Jackson establishes task force to target 15 apartment owners with $100K+ in water debt

Addressing Housing Crises in Jackson

Jackson Mayor John Horhn has taken a significant step to tackle the growing issues within apartment complexes across the city by launching a new "Apartment Task Force." This initiative aims to address deteriorating conditions and lapses in accountability at various properties, particularly following high-profile crises at two troubled buildings in South Jackson.

The task force was announced on Tuesday, July 29, and it will bring together legal experts, code enforcement officers, public officials, and housing professionals. Their primary objectives include reviewing property management practices, enforcing city and state regulations, and responding to tenant complaints. Additionally, the group will collaborate with JXN Water and the One Percent Sales Tax Commission, highlighting the connection between quality housing, water reliability, and infrastructure.

Mayor Horhn emphasized the importance of safe and well-maintained homes for all Jackson residents. He stated that the task force reflects the city's commitment to protecting tenants and holding apartment managers to the highest standards of responsibility. The press release mentioned that the task force would begin its work immediately and seek input from residents, landlords, and state agencies.

Residents experiencing problems are encouraged to come forward so their concerns can be addressed promptly. Following the Jackson City Council's meeting on Tuesday, Horhn shared plans with reporters about the city and JXN Water publishing a list of 15 apartment complex owners who owe the largest outstanding water bills, each totaling more than $100,000. This approach mirrors a similar action taken by JXN Water in April 2024 when they released a list naming five commercial properties with the highest outstanding balances, all exceeding $200,000.

The creation of the "Apartment Task Force" comes amid growing concerns about two specific complexes: Blossom Apartments and Chapel Ridge Apartments, both located in South Jackson. Blossom was included on the 2024 list and had a total of $436,000 in past due bills at that time.

At Blossom Apartments, JXN Water shut off service last week after management fell more than $400,000 behind on water bills. Tenants, including elderly residents, resorted to bottled water and makeshift sanitation. Property manager Tony Little, who lives in Monroe, Louisiana, stated that water is still shut off for approximately 20 to 30 tenants still living at the complex, though most have relocated. Little disputed multiple JXN Water bills, claiming some of the charges were “mathematically impossible” based on the property's usage.

Chapel Ridge Apartments has faced its own challenges after its management company withdrew earlier this year, leaving no one formally in charge of the sprawling complex. Since then, residents have reported piles of uncollected trash, rodent infestations, mold, broken windows, vandalism, and even illegal power hookups. The city declared the property a public nuisance earlier this month and initiated police sweeps in response to tenant complaints.

Speaking to reporters after the council meeting, Horhn criticized out-of-state apartment owners who have allowed their Jackson properties to fall into disrepair and failed to pay their water bills. He mentioned that his administration is exploring potential legal remedies to address these issues.

Horhn also announced he will speak before the Mississippi House of Representatives’ Capitol Revitalization Committee on August 13 to discuss the ongoing crisis. He highlighted the historical issue of apartment owners not paying their water bills, noting that many have gotten away with it and now face large balances that are difficult to catch up on. He emphasized the need to put people on notice that they cannot come into the city and not pay their bills without consequences.

This initiative underscores the city's determination to ensure accountability and improve living conditions for all residents. By addressing these critical issues, Jackson aims to create a safer and more sustainable environment for its community.