LOUISVILLE, Ky. — People living at the Dosker Manor apartments say they’re fed up with deteriorating, unsafe conditions both inside and outside their homes.
And in a news conference Monday, the Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) detailed efforts they're making to remedy the issues and plans for the future.
LMHA Executive Director Elizabeth Strojan hosted a packed house of tenants at Dosker Manor, telling them the city is putting more resources into repairs, ramping up inspections, pest treatments, and safety.
"It's not just what's going on inside the apartments, there are issues with the buildings and the systems themselves. And that's what this is all about," said Strojan, who along with Mayor Craig Greenberg has acknowledged the situation at Dosker Manor is unacceptable. "There are underlying issues, and systems in the buildings that are long past their useful life."
Strojan also says they’ve added both on duty and off duty officers on site, along with 24/7 security.
Dosker Manor, just east of downtown, is Louisville's largest public housing complex, holding nearly 700 units. But it's also almost 60 years old, with an aging foundation.
Tenants have complained of mold, bug infestations and multiple instances of gun violence, including a shooting last week where a woman was struck by a stray bullet.
That woman, with her wounded hand bandaged, was one of many people who voiced their frustrations Monday.
Others brought up the nagging question: Has the three buildings reached a point of no return? Should the LMHA tear them down, start fresh and transfer residents elsewhere in the meantime?
Dosker Manor tenant Angeletta Johnson seems to think so -- calling for quick, decisive action.
"What I say is tear it down and build it all over again. Get these people out of here that don’t want this," Johnson said. "The ones that want something [else], give them vouchers and let them out of here.”
However, both Johnson and Strojan admitted not every resident, many of whom are seniors, wants to leave. Some rather not go through the hassles of moving, and others simply aren't physically able.
"A lot of us want change. A lot of us don't want change," Johnson said.
Strojan said "the buildings are in terrible shape right now," so the LMHA has to "move faster than we have in the past."
When asked how seriously the city is considering the potential of starting anew, Strojan responded, "It's a serious conversation, it's a serious consideration."
She continued, "But it's not as simple as 'what are you going to do, tell me what it's going to look like.' It's a process that we will go through. And the residents will be supported every step of the way."
Strojan started in her role in January. She replaced Lisa Osanka, who faced heavy scrutiny because of the conditions at Dosker Manor.
The LMHA says starting May 1, the agency will be partnering with the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods to bring social workers on site.
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