Lawsuit considered against apt. complex

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The fight to improve what's been called one of the worst addresses in Indianapolis continues. A group of interdenominational ministers say they are considering legal action against the owner of the apartment complex formerly known as The Phoenix.

“What was told to us is that $200 to 300-million could be filed on behalf of the residents to help compensate them for the psychological, physical and emotional scars they’ve endured by being residents of this facility,” Michael Bluitt said.

The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance wants the owner of the complex evicted. They call 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.

One resident, who asked that her identity be concealed, said her children are afraid to sleep at night.

“My kids are scared of the mice. They are losing sleep,” she said. “(My son) keeps getting up out his bed (saying) ‘oh mommy a mouse and roaches are crawling in my ear!’” she said pointing to one crawling on a nearby window sill.

She always keeps a supply of roach killer close by.

The mother of two showed us mouse droppings in the closet shortly after tossing out a mouse lured into a trap. Another resident who asked we conceal her identity for fear of retaliation showed us a fist size hole and cracked walls inside of her bedroom.

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 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 ministers say the owner hasn’t responded. By contrast, the attorney who represents the owner said the ministers declined their request for a tour of the property twice. The ministers deny that claim.

Coupled with deplorable living conditions, crime is high in the area. Chief of Police Rick Hite says he is committed to helping the ministers end the struggle.

“We've gone to funerals. We've gone to the prayer vigils and we have seen the violence. The question is when does it stop?” Chief Hite said.

Meanwhile, ministers say they're working through the Department of Housing, Congressman Andre Carson's office and Indiana Civil Rights Commission to force change.

The attorney who represents the property owner told 24-Hour News 8 by phone that the owners “continue to work very hard to make the Keystone North Apartments the best possible place for their residents to live.”

He also said the property owner has hired off-duty Marion County Sheriffs Deputies to act as security.