MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The feds are taking a long, hard look into a Memphis home repair program after an ABC 24 News report last month.
The city's HARP program pays for home repairs for people who have low to moderate incomes. Taxpayers are picking up the $2 million tab. The question is, are taxpayers and the homeowners getting their money's worth?
Barbara Davis says two weeks ago a special agent from the criminal division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Inspector General Division appeared at her home.
Davis says the agent asked her questions about the repair work that was supposed to be done to her home.
"He said he saw me on the TV," she said. "I don't want my property to look bad and this looks bad."
Last month Davis showed ABC 24 News what was supposed to be $20,000 worth of work contractors hired by the city did to her home. She was upset about improperly installed railings, brand new warped kitchen cabinets, a leaking new roof, and the list went on and on.
After our first report, Davis says the contractors came back and made additional repairs but it was work you wouldn't pay for, even though you did.
"If you're gonna do something do it right, don't just send the lowest bidder to my house."
She adds if the city is spending taxpayer money rehabbing homes, don't waste the money.
"The HARP program is jacked up," she said. "It's bad, I got a bum job, I really did. It hurts."
A city spokesperson says they are not aware of a federal investigation but added that they wouldn't necessarily know.
No one from HUD would release any details.
A city spokesman says it is currently reviewing the case, and people who have complaints about the program can contact HARP.
