Atlanta Extends Free Water Services To Embattled Apartment Complex

ATLANTA, GA -- The city of Atlanta has extended water service to embattled Sierra Ridge apartments after a two-week period of providing tenants with the free utility because of billing issues with the landlord. The gesture by the city's Department of Watershed Management is intended to give residents additional time to find alternative housing.

The owner of the complex, Addison Hasid VI LLC, is on the hook for $270,000 in outstanding bills as a result of nonpayment since January 2015, the city said. (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

“In consideration of the remaining Sierra Ridge residents, an additional two-week extension has been offered," Deputy Commissioner Mohamed Balla said. "During the initial two-week period, the property owner had the opportunity to bring the account to good standing but did not make any payments. The City of Atlanta will work to ensure that all residents have proper housing during this period."

Things have gotten downright nasty between the city and the apartment owner, with both sides accusing the other of not doing what they are supposed to.

Like us on Facebook

"It is extremely unfortunate and unfair to the residents of Sierra Ridge who have suffered, especially since the past due balance at issue is the result of fraudulent activity by the past owners of Sierra Ridge and questionable billing practices by the City," the company said previously as Patch reported.

Atlanta Responds After 'Questionable Billing' Quip From Sierra Ridge Apartments

When told about the quip, the city of Atlanta's Department of Watershed Management spokeswoman Rukiya Campbell, fired back, telling Patch in a statement, "The $270,000 past due balance was accrued by the current owner and is due to non-payment of the bill from the property owner only."

The crisis began when on July 31, just before Atlanta students returned to school, water service was disconnected, creating a serious hygiene and sanitation issue for the Sierra Ridge community. The Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services and the Mayor’s Office of Human Services stepped in to try to relocate families at the complex.

$690K In Unpaid Bills: City Of Atlanta Restores Water For Delinquent Apartment Complex

The city said that the tenants are paying for water, but the apartment owner is not forking over the funds to pay for the service.

The complex has 291 units, with 35 still occupied, the city said. Five families are in need of relocation services.

Image via Pixabay