2020.02.11 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 28, 2020 Page 3 of 7 Council to take action to protect its renters. She reported St. Louis Park, Brooklyn Park, Bloomington, Richfield and Golden Valley have passed Tenant Ordinances. She discussed how these ordinances work to provide protection to renters. She stated at Home Line she works to understand the barriers that low income renters face. She offered her assistance to the City of New Brighton because she did not want to see any more of her neighbors facing displacement. Michael Stewart, Pike Lake Apartment tenant, stated since this management company came in none of the existing problems have been addressed and new problems have occurred. Mr. Greiger reported QT Properties has a poor rating with the Better Business Bureau. He noted this company has three or four complaints at this time. He stated this was a red flag. He explained QT Properties was deliberately putting drywall and sheetrock over mold and mildew, which was a code violation. He explained he was an Army Veteran and he did not want to be thrown out of his apartment. He felt strongly that the tenants of his building were being attacked. Ms. Brown commented her matter had gone to court and she believed the judge felt sympathy or sadness for her. She explained she had contacted the school district to learn more about the school district boundaries. She expressed frustration with the fact the school district did not go into Fridley or Columbia Heights. She reported QT Properties had threatened her with a UD Unlawful Detainer) if she moves forward with the case. She commented if this were on her record she would not be able to find a new place to live. Mr. Williams explained he was a disabled veteran and QT Properties was threatening to remove the onsite laundry facilities. He commented this would make it very difficult for the tenants to manage their laundry. He stated this was simply not fair. Ms. Doran reported it was difficult for those living with disabilities to get around the buildings. She indicated there was no handicap parking and the railings were not real sturdy. Evelyn Culver, 1476 20th Avenue NW, stated she had a child with autism that has started his school journey at Pike Lake Elementary . She indicated she would like him to remain in this school given the high level of success he has had. She noted she had lived in her apartment for the past four years and there were not any other reasonable apartments available in New Brighton. She commented she has worked the same job for 12 years and has always worked. She feared what would happen to her and her son. She requested the City step in and offer assistance. Mr. Brown stated QT Properties has been towing cars. She described how the management had placed dumpsters in the parking lot which was forcing cars onto City streets. She explained she called the non-emergency 911 number in order to discuss the situation with the Public Safety Department. She stated she was trying to help her neighbors keep from getting ticketed for on-street parking. Ariana Jackson, 2050 14th Street NW in Unit #207, stated QT Properties has been completely unresponsive to her calls. She believed it would be reasonable to allow residents to have until July 1st to move because school would be out and it would be more convenient to move in the summer versus during the winter. A resident living on 2050 14th Street NW, stated he and his wife moved to New Brighton in May. He explained the people were good to him when he first moved in. He indicated it has been difficult for him to find a new apartment. He requested the City step in and allow the tenants to remain in their apartments until July. Erin West, 2507 Garfield Avenue in Minneapolis, stated she was speaking on behalf of a Pike Lake Apartment Complex Resident, Christina Graff-Jackson who lives in Apartment 7 in the 2050 building. She noted this tenant has lived in this building for over 18 years and needs more time. She stated it was heartbreaking for this resident to leave this area of the community. A resident living on 1476 20th Avenue NW, stated she has water falling into her apartment and the bathroom is falling apart. In addition, her car was towed without notification. She noted