INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Health Department went door-to-door at a troubled north side Indianapolis apartment complex after RTV6 revealed hazardous issues inside of Lakeside Pointe at Nora. Hundreds of new health code violations are the result.
Neil Cox is leading a growing group of community members who are looking out for the welfare of residents at the Lakeside Pointe at Nore apartments.
"We just, of course, believe these folks deserve better than that," Cox said. "The stories - mold growing, hot water unavailable, air conditioning out in this heat."
In June, the health department swept through the community to investigate the conditions residents are living in.
"Because they are immigrants and refugees, in a lot of cases, they're not prone to speak up," Cox said.
Before the sweep, the health department had 29 active violations on the complex out of nearly 500 units. Eighty residences allowed the health department to come inside where 209 additional violations were found.
Here's how the violations break down:
- One Trash order (trash orders are done by parcel, so one order was issued for the whole complex)
- 191 non-emergency orders for individual units, common areas and building exteriors
- 13 rush order repairs, including eight units with hot water issues
- Four emergency housing orders, including one entire building without hot water
"If you read the bible, and you understand what Jesus did, he had great sympathy for people, and especially those, who were the most vulnerable," Cox said. Which is what compels Cox to keep pushing for change at the complex.
Cox is hoping others will join in his mission to help advocate for the residents of Lakeside Pointe at Nora.
"Just building a relationship with the families and residents here who are new to our country; they're working hard," Cox said.
Those interested in working with Mr. Cox in this community, email him at indycoach@gmail.com.
The apartment complex has been tax exempt since 2007. The property owners do not have to reapply for that tax-free status because of a change in a state statute. The status can only be revoked by the state legislature, or the property tax assessment board of appeals.
LAKESIDE POINTE SERIES
March 22: Major health concerns at north side Indianapolis apartment complex
March 26: Residents say an apartment complex on north side of Indianapolis is unhealthy
April 1: Health Department blames owner for apartment conditions
April 18: Unhealthy conditions fester at north side apartment complex
May 2: Problem-ridden apartment complex pays no property taxes
May 31: Community rallies for north side apartment complex residents
June 19: Health department investigates troubled north side apartment complex
