Hoffman Hotel Apartment trash problems continue - WSBT-TV

Hoffman Hotel Apartment trash problems continue

Troubles continue for one downtown South Bend apartment complex.

Weeks ago, WSBT 22 News reported on the frustrations of residents at the Hoffman Hotel Apartment Complex over various issues including odors and litter from piles of uncollected trash.

Despite city officials addressing the situation at that time, these problems have returned.
"This used to be a nice building. It still has great potential, but nobody should have to live like this," saidJohnnell Pates, Lives at Hoffman Hotel Apartments.

Overflowing trash cans, mold concerns, and no management to be found... That's how some residents describe what they have been dealing with at the Hoffman Hotel Apartments.

Just weeks ago, residents complained about those issues like the ongoing trash problems. City officials stepped in and issued tickets after not seeing a resolution.

The city's NEAT team cleaned up the site and said they would continue monitoring and issuing tickets for non-compliance.

One resident thought things were going to get better.

"But obviously not because here we are back in the same situation. The cans have filled up, trash is blowing all over the lots," said Pates.

He says it's gotten to the point people at the Morris Center and Lasalle Apartments nearby are complaining about trash blowing on their property, but adds there's nothing the tenants can do about it.

"The smell and just looking at it, just coming out an looking at it...makes the building look bad," said Timothy Holt, Lives at Hoffman Hotel Apartments.

Holt says a number of tenants have already moved out, with many currently working to do the same.

"It’s frustrating a lot because I don’t wanna come out piling garbage on top of the garbage and then everything just be piled up," said Holt.

City leaders once again stepping in sharing they are aware of the issue. The current case was opened July 17th and has not been addressed by the owner or property management.

Those with the city say the Hoffman Hotel Apartment complex was billed for NEATS first clean up, $750 and issued two tickets totaling $150.

Saying further in a statement,

"The property was brought in for a hearing last week (8/22/24). The Hearing Officer affirmed the Order to Comply and continuous enforcement at the property (i.e. we do not need to cite and provide 10-days for the owner to address). In addition, a $1,500 civil penalty was assessed. There is a 10-day appeal period following the hearing"

City officials say next steps include continuing to enforce compliance, including ticketing and removing litter and debris at the owner’s cost.