Help in the works for Terrace Meadows residents

Center Township Trustee investigating ways to relocate, assist those victimized by apartment complex debacle

For the several individuals and families stuck in the Terrace Meadows Apartments due to financial obstacles, there may be hope on the horizon. Center Township Trustee Rev. Robert A. Lee has pledged to investigate their situation and provide assistance, if possible.

As reported by the Kokomo Lantern earlier this week, conditions at the apartment complex have deteriorated to the point that the health and welfare of the remaining residents may be at risk. Unfortunately, many of the residents do not have the means to relocate.

“I have a disabled fiancée, and I am a server at a restaurant,” said resident Nicholas Hunt. “It might be easy for some people to come up with $1,000 to just move, but it’s not easy for some of us. Ideally, I would like to move.

“Is there no room in anyone’s budget to help? I don’t expect someone to come in and pull an ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,’ but I do know there are emergency options when there are whole buildings without heat or water. Our local officials may not have superpowers, but they do have the ability exert change.”

Lee would like to exert that change. The trustee had to be cautious, however, as there is much that needs to be determined before township assistance can be offered.

“I probably have to say yes and no,” said Lee. “We need to determine if this is within the township’s scope, and how to place it within our scope if it is not. I watch this type of thing happening all over the nation, and it shouldn’t

“This would and will require investigation, and I will begin that process. Our issue sometimes is, we can’t do something another governmental agency is supposed to do, even if they aren’t doing it. However, we can act in an emergency, and this definitely appears to be an emergency.”

Lee stated that he will direct his staff to work on the problem, as he believes that the township will need to provide some assistance to the residents of the apartment complex sooner or later. He also said that he will contact his board of directors for the input, approval, and if necessary, re-appropriation of funds to handle the Terrace Meadows problem.

Center Township Trustee Rev. Robert A. Lee

Lee’s intentions are echoed in the concerns of other local leaders who are addressing the problem. Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore pledged to assist the efforts of the Howard County Health Department and Howard County Attorney Alan Wilson, if needed, and he supports efforts to relocate the residents.

“Yes, there are residents still there, and it sounds like they are being taken advantage of,” said Moore. “My concern is if they shut down the apartments, we have to make sure those folks have accommodations elsewhere.”

County attorney Wilson was heartened by the prospect of the trustee’s office lending a hand. And he believes any expenses the trustee incurs may be recoverable.

“That’s a good idea,” said Wilson. “And if there is money involved, that’s something we can pursue in the lawsuit. If they pay rent for them someplace else, that would be part of the damages, I would think.”

In the State of Indiana, damages in a civil suit can be sought for triple the amount expended. Therefore, the trustee’s office might actually be able to benefit from providing assistance.

“Now you’re thinking like an attorney,” said Wilson.