On November 1st during the Meeting of the Mayor and Council and on November 18th at a Washington College SGA Community Dialogue event, residents of Brook Meadow spoke up about the discriminatory and racist housing practices they have experienced. Brook Meadow is one of Chestertown’s Federal Section 8 Housing. Residents have experienced abysmal living conditions, discrimination and inconstant rules and practices, and threats from the landlord. 
 
Living Conditions: Tenants have experienced severe mold and mildew issues and even after reporting these issues, they were ignored. Leaking AC units and floods have been reported on separate occasions and it took weeks to months to be cleaned and to address the mold issues that arose. One resident’s child has experienced respiratory distress twice that has been medically connected to mold in the apartment. Adult residents have also reported respiratory illness as a result of mold and mildew, in addition to increased mental health stress. Residents have reported severe cases of mold that have been ignored, covered by duct tape, or told “you’ll be alright” despite severe medical and health issues arising from these issues. These mold issues have been confirmed by a company and members the Health Department.
 
Discrimination: Residents have been given eviction notices that do not follow the legal practices of evictions (i.e. involving the court and sheriff's office). Eviction timelines have varied depending on residents, ranging from two weeks notice to an end-of-the-year notice. Although white residents are also experiencing issues, the landlord has required more documentation from black residents, forced them out at a higher rate, and there has informational discrepancies about federal rules and the renovation process. Not only are the landlord’s actions discriminatory and in violation of federal laws, she has also exhibited racism. 
 
Threats: The landlord of Brook Meadow has intimidated residents whenever they bring issues up to her. She has called the police, refused to provide legal documents and assistance, and threatened residents when making requests or reporting issues, even issues that she is mandated to fix as a property manager for federal housing. 
 
By signing this pledge, I show my support for the residents of Brook Meadow and other Federal Housing tenants that are experiencing discriminatory housing practices. I demand that TM Associates addresses the issues and reports against these discriminatory housing practices immediately. I demand that elected officials at local, state, and federal levels use their resources, influence, and power to support the residents.