'Not Sure How Long I Can Continue': Waukesha Condo Owners Still Stuck

WAUKESHA, WI — Former residents who had to evacuate a Waukesha condominium last year said they're still struggling to get back on their feet.

The Waukesha Fire Department evacuated the Horizon West Condominiums, 315 N. West Ave., due to unstable structural conditions on Dec. 2, 2021, City of Waukesha officials said. A total of 65 residents left the building, returning only once to retrieve their belongings.

Condominium owners were evacuated with 15 minutes notice, a GoFundMe started by Diane McGeen said. The fundraiser, which aims to help 48 families who had to evacuate, has raised $17,215 out of a $50,000 goal.

Some residents lost thousands of dollars in equity or still owe the condominium thousands in mortgage.

"My wife and my children finally convinced me to retire at 78," said RJ Esposito, a former condo owner. The evacuation upended his retirement plans, and he had to start working again.

"I am again working, but at 78 I don't have the energy that I had five or 10 years ago, so I'm not sure how long I can continue," he added.

Structural engineers found the Horizon West building was unstable amid a balcony removal project in the fall of 2021, resident Laurel Peterson said in a statement.

A raze order for the building is in effect with a 120-day deadline from May 24, Fox 6 Milwaukee reported. A condo association will still own the land when or if the building comes down.

See Also: GoFundMe Set Up For Displaced Waukesha Condo Residents

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