Key West, FL – Jackie Talarico, once a resident of Sigsbee Park and a military spouse, is steering a significant legal challenge against Balfour Beatty, a UK-based firm that manages military housing across the United States. The lawsuit, initiated on March 27, encompasses grievances from nearly 200 military families, detailing severe health problems and unsafe living conditions they allege were concealed by the company.
These military families, housed in neighborhoods like Sigsbee Park, Trumbo Point, and Truman Annex, claim to have suffered from a range of health issues, such as asthma, sinusitis, migraines, and chronic respiratory problems. In their testimonies, they describe enduring symptoms like memory lapses, brain fog, blurred vision, and weakened immune systems, which they attribute to the conditions of their living quarters.
The lawsuit reveals a shared burden among the affected families who faced financial hardships due to inadequate housing solutions provided by Balfour Beatty. Talarico recounts her family’s ordeal, having spent the last six months of her husband Anthonie’s shore duty on an air mattress, along with their two children and a dog, following an eviction notice from their home.
Opting for the safety of her family, Talarico moved off-base and began advocating for the health and safety of other families potentially impacted by similar housing issues. The Talaricos relocated to her parents’ home while her husband completed his duty in Texas. The family continues to recover both health-wise and financially, noting the challenges with Tricare, which does not cover mold testing and related health treatments.
A 175-page document details the experiences of 55 families, who reported neglect and various harms linked to alleged mismanagement by Balfour Beatty. The company has been under scrutiny from these families for nearly a year, with many connecting through a private Facebook group to share their grievances and photographs documenting mold, structural damages, and other unsafe conditions.
Not motivated by financial gain, Talarico emphasizes her drive stems from seeking justice and accountability for her children’s health and for other families in similar situations. Her advocacy extends beyond social media, where she utilizes platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to inform and unite affected individuals.
The response from Balfour Beatty Communities to the allegations was to affirm their intention to vigorously defend themselves in court, reiterating that resident wellbeing is their foremost priority. This comes after the company’s 2021 settlement where they paid over $65 million in fines and restitution for a fraud scheme related to U.S. military housing repairs.
This case, with its nearly 200 plaintiffs, is expected to evolve slowly. Meanwhile, the housing crisis in Key West continues to strain resources, with many military families choosing to live off-base, adding pressure to the local non-military housing market.
NAS Key West has declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings. They did state, however, that their Housing Service Center continues to actively support families with any housing or property maintenance issues. An expert team from various military and health departments is involved in inspecting every home at NAS Key West, focusing on resolving critical life, health, and safety concerns.
As this story progresses, it mirrors larger issues about military housing quality and the well-being of service members and their families across the nation.
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