BURGAW, N.C. (WECT) - Neighbors living at Seven Oaks Apartments in Burgaw have complained about mold in their units for over a year.
In September 2024, all 40 units of the affordable housing complex were tested for mold by the Pender County Housing Authority, the team that oversees the complex.
WECT reported in May 2025 that several of the units tested positive for mold, including a type of black mold. It’s something the county originally denied.
On Tuesday, WECT visited the complex again and saw mold in one unit first hand.
WECT spoke to a mother of six, who has lived at Seven Oaks for over a year. Testing in her unit was completed in 2024, and showed one type of mold was found.
She asked to remain anonymous, out of fear of being kicked out of her unit.
On Tuesday, she said she doesn’t feel safe at the complex.
“I don’t want to see any of my kids dying from mold. I got to be able to live for my kids. My kids got to be able to have a mom. I’m a single parent. I’m doing it by myself as it is,” she said.
Despite her unit testing positive for mold, she said nothing has been done since 2024 to fix the problem.
In March, the county told WECT they “took immediate action” to remediate the problem after the 2024 testing.
On Tuesday, Pender County Housing Director Brianna Martindale sent the following statement in response:
Since becoming Housing Director on March 31, 2025, we have completed renovations on eight units at Seven Oaks Apartments. Including four units that are currently under construction, and these are not mold-affected.
None of the completed units have been retested, though initial tests confirmed they were clear of mold. Two units that previously tested positive remain vacant and will be retested once construction is complete. No one has lived in these units since November 2024.
We have also power-washed all exterior areas, completed duct cleanings, and scheduled carpet cleanings for Aug. 20 and 21.
We are moving quickly to complete these improvements while ensuring safe, healthy housing for residents. No residents are living in apartments with mold.
As the county denies that residents at Seven Oaks Apartments are living with mold, neighbors like the mother WECT spoke with say they have evidence that the county’s statement is not true.
As of Tuesday, the county has not responded to WECT’s questions on if all 40 units would be tested again.