By Heart of Illinois ABC
NORMAL – Fire investigators say a three-alarm fire at an apartment building in Normal last weekend was caused by repair work.
12 apartments were either heavily damaged or destroyed in Saturday’s fire.
The affected residents, who are mostly students at ISU, are in hotels waiting for what’s next.
Some say the alternatives offered are a huge step down.
“We had a two-bedroom and paid a decent penny for it,” ISU student Angelica Rodriguez said. “Now, our two new rooms put together doesn’t even equal the size of one.”
Rodriguez and her roommate, Kelly Moreno, were told none of their belongings at Sugar Creek could be saved.
They were paying a flat rate which included rent and utilities.
Now, they’re forced to start from scratch, pay utilities and find furniture, while paying the same amount for rent.
“We signed a lease agreement that said it would come with WiFi provided and things like that,” Moreno said. “For us to pay the same rent and not have the same things we had… Why? We should be able to get the same things that we had.”
The same goes for ISU senior Alexander Neff, who says he may just avoid the trouble and spend the last few months of the semester back with his parents.
“This is just the cherry on top of my college career,” Neff said. “I was really enjoying the last few months, and now, it’s just cut short. I’m trying to find a new spot to stay in town, but it’s been really hard.”
Some students also say there is a lack of communication on the status of their belongings.
The vice president of First Site Apartments – the company that manages Sugar Creek – says they’re doing their best, providing guidance and gift cards.
Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].
