Park Forest officials have issued an ultimatum to the management company of the Autumn Ridge Apartments, demanding the sale of the complex by February 16, 2024. Failure to comply could result in the village seeking court-appointed management to oversee the property, according to Village Manager Jon Kindseth. This decision follows a series of issues at the complex, including a recent incident where residents endured severe winter conditions without heating.
The village condemned one of the buildings within the 80-unit Autumn Ridge complex, prompting the relocation of its 17 residents to motels in Oak Forest and Matteson, costs covered by the current management. In a statement, the village highlighted that a broken boiler had become a “public safety issue that can’t be ignored,” emphasizing their commitment to resident welfare.
Longstanding Issues at Autumn Ridge
The situation at Autumn Ridge Apartments has been deteriorating for over a decade, with the complex reportedly only one-third occupied. Residents faced extreme heat during the summer and have now been left without heating in winter. Mayor Joe Woods stated, “Residents at Autumn Ridge Apartments are furious and fed up—and they have every right to be.” He affirmed that the condemnation and subsequent actions aim to ensure that residents are treated with dignity and respect.
Trustee Randall White echoed the sentiment, calling the neglect “unacceptable, inhumane, and deeply troubling.” He criticized the property owners for failing to fulfill their legal and moral obligations to provide safe housing. Recent reports have highlighted various issues, including broken air conditioning units, malfunctioning elevators, and leaky roofs, leading to a significant decline in living conditions.
In one instance, a resident reported that their service dog tragically froze to death in an unheated apartment. This shocking claim has drawn attention to the dire circumstances many residents face.
Community Response and Future Actions
The village’s condemnation of the building and their demand for a sale are seen as initial steps toward addressing the ongoing crisis at Autumn Ridge. The management has been able to cover the costs of temporary housing for displaced residents, but the underlying issues remain unresolved.
The village is also contending with financial challenges, as it is owed $900,000 in unpaid water bills from the management company, further complicating the situation. Despite these financial strains, Park Forest officials are under legal obligations to maintain essential services for residents.
As the village moves forward, Mayor Woods has pledged to monitor the situation closely and continue advocating for accountability. The residents of Autumn Ridge Apartments have endured too much suffering, and city officials are now taking decisive action to bring about change. Their hope is to restore dignity and safety to a community that has struggled for far too long.
The ongoing crisis at Autumn Ridge serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many tenants in similar situations, and the urgent need for responsible property management and oversight.
