LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro House Authority (LMHA) is continuing to move tenants out of Dosker Manor on Wednesday.
According to Director Elizabeth Strojan, LMHA is still working to get people out of its A Building.
That decision came down in May following years of people reportedly living in poor conditions. Tenants at the complex have reported living through bug infestations, mold and violence.
"We've done our part, so do your part and help us out," said Kay Grubb, a third-year tenant of Dosker Manor's A Building.
Best friends Janet Kellerman and Grubb said they've done everything right to move out of the 56-year-old public housing complex near downtown. They said they're all caught up on rent, which was one requirement made clear by LMHA.
"We're caught up," Kellerman said. "We've done everything you've said. Now do what you're supposed to do."
Strojan said the goal is to have all of its tenants relocated by the end of 2025, starting with the A Building.
"On one hand that is a very aggressive, fast, expedited timeline for a relocation like this, it's also a really long time to wait if you're desperate to get out of Dosker Manor," she said. "So we're doing everything that we can to make resources available to go as quickly as we can right now. We're still under a voluntary relocation so we don't have any shortage of people looking to move but I would really like to see us go faster because a lot of people are ready to go."
However, Chanelle Helm of Black Lives Matter Louisville believes "there has to be some type of conditions or stipulations to get them out ASAP."
Helm has led the way to getting changes at Dosker Manor. She said they're demanding to move now -- rent paid or not.
"There needs some type of justice to be had for anybody who's lived in those conditions," Helm said.
Keith Gregory, LMHA deputy executive director of operations, said for tenants to relocate they must have a repayment agreement for any back rent owed.
"That does not mean if they have a balance that it has to be a zero balance," Gregory said.
It's sparked a debate.
"I feel like I shouldn't have to pay to live like that," Eric Pernokis, a fourth-year tenant , said.
"If I were to catch up on my rent, then why won't they fix the place up," added Booker Bradley, another Dosker Manor tenant.
The Housing Authority is asking residents to be patient.
"We have an amazing future lined up for you, we just need the time to go through the process," Gregory said.
Gregory said so far, over 50 families have moved out as part of voluntary relocation. LMHA said it's been having discussions with Dosker Manor tenants and staff to find out what they would like to see replace the facility once it is torn down.
The housing authority said they'll announce who the new developer will be in September once it's demolished and rebuilt.
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