GARDNER, Kan. (KCTV) — Numerous families dedicated their day to relocating from a demolished apartment complex.
Gardner
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The city deemed all residences at Aspen Place as “unsuitable for living” due to safety concerns. Individuals residing in this apartment complex must vacate their units by Wednesday night.
The primary worries revolve around the water system and the inadequate accessibility for emergency services, as these issues present significant dangers to community safety.
A representative from the municipal office mentioned that the water infrastructure is 70 years old and has significantly degraded. The sprinklers do not receive adequate water pressure to function properly during a blaze within the structure. Additionally, there are worries about the state of the pathways around the area; reportedly, they are in such poor shape that emergency services find it difficult to swiftly reach the premises.
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The Gardner leaders issued the subsequent instructions to the residents:
- Leave apartments within 2 days after getting notification
- Beginning on Thursday, residents will be allowed to enter their apartments only during daytime hours.
- Starting Thursday, nobody will be permitted to stay in an apartment past dusk.
The city officials mentioned that they have distributed lists of available assistance to the residents. Additionally, people are advised to examine their renters’ insurance policies and explore whether aid is currently accessible.
The city acknowledges the difficulties this brings about and has taken this step with great consideration,” stated City Administrator Jim Pruetting. “Nevertheless, permitting citizens to remain in such circumstances would pose significant risks and be deemed highly irresponsible.
Dylan Kirby mentions that he was at his workplace, talking on the phone with his fiancée when she heard someone knocking at the door. It turned out to be the police posting eviction notices requiring everyone to leave the premises by Thursday. These notices were placed on each front door.
My initial response was sheer panic,” Kirby stated. “When someone tells you that you’ve got only 48 hours to clear out everything from your home and locate another place to stay, it seems quite impractical. It’s not like you can bundle up your entire existence and discover a new residence within two days.
Other community members who talked to KCTV5 mentioned that the notifications were put up when they were away at their jobs. This led them to discover what was going on via social media, prompting many of them to hurry back home.
Kirby mentions that they recently renewed another lease, however, issues started arising midway through their initial lease period.
“At first, it seemed like everywhere has issues from time to time,” Kirby explained. “But this kept happening over and over.” He continued, saying, “It’s really challenging not to feel frustrated and let down by the facility. They claim they’ll address an issue, yet nothing changes or gets resolved incorrectly, leading to more breakdowns just a few days later.”
He resides merely a short distance away from a large crater in the street that hasn’t been cordoned off since a fire engine became trapped there. Many locals believe this issue compelled the city of Gardner to declare the complex unsafe. Everyone agrees they saw it coming at some point, but none expected such limited notice for finding alternative accommodations.
We’re going to have to stay with her mother for now,” Kirby explained. “There’s another location we plan to check out later this week to potentially relocate into. It’s quite stressful and far from perfect, but let’s hope things work out according to our plans.
Although Kirby and his fiancé have a place to stay, some people who talked to KCTV 5 do not have a residence.
“I and my two dogs might end up homeless,” stated Cristy Mueller. “We could wind up living in our car since I don’t have any relatives around who can assist us at present. We have no place to go.”
Multiple inhabitants commented on the temporary solutions the complex planned to implement rather than addressing the problems directly. Candice Walker resided there for the past year. She mentioned that the structure where she had been living was declared unsafe about a month ago.
It’s a distressing circumstance,” Walker stated. “Many of us find ourselves with no place to turn. Once we pay for housing, there isn’t anything else remaining. My income comes from disability support because I’m visually impaired. We were told about handicap-friendly units; however, those aren’t available. It’s turned into quite an ordeal.
Within the apartments, inhabitants turned on taps only to find minimal or no water flowing from them. They mentioned that the complex had installed portable toilets beside the trash bins for residents to use as bathrooms.
Currently, moving trucks, trailers, and automobiles fill the streets. The community utilized social media to spread the message, which resulted in many individuals arriving equipped with packing boxes and plastic containers to assist folks in organizing their possessions. Additionally, they provided food, water, and various supplies to the inhabitants of the apartment complex.
“One volunteer stated, ‘We’re simply contributing our share to assist those around us.’”
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Citizens who have queries regarding this choice should reach out to the municipality’s helpline at (913) 884-2700.
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