Issues remain at Serenity Towers after chronic nuisance status
Oct 29, 2024
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- It's been two weeks since Serenity Towers was deemed a chronic nuisance by the environmental court.
This comes on the heels of a sweep from code enforcement which discovered ongoing issues including dozens of units still infested with bed bugs. Unfortunately, some of the problems persist.
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Without missing a step, attorney Geoffrey Gaia made his way back into environmental court on Tuesday.
Gaia, who represents Millennia, the owners of Serenity, quickly learned there have been missteps in an effort to get things back on better footing at the South Highland high-rise.
One big concern centers around the elevators. There are two in the West Tower and Two in the East. Fire inspectors said just hours earlier there were problems, yet again.
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"None working on the east side, but they corrected it before I left," said inspectors.
This is concerning, considering most of those living at Serenity Towers are elderly and/or disabled. The majority live in the tower where the elevators are working sporadically.
"It jams up the system for the fire department trying to respond to other things," said Marcus Ward, Special Master.
But, it's not all bad news. The hot water and HVAC are working, although it is unclear what will happen when the system is changed over from AC to heat, as it has not happened yet.
"We have identified what the issues are at Serenity Towers time and time again. I think the missing piece for analysis is what needs to be done to remedy those things," said Carlissa Shaw, a city of Memphis attorney.
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The city is asking the court to have Serenity pick up the tab, not the taxpayer, for an outside source to put a plan in place to solve the ongoing problems once and for all.
Those who continue to go to the fourth floor, in front of the judge inside the environmental court say they will continue doing so. The reason is simple - to make sure the nearly 170 people who call Serenity Towers home are living in a safe and sanitary environment.
When it comes to the chronic nuisance, all sides are set to be back in court on November 26 for a report date.
We will keep you updated.