The federal court granted the City’s motion for preliminary injunction to prohibit Peppertree Apartments from signing leases with new tenants for 120 days. The City withdrew its request to prohibit new leases, after conferring with HUD and in the interests of keeping the tenants in affordable housing. The City will be able to revisit this ruling in 120 days. As of now, Peppertree is unable to accept new tenants because of the structural damage to the property.
The City sought this injunction out of great concern for the safety and living conditions of the residents. Multiple walkways recently collapsed, a fire burned down the leasing office, and there has been almost no change in the crime since the City and the District Attorney’s Office jointly filed a nuisance action in 2021. The residents at Peppertree deserve housing that is not plagued by crime and crumbling buildings. The City will continue to be vigilant and fight for the safety and quality of living conditions for the people at Peppertree.
Jennifer Sink, Chief Legal Officer