Multiple residents sign petition over condtions at Clark Arms public housing site

Oct. 31—JEFFERSONVILLE — About 40 current and former residents of the Clark Arms Apartments have signed a petition stating complaints about the upkeep, safety and management of the Jeffersonville Public Housing site.

The petition and an accompanying letter were sent to the Jeffersonville Housing Authority in September. The author of the letter, Clifford Greenfield, who resided at Clark Arms before being evicted in October for failure to pay rent, said the petition was also sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD).The federal entity administers aid and oversight to the local boards that manage public housing.

Among the issues, residents said they've endured safety problems including physical violence between residents, racist comments and threats of bodily harm. Bedbugs, roaches and mice have been found in the apartment's units and there are several maintenance issues including flooding, loose tiles and constant leaks, with the staff taking "too long" to address the concerns, according to statements on the petition.

Residents interviewed by the News and Tribune added that chairs have been removed from community areas, making them feel that socializing is discouraged. They alleged that treatment toward residents has gotten worse since the petition was circulated.

"They've taken everything away from us, like we're kids. The lounge area, the TV where we used to come down and watch football games and stuff like that," said James Young Jr. "We had chairs. They took the chairs out. Then we had the kitchen, they took the tables out with the chairs."

Greenfield said he quit paying rent because he was spending quite a bit of money each month for bug spray. Residents provided the News and Tribune with multiple photos that showed dead mice and bugs in what appeared to be inside units of the apartment complex, which is located along Market Street in downtown Jeffersonville.

According to Greenfield, many residents are concerned about their safety and the cleanliness of the public housing site.

"It's terrible, it really is," Greenfield said.

RESPONSE FROM HOUSING AUTHORITY

In a two-page statement issued to the News and Tribune this week, JHA officials said they became aware in late August and early September of several complaints regarding safety, cleanliness, overall maintenance and staff behavior at Clark Arms.

The housing authority conducted three meetings in September where residents were invited to meet with staff. According to the JHA, officials announced short- and long-term plans to address the issues.

After the meetings, staff including JHA Executive Director Darnell Jackson conducted inspections of every unit at Clark Arms.

"Throughout the inspections, Jeffersonville Housing Authority found various instances of damage and cleanliness issues within the residences, which may have contributed to the pest control issues," Jeffersonville Housing Authority officials said in the statement.

"While JHA conducts monthly pest control services throughout the property, this does not always mitigate the need for additional pest control. Currently, JHA is engaged in ongoing discussions with various pest control services to determine the best course of action to eliminate any pests that residents may be experiencing."

In addressing safety concerns, JHA is implementing a new card access system for Clark Arms, and units have been re-keyed. The housing authority has also hired a new security company for the property.

According to the JHA, a former Clark Arms resident was making and selling unauthorized keys to the building, and legal action has been taken against the person.

Officials said they've also addressed "staff behavior and professionalism" with employees.

"Our main goal is to provide Clark Arms families and all our residents with safe and sanitary housing. We promote self-sufficiency and economic independence for all residents. We can't do this alone; we need our residents' help," Jackson said. "Based on our investigations at Clark Arms, JHA has found a few residents who have continuously violated policies. Following our protocols, these residents have been given eviction notices."

'IT GETS WORSE'

Brad Flansburg keeps his nice chair on top of his bed when he's not at home. He said water has seeped into his apartment unit multiple times, damaging items such as his furniture.

Unless the JHA board has a change of heart, Flansburg will be evicted in November. Documents he provided to the News and Tribune state his violation was providing keys to unauthorized people, an action he admits to in part.

Flansburg said at the request of other tenants, he began making copies of keys for residents for their individual units. The cost to replace a lost key is high, so he said he charges his fellow residents a nominal amount if they want a backup. He maintains those keys are only given to the tenant for their specific unit.

He believes his eviction is related to his complaints about the conditions at Clark Arms and his support for those who are also voicing concerns about the property.

"Due to my memory issues, I frequently get lost," said Flansburg, who is employed not too far from Clark Arms. "If I have to move somewhere else, that's not going to be good for me."

He said JHA leadership hasn't been quick to address maintenance issues, such as his multiple requests for handles in his shower to keep him from falling. But they have been heavy-handed when it comes to dealing with tenants after the petition was presented, he continued.

"Every time something happens, it gets worse," Flansburg said.

Multiple residents who said they haven't been served eviction papers and intend to stay at Clark Arms backed up Flansburg's assertions. They cited problems with appliances and mold, and said they feel targeted after complaints were raised about the conditions of Clark Arms.

Young is scheduled for an eviction hearing Nov. 28. According to court records, Jeffersonville Police officers found a small amount of marijuana in his unit while conducting a search.

Young said he told the officers where the marijuana was located after consenting to a search. According to Young, he agreed to the search after JHA staff accused him of being a drug-dealer. Young, who uses a wheelchair, said he has a medical card for using marijuana, and denied that he's a drug-dealer. He said the allegation made him feel stereotyped based on his appearance and the clothes he wears.

Young has filed a small claims case against the JHA over the issue. Like others, he believes he's being targeted over the petition.

"We're grown people. We're supposed to be able to voice our opinions," Young said.

For those evicted or who are likely to be removed from Clark Arms in the coming weeks, the question of where to turn is prevalent.

"I'm going to be stuck outside pretty shortly," Flansburg said.