Collapsed ceilings, human feces, roaches, animal feces, faulty water pipes, and a stench that can be smelled from outside. Those were the types of conditions residents at Timber Ridge Apartments, 4005 Meadows Dr., had been living in.
“I already had moved. If people can go somewhere better than this then I’m happy. Anything’s better than living in these things,” said former resident Sabrina Julius.
“If I turned in my rent late, they would threaten to evict me. It’s hard to get maintenance to come and fix anything,” added tenant Eddie Parker. “Even though a lot of people don’t have anywhere to go, I’m sure they’ll find something. We have to leave, but it’s a blessing.”
Due to a court order backed by the Marion County Health Department and an overwhelming number of health code violations, the Timber Ridge apartments were shut down only giving residents 16 days to move to other apartments or rental properties around the city. They were forced to leave this week.
While some paid up to $300 a month including an initial application fee of $50 and $100 deposit, according to John Althardt, spokesman for the Health Department, residents faced conditions such as septic systems not working properly, water erosion problems, holes in the roof, mold, insects, rodents and asbestos. Parker added prostitutes, drug addicts and drug dealers were also a norm.
To add to the inhumanity of individuals living in squalor, residents were notified of the evacuation by copies of the court order taped on the entrance window of each building.
Even on the very last day of eviction, Julius and another concerned family member, Cynthia Wade, were still helping loved ones pack salvageable belongings.
“We had to buy masks for this property. Its terrible living conditions these people have been living in. I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Patty Scaggs, owner of Circle City Movers. “Some of my crew have on full body suits and booties.”
“All of our trucks will be fumigated and all of our pads will be washed as soon as this move is over with,” added Circle City Mover worker Steve Morrison.
While Scaggs and her crew helped remaining residents move their things, a police officer on the scene stated they had been called out to Timber Ridge up to four times. While other entities such as the fire department along with the Health Department and local community service organizations had been battling to help residents, many wonder where certain government officials have been through this catastrophe?
City-County Councilwoman Christine Scales, who represents the district, stated she had been made aware of the problem via TV from a local news source. She did, however receive a phone call an hour before an informational meeting and couldn’t attend, but was able to make a second meeting where she met residents and passed out information.
Scales states that while connecting with other city government entities, she is putting her trust in the Health and Hospital Corp. of Marion County.
“Health and Hospital went to court, but this has to play out. You have to give the owners their due process,” said Scales. “I am going to be more proactive with Health and Hospital to make sure they’re staying on top of things. I’m going to take a look at what else is in my area, but I don’t believe there’s anything with those kinds of deplorable conditions.”
“There’s only so much I can do, it’s up to Health and Hospital. What I can do is be a better advocate,” she said.
One should also note that while Scales became a City-County Council member in January 2008, the notorious Phoenix Apartments is also within her district lines. Scales further stated the reason it took so long to take action against Timber Ridge was due to legal red tape and stated her “heart and efforts belong most to those who find themselves burdened by their situations.”
As of Recorder press time, neither Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard nor state Rep. Greg Porter had returned Recorder phone calls or e-mails asking for comment about the apartments.
After all of the complaints leading up to the recent eviction, Timber Ridge’s property owners, WK Holdings, a New Jersey based company, was advertising the complex on its Web site as an “average apartment size is 700 sq. ft. including porcelain tub and sink, and many units include a den.”
The Web site said, “The units are carpeted, have hardwood flooring, and new appliances. The building’s exterior is completely brick, and recently renovated. The area is nicely landscaped and is in walking distance to schools, health care services, beautiful city parks, and shopping.”
WK Holdings is also the property owners of Strawbridge Green and Chesapeake Landing apartments in Indianapolis. At Recorder press time, WK Holdings also hadn’t returned phone calls or e-mails.
Althardt states WK Holdings will be the ones held legally responsible for this incident. Scales further states the majority of the citations given to WK Holdings were met with inaction and ignored.
Through all of the tragedy surrounding Timber Ridge Apartments and its residents, there are individuals and community organizations who were on hand to help. Terrandy Smithson, who works for Forest Manor Multi Service Center had been visiting with residents well before the sudden eviction and had been laboring along side movers, tenants and other community service providers to find appropriate housing.
“We assisted families with first month rent. After the order went up and after the meeting, we went door to door making sure everyone knew what opportunities they had,” said Smithson. “We had a representative from DSI properties with us to let them know they were waiving first month’s rent, deposits and application fees. Some went and applied for section 8. At least we got them in the first month and once section 8 kicks in they can still be able to support themselves.”
