Shreveport City Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor is calling for potential criminal charges against the owners of Northwood Two Apartments after residents reportedly endured a power outage during extreme summer heat, leaving some tenants without electricity and at least one resident hospitalized.
Power Outage and Poor Conditions
During a recent City Council discussion, Taylor said constituents contacted her after electricity was disconnected at the apartment complex while temperatures exceeded 90 degrees. Community advocate Omari Hossein and other residents alerted city officials to the situation.
According to Taylor, some tenants of Northwood II Apartments were forced to sit outside because their apartments had no power. She said at least two residents with serious medical needs were affected, including one tenant who requires dialysis.
Property Standards Director Terrence Green said he had contacted city attorney Marcus Edwards to determine whether criminal charges could be filed against the property’s owner. He also referenced legislation passed by the Louisiana Legislature aimed at holding landlords accountable when tenants are left in unsafe living conditions.
Taylor pointed to the city’s proposed rental registry as a tool that could help officials better track rental properties and identify problem landlords before conditions deteriorate.
Centrum Apartments Also Cited
In a related case, Councilman James Green raised concerns about the Centrum Apartments at 2750 Waggoner Ave., where tenants reportedly have been living without air conditioning. One resident told officials she had been staying at Sam’s Town Hotel because conditions in her apartment were unlivable.
City code enforcement officials said the Wagner Avenue property was cited Friday and inspected again Monday. An affidavit has been signed, and officials are attempting to locate the property’s owner or manager to deliver citations.
Inspectors reported finding active mold conditions inside the apartments and said questions remain about permits, inspections and whether the property has a certificate of occupancy.
Officials also discussed the need for better communication between utility providers and the city when properties change ownership or utility service is disconnected. Such coordination could help ensure inspections and occupancy requirements are met before tenants move into rental units.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
