MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Code inspectors say the Serenity Towers apartment complex is still not fully in compliance.
The facility was up for a re-inspection today after code enforcement inspectors found filthy conditions and bed bugs at the senior living facility last month.
“I’m mad as hell. I wasn’t planning on getting eat up,” said resident Glitters Fletcher who said bed bugs remain a problem.
Inspectors said there have been improvements, but it is still not where it should be.
“We found some still in there. They did a lot of repairs that we asked them to do, but they are still not in compliance,” said Code Enforcement Supervisor Eddie Jones.
One resident, who did not want to be identified, told WREG, “Things have gotten better for me.”
The complex is owned by Global Ministries, the same group that owns other troubled complexes like the Warren and Tulane apartments. LEDIC manages the property.
Recently, HUD pulled funding from those complexes.
Free mattress covers were reportedly given to each resident and fabric was replaced on furniture in common areas.
The re-inspection was originally scheduled for last week but was delayed.
WREG reached out to Global Ministries for a comment and received the following statement:
“We take great pride in the significant progress made at Serenity Towers. Over the past 24 months, we have been working in close partnership with our residents, HUD and the community to be compliant with all state and federal standards and laws. Roughly 285 apartments appeared to have bed bugs when GMF acquired the property in March of 2014. To date, GMF has spent nearly $250,000 on efforts to eradicate the recurring bed bug problem and that work continues. All apartments at Serenity were treated in 2015 and will be treated again in 2016. One hundred percent of the apartments designated by Code Enforcement to have possible bed bugs have been re-treated in the last 30 days. Global Ministries Foundation is awaiting delivery of 100 brand new bed mattresses, box springs and bed frames that will be offered at no charge to residents to replace their existing furniture that is the likely source of the remaining problem at Serenity. We are fully committed tocontinuing to make steady progress and to ensure that Serenity is a safe, comfortable and affordable home for the seniors in our community.“
GMF will be referred to Environmental Court.
