OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — More than six months since the CityPlace apartments fire, the sights and sounds of rebuilding are happening in the College Park Estates neighborhood.
A stark contrast from March 20, when thick smoke from the fire enveloped the area.
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Jim Trometer noticed it because of his dog, Baron.
"He started pulling on my sleeve trying to get me to move and so I followed him downstairs and opened the front door. Upon opening the door, I saw this fireman with my neighbor’s hose in his hand dousing the shrubs along the house," Trometer told 41 Action News Monday.
Embers from the fire left holes in Trometer’s roof, melted the vinyl covering over his backyard and scorched his fence.
Trometer said initially the damage was estimated at $33,000. Since the fire, they’ve adjusted his loss, knocking it down another $5,000.
"They’ve been slow and it’s been a hassle. They haven’t covered everything," Trometer said.
Trometer also been in touch with Nationwide, the insurance company for Titan construction who is responsible for covering the damages.
“They keep saying 'well, we’re putting together all of the policies. There might be multiple carriers involved. We’re trying to collect all the claims.' I said, ‘you said that sixty days ago’ and so I’ve talked her three times since. I get the same answer,” Trometer said.
Meanwhile, the City of Overland Park tells 41 Action News the rebuilding process is moving smoothly.
All the damaged properties now have construction permits and some homeowners are even applying for occupancy permits
But Trometer is intent on recouping what he’s lost.
"I think there’s a lot of people who have given up in frustration. I’m not," Trometer said.
In a statement, Nationwide wrote, “Nationwide is aware of the circumstances, and we are in the process of investigating the matter. However, due to privacy laws, we cannot discuss the specifics related to this claim.”
The city does point out that there’s the Block Cares Fire Relief Fund run by the Salvation Army to help out affected homeowners with costs.
