MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s one of the worst places to live in Memphis, and now we’re learning just how bad the problems at Peppertree Apartments really are.
Last year, Memphis Police said they were called to the complex 1,200 times. That’s more than three times a day on average.
Also, nearly 300 arrests were made for charges ranging from assault to drugs to murder.
Code enforcement said the place is plagued with violations, and now the city is taking them to court next month.
The issues were all brought up at a town hall meeting Tuesday held by Councilwoman Janis Fullilove. She organized the meeting after continuously hearing problems about the place.
Terry Brown was one of the community members who showed up. He said the crime at Peppertree spills over to his house across the street.
“I”m just tired,” he told WREG. “I can’t leave my house. They shot my dog once.”
Tenants agreed the problem is out of control.
“They don’t fix anything. They don’t care about the crime. All around, they just need to shut it down,” said one tenant.
Fullilove invited the district attorney’s office, police and code enforcement to talk about what’s being done.
“This is a beautiful area. A community that cares about what’s going on, and we’ve got to stomp it out like a roach!” said Fullilove.
The DA’s office said recently, they got management to partner with Safeways, a group that helps apartments improve safety. They said the lighting is better, but costly upgrades still need to be made.
The city said the complex isn’t up to code either. Recently, they found problems in every building like bed bugs and broken appliances.
People at the meeting, though, said this is nothing new.
A group of men volunteered at the complex to help tenants get GEDs, jobs and dental care until they were asked to leave last year.
“We started asking about their maintenance,” said one of the men.
As for Brown, he just wants a safe home, but can’t seem to find it. He tried to sell his house four times.
“As soon as they find out that’s across the street from the Peppertree, interest is lost,” he said shaking his head.
Former Councilman Harold Collins notified the federal government about the code violations and safety problems a couple of months ago since the feds give Peppertree money to operate.
Collins said he heard back and notified the new council member.
WREG called Peppertree’s front office, but never heard back.