Penrose outlines remediation plan for Overy Court after residents report mold, slow repairs; committee presses for timelines

Jason Newman, vice president of asset management for Penrose Companies, told the Annapolis Housing & Human Welfare Committee on July 21 that his company has assembled a focused recovery effort around Overy Court and Wilbourn Estates that includes additional regional resources, more maintenance support, a formal stabilization plan and increased executive oversight.

"Our objective is simple: deliver safe, responsive housing, and restore confidence among our residents, the city, and the housing authority," Newman said, acknowledging "legitimate concerns related to maintenance responsiveness, trash management, property conditions, communication, and moisture‑related complaints." He told the panel Penrose has logged more than 311 work orders at Overy between April 15 and July 15, 275 of which were completed — an 88 percent completion rate.

David Brooks, who identified himself as the regional maintenance manager overseeing the sites, described multiple reporting channels for residents: an online ticketing portal, calls and door‑hanger notifications after work is completed. Brooks said technicians carry Yardi‑linked mobile tickets that allow photos and status updates, and he said no ticket goes unaddressed more than 24 hours for routine items; leaks and other safety issues are prioritized as emergencies.

Committee members pressed Penrose on whether new tools — such as an AI resident assistant and license‑plate recognition cameras proposed for dumpsters — would reduce direct access to staff. Newman said Penrose intends to build "personal rapport" first, keep onsite staff visible and use technology to escalate and track tasks rather than replace human contact.

Multiple residents who spoke during public comment accused Penrose of delayed relocations, insufficient hotel placements after severe moisture or plumbing incidents, and recordkeeping problems. Shalanda Shepherd said her mother later broke a foot stepping away from a stove after water leaked from above; she said staff initially resisted putting the resident in a hotel. "Penrose was very negligent with this whole situation," Shepherd said.

Newman and Brooks responded that Penrose uses certified moisture testing contractors and that relocation or hotel stays are provided when testing indicates units are uninhabitable. "If that condition is from that report … the relocation can be the option of either moving to another unit on the property or staying in a hotel until we're able to abate that situation," a Bywater/contracting representative who later spoke for similar issues said when describing standard practice.

Aldermen pressed for concrete timelines for camera installation, dumpster enforcement and improved communications. Penrose said it has temporarily increased onsite maintenance coverage (three permanent staff, two traveling positions and two temps) and is piloting additional dumpster capacity and enhanced maintenance rounds.

The committee recorded no vote on remedies at the meeting; council members asked staff to follow up with Penrose and requested documentation including work‑order details, invoices and the proposed 10‑day follow‑up letter Penrose said it distributes after moisture reports.

The committee also heard testimony referencing alleged record and ledger problems and requested that city staff compile any fines or enforcement actions taken against the affected properties to date.

The committee did not set a formal deadline in the meeting for a follow‑up report from Penrose but asked for the documentation and for staff to return with findings to the committee.