Zoom commenter alleges gas leaks and children without hot water at Price Hill apartment; county to follow up

During the public-comment portion of the April 2 meeting, Zoom participant Caitlyn Smith reported alleged hazardous living conditions at 425 Padretti Avenue in Price Hill and urged county action.

Smith said Duke Energy shut off gas at the property on Feb. 25 because of gas leaks and that some units had no hot water. She said an adjudication order was posted March 27 but only on two units even though four units had been shut off at the meter, and she alleged the building is not registered for rental registration. "There are kids. I've involved the police," Smith said, adding that she had contacted multiple county staff and requested records that she said were not adequately provided.

Commissioner Denise Driehaus referred Smith's concerns to County Administrator Jeff Aluotto and asked staff to collect Smith's contact information so they could follow up. Aluotto said he would take the matter to administration and requested any documentation Smith had be submitted to the clerk.

The board did not take immediate enforcement action during the meeting; the transcript shows the concern was formally referred to the administrator for investigation and follow-up.