MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In December 2022, ABC24 started investigating a South Memphis apartment complex that had gone months without trash pickup and had garbage piling up all over the property.
Trash service was eventually restored, and the property manager was taken to Shelby County Environmental Court after those stories.
But after checking back in on the complex Tuesday, it appears things have gotten worse.
At the Latham Heights Apartment Complex, on South Parkway near Third Street, it is almost impossible to find a building that is not either boarded up or has its door hanging open, revealing the ruined room inside. Some vacant apartments are stashed full of trash and multiple buildings have broken windows and holes in the roof.
And there are still three tenants paying rent to stay there.
“It's unsanitary, unhealthy and the place should be boarded up,” said Memphis NAACP president Kermit Moore, who lives nearby. “It’s dangerous. It's dangerous for the young children coming from AB Hill Elementary School walking past.”
More is also president of the Lauderdale Sub Neighborhood Association and first brought this complex to ABC24’s attention. He said his friend is one of the few remaining residents.
Another tenant said the landlord threatened eviction to those who talked to the media.
“No one should have to live like that,” Moore said. “And to feel like they're under the threat of being evicted if they say something. That's criminal.”
ABC24 reached out to the landlord, but she has not called back. Property owner Memphis Partners NY LLC (in Brooklyn, New York) does not have public contact information listed.
In addition to more affordable housing options, Moore said there needs to be better ways to hold property owners accountable.
“We need enforcement of the ordinances that we have to make landlords shut down properties that are uninhabitable,” he said.
ABC24 has contacted City of Memphis Code Enforcement, and they will be visiting the Latham Heights Apartment complex on Wednesday.