Renters of Independence apartments confront property management about poor conditions
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Cleaning up after a fire is not the only issue renters at Independence Towers are dealing with. They say years of neglect have left other parts of the building in poor condition. They got a chance to meet with the temporary property managers at Trigild Inc. to demand change.
The recent fire at Independence Towers may have shed light on more widespread issues facing the building’s maintenance and structure. Residents say it’s impacting their quality of life, and they want to see it fixed.
“I never used to check my drinks for roaches. Now it’s a natural habit,” one renter shared in her testimony.
One by one, renters of Independence Towers shared disturbing stories with Trigild Inc. management about serious issues with the building. In some cases, it puts their lives in danger.
“My now ex-ab at the time constantly got into our building,” Elliot West told Trigild Inc. “The door locks were broken on a constant basis and the parking garage was always open.”
Since March, Rosanna Brown has dealt with several kitchen appliances that are not working as she tries to keep her three kids fed.
“Our refrigerator has not been working since we moved in,” Brown said. “It leaks, and it’s too hot, we have to replace our milk daily. Maybe every other day if we’re lucky. Our food keeps going bad.”
On top of bugs, mice, and holes in the ceiling from water damage, the biggest issue renters want addressed now is the air conditioning system that’s still offline.
“Me and my girls have asthma, the amount of heat if its 90 degrees outside its 98 degrees in my apartment,” Brown added. “The humidity with our leaks and everything else that comes with it we are constantly on the nebulizer.”
“We are 100% aware that you don’t have air conditioning and we have prioritized air conditioning above everything else,” Trigild Vice President Nancy Daniels promised. “We have had people out there on a daily basis trying to bring the chiller back up.”
Trigild Inc. took over Independence Towers a month ago as the receiver under court orders. At the same time, the previous landlord settled a lawsuit over the handling of grants meant to fix the property. On top of committing to repairing AC, they also pledged to recognize KC Tenants as the union for renters and fix the fire alarm systems if needed. Assuring they want to move the building forward.
“We are not your enemy, we are here to make this apartment complex safe and habitable,” Daniels said.
As far as what they did pledge to commit to, Nancy Daniels of Trigild Inc. said they’ll get back to the KC Tenants Union at Independence Towers sometime next week.
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