Tenant describes mold, infestations and maintenance failures at high-rise; officials say property is public housing managed by MHA

Norma Huffman told the Little Rock City Board of Directors on Jan. 7 about persistent maintenance problems at a large multiunit complex, including widespread insect infestations, recurring mold and water damage in shared spaces.

"The whole building has a huge bug infestation," Huffman said, describing three tenants' complaints and photos of damage in a mail room and a 14th-floor laundry room caused by a roof leak. She said tenants who try to apply pesticides or do repairs are disciplined by building management and that maintenance requests often go unanswered.

Board members asked for clarification about jurisdiction. When Director Phillips asked whether the complex was on the city's list, Director Howard replied, "Parish Towers is owned and I could ran by MHA," saying it is a public housing property with its own management and security. A subsequent comment noted the board does not have authority or jurisdiction over that property and referenced an 8th Circuit ruling limiting the city's ability to assert control.

Director Achat added that MHA meetings include time for resident complaints and that many tenant questions are addressed by the MHA board during those sessions.

Why it matters: The comments raise health and habitability concerns for residents at a city high-rise and clarify the limits of municipal authority when a property is managed by a housing authority. The board did not take formal action; the tenant’s written materials were accepted for the record.

Ending: The board accepted the tenant's submission for the public record and discussed pathways for residents to raise complaints with the Metropolitan Housing Authority (MHA); no city enforcement action was announced at the meeting.