Frustrated Warren tenants lay concerns before city leaders, attorneys
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"We're here because we're not giving up," said Warren First Ward Councilman Rev. Todd Johnson to a group of some 60 residents of the Stonegate Apartments.
Those residents who came to Thursday's meeting are tired.
Tired of bad living conditions, tired of problem after problem with their buildings, tired of not being heard.
Councilman Johnson called the meeting to give them a chance to not only be heard, but to learn how to solve the problems they've been facing for years.
"Issues related to fire safety, fire detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers need to be inspected and we're going to work on that immediately through the city and our fire department," said Johnson. When we asked him if these residents expect that to start tomorrow, he replied "that's going to start within the week."
Attorney Patty Dougan with Community Legal Aid says other problems include mismanagement of funds and health and safety issues.
She told the residents they have some short term recourse like holding their rent in escrow.
But a long-term solution is going to take organizing and a longer-term commitment.
Dougan hopes to get HUD involved as well by forcing inspections.
Another option may include receivership.
"'What are you gonna fix? How are you gonna fix it? When are you gonna fix it? And where are you gonna get the money?' And if the owner can't show all of those things to the satisfaction of the court, then they will appoint a receiver," Dugan said.
Councilman Johnson said the mounting frustration apparently led the out-of-state property owner, Troy Green, to send someone to the meeting and record what residents said. Johnson quickly kicked him out.
"So we're calling on those owners, the Greens, to come here and to speak to us personally and begin to work this out, or we're going to pursue further legal options," Johnson said.
Whether those owners decide to come to the table remains to be seen.