Residents seek answers after Carriage House displacement; city cites legal limits on public comment

Several residents at the public information period demanded clear, written explanations from the city about the recent emergency displacement at the Carriage House apartments and asked what the city is doing to support displaced residents.

"If the building was structurally unsafe, actively contaminated, or immediately dangerous to occupy, the city needs to clearly say that," said resident Nicole Ventura, urging the council to post written, public responses to outstanding questions. She also flagged a timing and FOIA concern, saying the meeting agenda and public reminder were posted late and limited residents' opportunity to prepare.

City Manager Altman said city departments have provided assistance — transit and social services among them — but that the administration could not discuss details publicly after receiving notice from the property owner's attorney because doing so could affect potential litigation. "I understand the community's need and desire to have information completely, but once we get a notice from someone's attorney that could be pending litigation, we don't really discuss that publicly now because we may end up in a lawsuit," Altman said.

Council members and staff repeatedly emphasized resident welfare and said support was being coordinated. Several council members called for better communication and written public responses where legally permitted. Council also asked staff and the clerk to coordinate with nonprofit volunteers and social services to assist individuals displaced by the Carriage House action.