State senator to contact Florida surgeon general about Willowbrook

Article Courtesy of Bay News 9

Published February 3, 2013

BRADENTON -- A state senator wants to get Florida's surgeon general involved in a dispute over a Manatee County development, according to the Bradenton Herald.

Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, toured the troubled 272-unit Willowbrook development Friday and said he saw "living conditions that, at least to my lay eyes, do not seem safe."

The development in eastern Manatee County has been plagued by what homeowners say are serious construction deficiencies and health and safety concerns. Some residents have also complained about noise and debris.

According to the Herald, Galvano said he planned to meet with George Glance, president of KB Home's Central Florida operations, and to contact Florida's surgeon general, John H. Armstrong.

State Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, toured the troubled Willowbrook community in east Manatee County and told the Bradenton Herald he saw saw "living conditions that, at least to my lay eyes, do not seem safe."

Galvano also has requested information from the state Department of Business & Professional Regulation. The department investigated and found violations, but has declined to release its findings.

KB Home said in a statement to the Herald it is working to correct the problems.

"While the restoration work under way at Willowbrook is taking longer than anyone would like, we believe that the third-party engineers and inspectors working independently on behalf of our homeowners are going to great lengths to supervise, evaluate and inspect the work to verify it is per plan and specifications," the statement said.

KB Home criticism, lawsuits growing