THOMASVILLE — Residents of a quiet, picturesque neighborhood off Smith Avenue gathered on Gale Street late Friday morning to tell city officials how nearby apartment complex construction has affected their personal lives, homes and property values.

“The major frustration is we have complained since Jan. 22. We want you to know this has been 10 months of hell, not a recent thing,” Rachel Lane resident and group spokesman Morgan Bailey told officials.

Said a woman who lives in the neighborhood, “It’s taken a toll on me.”

She said that if her husband, whom she said has Alzheimer’s, went into their yard, he would sink in “mush” resulting from apartment complex construction runoff.

Construction officials were told they have five days from Oct. 11 to stop water from going onto private lawns.

A woman in tears said, “I know their retention ponds are not adequate. Clay does not percolate.”

Residents also expressed concern about vehicular traffic. Thomasville City Manager/Utilities Superintendent Steve Sykes said traffic would not be allowed from the complex into the neighborhood.

“There will not be any vehicular traffic going in and out of there,” he said.

A woman who, along with her parents, lives in the neighborhood, told city officials predawn construction activity was so loud it shook the walls of her home.

Residents said construction site retention ponds have trash in them and emit a foul odor.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is working with the city to address environmental concerns at the site.

Another resident told city officials she has seen workers urinating from porches at the complex. Sykes said the situation will be addressed, adding, “That’s also a police matter.”

Loud music from the site also is a concern. The music is clearly audible in a video a resident took of construction activity.

Another resident told city officials neighborhood property owners were informed the apartment complex would not be government-subsidized, but it now appears it will be.

“I can’t make an excuse for lies,” Sykes responded, adding that the city cannot govern who lives in the apartments.

Residents said they were assured apartments near residential property lines would not have rear windows, but apartment building windows look down on houses.

Sykes said city officials will determine if apartment buildings are being constructed in locations other than what was approved by the city.

Jerry Pionessa, assistant city manager/city engineer, told property owners officials at the building site have been made aware their design is not working and must be corrected before apartments can be occupied.

Construction officials were not asked to attend the Friday gathering. Sykes said city personnel wants to gather residents’ input before meeting with the apartment complex builder or contractor.