MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Residents who live in Serenity Towers are set to move out as the city of Memphis plans to relocate them.
Serenity Towers is still facing issues with broken elevators in the east tower, no heating in common areas, and cracks throughout the building.
“We have been put on notice that these kinds of precinct or kind of transitions with HUB have taken up to a year but with these pressing issues at Serenity Towers, it is our belief that is not an appropriate timeline,” said Attorney Carlissa Shaw. “Starting Monday, December 23rd, Memphis Housing Authority, will serve as the management company, who will be in charge of the management of Serenity Towers.”
This means Memphis Housing Authority will now be in charge of making sure that the property is operable, they are on-site making sure that repairs are being done. They also agreed that the residents would be moved.
“About two-thirds of this property is occupied by people who are receiving HUD benefits. HUD then brings in its own transition specialist and they will be able to relocate to anywhere in the county,” Shaw said. “The other unsubsidized people are about 40 people and then our local Memphis Housing Authority as well as HCD will help transition into housing spaces.”
According to Shaw, they are hoping to make the transition swiftly.
“We asked all parties involved if it is at all possible to have the property completely vacated within the next four months,” Shaw said. “The city is still very active in making sure that this isn’t just another wasted and lost property in the middle of our city.”
In the upcoming weeks, each tenant will receive notice of what’s happening and what to expect regarding the next step.
The next court appearance is scheduled for January 16 at 9 a.m.
