Ministers stand up for troubled apartment complex

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A group of Indianapolis ministers wants the owner of a troubled apartment complex to be evicted. The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance calls the apartment complex a "deplorable breeding ground for trouble and destitution."

Keystone North Apartments — formerly known as the Phoenix Apartments — are located about a mile north of the Indiana State Fairgrounds along Keystone Avenue.

The Ministerial Alliance says billionaire Warren Buffett and his team have expressed interest in revamping the complex. One year ago, Buffett poured millions of dollars into the same neighborhood.

The Ministerial Alliance crafted a letter in July to the owner of the complex from Connecticut. In the letter, the group calls for the owner to "cease and desist" ownership of the apartments. They call for the owner to either sell it or spend the millions it will take to bring it up to standards.

The letter says the residents of the apartment complex have told them about an infestation of rats, cockroaches, bed bugs and other pests at the apartment complex. They also complained about mold, lead-based paint, asbestos and health and fire code violations. The ministers say the tenants feel like prisoners in their own homes because of the "shootings, stabbings, open-air drug dealing and fighting" that are all too frequent.

"We don't want it shut down. We want those people to have a roof over their head. We want them to have a quality place to live," said Dr. Michael Bluitt of the Ministerial Alliance.

24-Hour News 8's Adrienne Broaddus spoke to ten residents at the complex Tuesday. None of the residents were willing to talk on camera but all agreed something needs to change.

One woman said, "This is bed bug palace. It's not the best, but I can't go anywhere else."

Two of the residents we spoke to said fights happen every day. While we were on scene, police responded to an issue near the back of the complex. The residents also told us that Sheriff's deputies normally patrol the area. One woman said that in order to enter the property, you must show proof of residency. If you don't, you risk being arrested for trespassing.

The ministers, however, point to investment that has been made to improve the neighboring Avondale Meadows. They believe the blight of the Keystone North Apartments are blocking progress to improve the overall community.

The ministers say they have gotten no response from complex owner. 24-Hour News 8’s calls to the owner have not been returned either.