MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The new owner of an apartment complex in the Medical District was denied by a local board to receive tax dollars from an incentive program to improve the building.
More than four months ago, Richman Asset Management took over the property from Millenia Companies after years of resident complaints, which include broken elevators, air conditioning issues and mold.
During Wednesday's meeting, Memphis' Health, Education, and Housing Facility (HEHF) board members said Richman failed to reach the residency capacity requirement of 75 percent. As of this month, HEHF reported the complex is at 55 percent.
Members of the Memphis Towers Tenants Union said for the first time in months they had an opportunity to express to the new owner the issues they continue to experience.
According to some the residents, work orders are not being complete, there is a lack of security and some Millenia staff is still working at Memphis Towers.
The union's organizer, Mauri Pickney said they consider the board's decision a win. She said for now, Richman doesn't deserve those tax dollars until they take care of residents' basic needs.
"Tenants are tired and they wanted answers, and they demanded the PILOT not be reinstated to Richman just because they made a few changes," Pickney said.
During the HEHF meeting, Memphis Towers residents kept the pressure on Richman to improve the building.
"They promised tenants big changes at the property despite still having old Millenia staff who are still employed at the property," she said.
One of the board members, Charles Carpenter, said during the meeting to a representative of Richman, Bryan Myers, that they would reconsider reinstating the management group in 60 days.
Board members told Myers they were pleased with the progress he's made since taking over and they are willing to work with him.
After the board's decision, Myers spoke to Memphis Towers residents, saying he wasn't aware of their outlined problems.
"We're at fault if we don't react to it, alright. We're gonna do everything we can; you guys brought a lot of stuff to our attention," Myers said.
Myers also told the residents that Richman has made security a priority since day one.
"We pay the security company a lot of money, $210,000 a year; they should do their job. If they're not accountable to you, I'll make sure they're accountable," Myers said to the residents.
Myers also told residents they have installed 45 new cameras and will deploy a second phase of cameras in the near future.
Myers declined an on-camera interview with ABC24.