Federal housing agency takes control of historic Kansas City housing cooperative
Parade Park Homes has fallen into disrepair after co-op’s board has struggled to pay for upgrades
Parade Park Homes has fallen into disrepair after co-op’s board has struggled to pay for upgrades
Parade Park Homes has fallen into disrepair after co-op’s board has struggled to pay for upgrades
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development has assumed control of a historic housing complex in need of repair.
On Monday, the department took over the mortgage of the Parade Park Homes East complex near The Paseo and Truman Road, citing the need to address "health and safety issues and to protect the real estate" in a list of frequently asked questions sent to residents.
HUD has assigned Leumas Residential LLC to assume management of the property.
Parade Park is one of the nation's oldest Black-owned housing cooperatives. In recent years, the co-op's board has struggled to pay for repairs.
KMBC 9 Investigates has documented conditions at Parade Park for years. Earlier this year, a ceiling collapsed on one woman as she was sleeping. That problem was repaired but several other problems remained.
"I think it is going to give some comfort to the residents who are here," said Lemeul Kimes, a Parade Park resident and former board member. "We've had a number of managing agents in the past, and I think HUD has our best interests at heart."
In a letter to residents, HUD says the property manager will hold meetings within the next two weeks with residents and determine the next steps. The department said residents will still have to comply with the terms of rental and occupancy agreements, including rent payments.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas tweeted Monday, "Kansas City will work closely with HUD to ensure the safety and health of residents and the long-term viability of Parade Park as an affordable community in the core of our city."