Law students in North Carolina are actively applying their legal education to address the grievances of nearly 200 low-income seniors, many of whom have disabilities, residing in Durham’s JFK Towers. Complaints have surfaced regarding issues such as pest infestations, a malfunctioning elevator, and billing discrepancies. The students, enrolled in the Civil Justice Clinic, gain valuable courtroom experience under the guidance of two professors while offering a ray of hope to the JFK Towers residents.
For Johnetta Alston, a resident of JFK Towers, the living conditions have become unbearable. Reports of roaches, bed bugs, and sewage overflow prompted her to take action. Alston’s breaking point came when she documented the deplorable conditions inside a 99-year-old friend’s apartment. This spurred her involvement with the Civil Justice Clinic, where law students like Anighya Crocker from Duke University are deeply committed to seeking justice. Crocker, echoing a sentiment shared by many students, emphasized the personal stakes involved, envisioning the plight of loved ones in similar circumstances.
The legal battle is directed against Millennia Housing Management, the entity responsible for JFK Towers, with a 46-page lawsuit filed by the clinic. This action is part of a larger effort targeting the Ohio-based housing company, initiated five years after Millennia’s acquisition of JFK Towers. Millennia, however, vehemently denies the allegations outlined in the lawsuit, asserting compliance with HUD standards and ongoing renovation efforts to address the cited issues.
The lawsuit, seeking restitution for rent payments and compensation for enduring substandard living conditions, signifies a quest for accountability and redress. Despite the monetary implications, individuals like Alston emphasize the fundamental need for Millennia to fulfill its obligation of providing a safe and habitable environment for residents. The resolve of the Duke law clinic, professors, and students alike, underscores their readiness for a protracted legal battle against Millennia Housing, which has engaged its own legal representation in response to the lawsuit.