Mar. 7, 2005

Record City Court Fine Sends Message to Apartment Owners

Phoenix Municipal Court recently imposed the largest fine in city history on the California property owner of a north Phoenix apartment complex. The judge imposed a total of $377,500 in fines, $2,500 for each of 151 counts, on San Floriano L.L.P., the owner of Mountain Springs Terrace, 18202 N. Cave Creek Road.

Councilwoman Peggy Neely's office worked with police, the city's Neighborhood Services Department, the Community Prosecution Bureau of the City Prosecutor's Office and community leaders to document the problems. Neighbors complained of widespread criminal activity, including drugs, assaults, domestic violence and theft. The judge ruled that the complex violated City Zoning and Neighborhood Preservation ordinances.

"The court ruling sends a message to this landlord and others in Phoenix who are managing substandard residential properties," said District 2 Councilwoman Peggy Neely. "We will not tolerate housing that turns into a community blight. Our neighborhoods deserve better." Neighbors said that they were scared to walk past the property. Educators and healthcare professionals testified that the conditions harmed children who live there.

"The state's case against the apartment owners drew into question the reprehensible trend of investors who place occupancy and revenue concerns above the public's health and safety," said Rosie Gullion of the Echo Mountain Neighborhood Coalition. "We are grateful to all who helped make this strong ruling possible."

Media Contacts:

• E-mail
• Print