The City of College Park has declared the Chelsea Gardens Apartments on Godby Road unfit for habitation, leaving many residents scrambling to find new housing. A city spokesperson, in an announcement reported by 11Alive, stated that tenants have until June 1 to relocate. This move follows a rally where ex-tenants voiced their belief that they had been illegally evicted after raising concerns about living conditions.
According to a FOX 5 interview with resident Cassandra Meenaghan, some residents received short notice with outstanding rent balances given only three days to vacate. Adding to the residents' woes, services were disrupted with reports of water and electricity being cutoff. The former tenants have expressed a feeling of being pushed out unjustly, showcasing deteriorating building conditions such as mold and rodent infestations.
In the wake of the residents' outcry, the City of College Park relayed their commitment to ensuring safe living environments for its citizens. They extended the initial move-out timeline and, as described in a city statement obtained by 11Alive, are working "to access nonprofit support and resources who can assist with transition and costs." Additionally, the current owner of the property, which was purchased approximately a month ago, has committed to covering moving expenses and providing rental assistance.
A particularly concerning issue has been the impact on vulnerable residents. As reported by 11Alive, Antoinette Marable, a mother of two special needs children, detailed the difficulty of relocating her family on such short notice. Efforts to contact the property owner for comment by FOX 5 have been unsuccessful. As per the city statement, nearly 70% of Chelsea Gardens residents have found new accommodations since the condemnation notice was issued.
