MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Residents are saying enough is enough at Serenity Towers. The East Memphis high rise has been plagued by problems in recent years.
The complex’s management is in a legal battle with Shelby County Environmental Court for failing to maintain the property and leaving a large senior population at risk.
“They need to tear it down,” said Herbert Smith, a Serenity Towers resident for 12 years.
The Memphian has called Serenity Towers home for over a decade. Today, he is one of the many residents criticizing the upkeep of the complex. On Tuesday, inspectors laid out ongoing HVAC and elevator issues to Shelby County Environmental Court Judge Patrick Dandridge.
“I know you’re trying to do your job, but this is absolutely unacceptable,” said Dandridge.
The judge ordered a total of $3,000 in fines to Millenia Housing Management, the Ohio-based company which runs Serenity Towers. Previously, the complex received $4,000 last week and $5,000 in June.
People living at this Highland apartment complex said they have been having to deal with these less than favorable conditions for years. Problems facing residents in the past include mold, bed bug outbreaks and even broken water heaters.
“We ain’t got no hot water. We ain’t got no cleanup crew,” said Smith.
Residents like Smith hope Dandridge will follow through with his threat to shut the apartment complex down for good if management does not properly address the ongoing issues in the buildings.
Dandridge is ordering representatives for Serenity to appear back in court Thursday and next Tuesday for updates to the ongoing issues.
“Council presence is expected in both settings. An attorney for this corporation is allowed to speak. Do you need to have a representation and if not substantial fines and start moving towards contempt,” said Dandridge.