‘Inhumane’: Tenant Describes Life Without Water or Heat at West Montgomery Apartments
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) — Emotional testimony from a tenant living in unsafe conditions at a west Montgomery apartment complex shocked council members at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Montgomery City Council.
A woman who lives at Highland Village Apartments and asked to remain anonymous told council members her family has been without basic utilities for weeks, forcing them out of their home.
“We haven’t had any heat, hot water. We haven’t had that since January, but now we don’t have any water at all because the water bill wasn’t paid,” the woman said. “So we’ve been in a motel since last month so we wouldn’t freeze to death.”
She said about 41 families at the complex continue paying rent — which includes water — despite having no service. The property, she said, is also littered with exposed electrical lines and boxes, creating dangerous living conditions.
District 9 Councilman Charles Jinright seemed upset to hear about the unsafe conditions and questioned the tenant during the meeting.
“‘You’re paying your rent, right?’ District 9 Councilman Charles Jinright asked.
‘Yes, sir,’ the tenant replied.
‘And you don’t have all of those utilities? Is there another place you can go?’ Jinright asked.
‘I’ve been living in a motel, but the motels are not cheap — not even the cheapest ones anymore,’ the tenant said. ‘For me and five babies to stay in a motel, we depleted most of our funds and are now living with family members.’”
The woman told council members she is now relying on family members for shelter because she can no longer afford temporary housing.
City officials confirmed Highland Village Apartments has not held a business license since 2024.
The complex is located in District 4, represented by Councilwoman Franetta Riley, who called the conditions “inhumane.”
“My goal right now is to make sure that we get those residents out of there and find someplace for them to stay,” Riley said. She added that the city must move forward with addressing properties that are unsafe yet still continue to charge tenants rent.
Riley said city inspectors are scheduled to visit the complex this week to assess the conditions and attempt to locate the property owner.
Action 8 News tried to contact the owners of Highland Village Apartments but were unsuccessful. Calls were not answered, and voicemail boxes were full.
In other council business, council members unanimously approved incentive pay for police recruits and passed a resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to help keep Jackson Hospital open.
Council President Cornelius Calhoun said the city plans to borrow $25 million, with $22.5 million going toward the hospital and $2.5 million allocated for the city’s purchase of the former Montgomery Advertiser building.
“We are still engaging $25 million, $15 million upfront that we should possibly get to Jackson Hospital by March 6 or March 7,” Calhoun said.
The meeting also included lighter news: the council approved a liquor license for Chris’ Hot Dogs, allowing patrons to enjoy beer with their meals at the longtime downtown restaurant.
