In August of 2006, the Horizon visited the High Bridge House Apartments, aka “The White Building” on Ogden Avenue, to find tenants were struggling with numerous quality-of-life issues. Some of these issues included non-functioning elevators, an infestation of rats and mold, and a closed-down community room.

Returning to 1131 and 1133 Ogden Avenue earlier this month, the Horizon found good news and not-so- good news. The good news is that Stellar Management, which took over the High Bridge House apartments more than a year ago, has made what may be characterized as considerable changes in and around the property.

The not- so- good news is that not all tenants have been helped by the renovations , according to Evelyn Curry, president of the High Bridge House Tenant Association. Curry says only new tenants of the building have benefited from the renovations.

Curry insists there are tenants who reported complaints more than a year ago and yet, to this day, have not seen these complaints resolved. “There are people in this building who still have problems with mold, mice, and roaches,” Curry said. “Bathrooms still have leaks, there are overdue paint jobs; we still do not have security guards or access to the community room”. Community room access is considered important because elderly tenants who have nowhere to socialize have remained isolated in their apartments, where illnesses and even deaths have gone unnoticed.

“Sure, you will see changes outside the building and inside the building hallways but these changes along with the renovations are for the new tenants,” Curry continued. “Those of us who have been here feel that we are being overlooked and forced out so that these apartments may be renovated for new tenants. This is not right”.

Some of the changes made in the building, according to Ms. Alice Robinson— also a tenant in High Bridge House— includes two new boilers, [a] renovated lobby, outside fences, improved landscaping, new lighting and some work has begun in the community room”. For example the community room was formerly used to store construction materials; presently the room appears empty.

While, generally speaking, new tenants are benefiting from newly renovated apartments, not every new tenant is happy at High Bridge House. Jamal Wallace, 30 — a tenant for approximately one year— is so upset about what he thinks are unfair renting practices on the part of Stellar Management that he, his wife, and children have decided not to renew their lease. “ I wanted a two year lease, but they told me I could only have a one year lease,” Wallace stated. He rents a three-bedroom apartment and pays nearly $1,500 per month.

“Management said in order to renew my lease I must pay a non-refundable releasing fee of $200.00 and my rent would increase by $ 100,” Wallace stated.

In addition Wallace said that, “Up until now my light and gas were included in my rent. My new lease will only cover my gas.” Wallace feels that if the management can get away with only issuing one- year- leases, then increasing the rent by $ 100 along with a $200 releasing fee and no longer covering electricity, they can price out tenants who would otherwise stay under more favorable conditions.”

Stellar Management did not answer repeated requests for comment.