MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Serenity Towers Saga appears to be nearing an end.

The City of Memphis told an environmental court judge that it is looking to vacate the troubled senior living high-rise before the summer. However, the judge has a few concerns.

In Environmental Court Thursday morning, Attorney Carlissa Shaw presented an order that details a four-month time period to have the property completely evacuated. Shaw says the property is no longer safe or fit for people. 

She says the city met with residents to discuss their next steps.

“They were notified that this was a temporary receivership and there was no intention to repair the building so that they could stay there but just give them meaningful transition time,” said Shaw.

Special Master Marcus Ward says roughly 150 tenants are waiting for placements. He says a representative with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has been interviewing tenants to assess their specific needs.

However, Ward says HUD has yet to schedule a meeting to address tenants which is needed to initiate the relocation process.

Shaw also says HUD has not approved the city’s special voucher request. 

The city says it is acting as owner of Serenity Towers and has contracted Memphis Housing Authority to manage the property.

“Memphis Housing Authority is doing all that they can to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the people in Serenity Towers. However, this is not intended to be a long-term transition,” Shaw said.

The judge says he’s more concerned about the occupants rather than the timeline and wants to make sure the process is fair and tenants are treated with decency.

He did not sign the order Thursday but requested the city make changes that would further clarify the position of the receiver — or someone who will step in to manage the property while legal issues are being worked out.

The city says the timeline is necessary as they have no plans to be the permanent receiver.

“The timelines, we would argue, are necessary because this is a philanthropic effort by way of the city of Memphis,” Shaw said.

Neither an attorney for Millennia nor a representative for HUD was in court.

The next court date is Thursday morning.