MEMPHIS, Tenn. — During a court hearing, city officials and an attorney for Millennia, Serenity Towers’ owners, said they are working on a plan to relocate residents from the troubled complex.

Questions remain regarding what’s next for the residents of Serenity Towers. The complex has been at the center of controversy for years due to consistent issues, poor living conditions, and lack of direction from the owners, Millennia. 

“I feel like we should be moving to find ways to relocate the tenants because I know the city is not trying to maintain this building,” said Judge Patrick Dandridge.

In a court hearing Thursday morning, lawyers with the city of Memphis and Millennia tell the judge they have been meeting weekly with representatives for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to finalize a plan to relocate all 150 residents. 

“The occupants of this property are both and or disabled. So, there is special care being taken to be clear about what needs need to be in place and what transition looks like,” said Attorney Carlissa Shaw.

However, the details of that transition and what specifically has been discussed in those meetings have not been revealed in court. 

“I need to know what’s going on,” said Judge Dandridge.

 Special Master Marcus Ward says this is a complex situation and they don’t want to disclose the details until everyone involved is clear on what their role will be in the process.

“A lot of the actions and activities of the relocation aspect depend on different agencies, different funding sources, and the coordination of all those things,” Ward said.

Both attorneys for Millennia and the city of Memphis tell the courtroom they are expected to meet with HUD on Tuesday to finalize those plans.

The next day, a hearing in Environmental court is scheduled with hopes that it will be revealed what’s next for residents.

Ward says what happens to the facility will be up to whoever the future owners will be. He says their primary focus is on the tenants and the current issues at hand.

“This has to be a seamless transition of people to a place that’s safe, sanitary, and affordable for them,” said Ward. “And when you look at the fact that Memphis is already confronted with a housing shortage, we have to be careful about what we do.”

Attorneys for Millennia and the city declined to answer any questions after court. However, the attorney for the city told our reporter that they want to make sure residents are informed first.

Also discussed in court was a recent inspection report from last week which noted that a crack was found in the structure of the western tower. Ward says the building is not in danger of collapsing, but there could be debris from the building that could collapse.

“You have to put up a barricade to keep people from the sidewalk from getting in a position where they may be injured,” he said.

Ward told us he asked the owners to address the issue immediately, but it has not been done.

“Certain things I can understand are expensive but certain things are not expensive, or they don’t require expenses. As I said, there is barricade material that they have on site. Use that,” said Ward.