Senior tenants demand action for ignored maintenance & security issues

brokenPhoto byGuilherme CunhaonUnsplash

In a bustling neighborhood on Detroit's east side, residents of Parkview Towers, a senior apartment building, have reached a breaking point. Frustrated by persistent maintenance and security issues, they're demanding action from management.

Pat Lewis, a tenant at Parkview Towers, expressed her frustration: "My car was stolen twice. We don’t have adequate security." Lewis is not alone in her concerns. A group of neighbors organized a tenants' meeting on Tuesday afternoon to address the ongoing issues plaguing their living environment.

Christine Griffin lamented the decline of the once-beautiful building: "The building was beautiful, and it’s going down, down, down."

During the meeting, residents voiced a myriad of concerns ranging from broken appliances to security lapses. Kathy Goodman shared her experience: "In one night, somebody’s catalytic converter got cut off. They stole my car. Stole another car, and they messed up somebody else’s."

The grievances extend beyond security issues. Griffin highlighted another issue: "My ceiling leaks when it rains." William Ford, a resident in his 90s, recounted his struggle after his refrigerator broke in September and has yet to be replaced.

The majority of Parkview Tower residents are seniors or disabled, many living on fixed incomes or receiving housing assistance. They allege that management has been sluggish in addressing their concerns. Griffin shared her frustration in trying to schedule a meeting with management: "I have been trying, ever since Friday, to get a meeting with her. She tells me she has other urgent things to do. Well, this is urgent."

Independent Management Services, the company overseeing Parkview Tower, responded to the allegations. Jim Harrigan stated they were unaware of broken appliances but assured immediate action if notified. They also addressed security concerns, acknowledging broken parking lot gates and promising additional security measures.

The tenants' plight hasn't gone unnoticed by city authorities. The Building Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) field complaints related to problem properties. However, Arthur Rushin clarified that their scope is limited to specific building issues like peeling paint, electrical problems, and plumbing issues.

The tenants of Parkview Towers are not backing down. With determination and unity, they are advocating for change and demanding the improvements necessary to restore their quality of life and safety. As Pat Lewis emphatically states, "We want it fixed."