Three Roanoke code inspectors began an inquiry into all 40 units of Maple Grove Apartments, a blighted complex in Northwest Roanoke where tensions between Somali-Bantus and American-born blacks have drawn the attention of police in recent days.

As reported today in The Roanoke Times, four of the apartments have been cited for various code deficiencies, such as mold-ridden drywall, since mid-March. Residents say poor maintenance of the apartments contributes to tensions that boil over into anger aimed at each other.

On Thursday, Vontina Durham, one of the inspectors, discovered evidence that an apartment unit she had officially condemned  April 2 was still occupied – although it had been ordered vacated.

"You need to get out," she told the tenant, Tricia Arrington, who has five children. Arrington protested that she had already moved and had returned to collect personal belongings. But Durham said the smell of urine, among other things, indicated the apartment was still occupied.

The apartments are owned by Dr. George Abraham, a Roanoke allergist. Abraham met with The Roanoke Times for near an hour on Monday and declined to answer any questions about the apartments on the record.

Inspectors began preparing what seems certain to be a long list of needed maintenance to report to Abraham, who has owned the complex for five years. Inspector Troy Coles told Abraham's maintenance worker that the exterior of the buildings need cleaning, and promised advice in renting a pressure washer. What's more, Coles told him, "Pretty much the whole complex will need repainting."