Bridgeport veterans say support center is in 'unhealthy' condition

Exclusive photos obtained by News 12 Connecticut show water damage, leaks, debris and wires on the floor. Veterans say there is mold throughout as well.

News 12 Staff

Jun 16, 2023, 12:10 AM

Updated 490 days ago

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Some veterans in Bridgeport say the support center they rely on is in a deplorable state, and claim Mayor Joe Ganim is not doing enough to help.
Exclusive photos obtained by News 12 Connecticut show water damage, leaks, debris and wires on the floor. Veterans say there is mold throughout as well.
They are calling on Ganim to move them out of this location but say the mayor has refused to come and view the building himself.
"There's water leaking in there, water coming up from the floor. I mean it's unhealthy for us. There's mold. We have a room where we keep clothes, we have to put in the cleaners first. It's unsafe. What has the mayor done to try and help the situation? Mayor hasn't done anything," said veteran Lenny Hunter.
News 12 has learned that the mayor's office told the veterans they would need to be out of the location by July 1 to a location they do not want to go, the Eisenhower Senior Center.
When News 12 started to ask questions – the veterans were told they could stay on East Main Street for now.
The mayor says he has been working to get a meeting together to discuss new locations.
"We reached out to the veterans and offered two dates to meet, and they refused. We will reach out again tomorrow in hopes to meet in person on Friday on site," Ganim said in a statement. "As a proud supporter of all Bridgeport veterans, I am deeply committed to ensuring that we meet their needs. My administration is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the situation, and we hope to be making an announcement soon regarding an alternative space for the veterans' needs. I salute the sacrifices they have made on behalf of our nation, and I thank them for their patience as we address this matter of urgent priority."