landlords and are typically introduced by tenants rather than resulting from negligence or intentional wrongdoing by property owners.
“It is a big challenge to house hundreds of individuals,” Dowrick told The New Citizens Press.
Dowrick also said he has owned the property for approximately 22 years and has long participated in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, providing affordable housing for many Lansing residents.
“Despite its challenges, we’re providing housing for people who need it,” he said.
Residents Hope Conditions Improve
Residents told The New Citizens Press they are hopeful the treatment will eliminate the infestation and improve living conditions. They said they contacted the City of Lansing’s Code Compliance Division before the fumigation was scheduled.
The New Citizens Press will continue to follow this story, including the results of the scheduled follow-up treatment and any additional information provided by residents, the property owners, or city officials.
Photos of resident with bug bites.
