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Kent announces settlement and dismissal of lawsuits after apartment complex makes compliance changes
Summary
City staff said lawsuits against a local apartment complex identified in the meeting record as "Phoenix core departments" were dismissed after the property owner took steps including evictions, added security and building improvements; city officials said crime and quality‑of‑life issues at the site have dropped.
City legal and enforcement staff told the council on Feb. 4 that the city has settled its lawsuits and dismissed a related code enforcement action against an apartment complex referenced in the meeting as “Phoenix core departments” after the property made required changes.
Pat Fitzpatrick told the council the city originally filed suit and pursued code enforcement because it did not get the cooperation needed to address rising crime and safety concerns at the complex. Fitzpatrick said the owner subsequently took many steps to come into compliance, including evicting tenants who were causing harm, installing cameras, adding fencing, improving lighting, hiring on‑site security, and beginning structural building repairs.
As a result of those actions, Fitzpatrick said, the city entered an agreement under which the owner will complete the remaining repairs and the city dismissed the lawsuits. He told the council the dismissal is conditioned on the owner completing the required work and that the city retains the right to act if the owner fails to finish the agreed improvements.
Fitzpatrick credited the law department, police department and code enforcement staff for the outcome and said the interventions have led to a dramatic reduction in crime at the property and improved quality of life for residents of the complex and the surrounding area. He said code enforcement and planning staff are now processing permits for the remaining improvements.
The council did not vote on this item during the Feb. 4 meeting; Fitzpatrick reported the settlement and dismissal as an informational update to the council.
Notes: the meeting transcript refers to the property using the phrase "Phoenix core departments." The article uses the same phrasing because no alternate official property name was provided in the council discussion.
