City moves to condemn North Little Rock apartment complex after tenants report black water and unsafe conditions

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The city of North Little Rock has begun the process to condemn the Shorter College Gardens Apartment Complex after dozens of tenants reported living without clean water and in deteriorating conditions.

Mayor Terry Hartwick said he first learned Wednesday morning that nearly 70 residents had been without hot water, even though they had paid their bills. Upon investigation, city officials discovered that electricity had been cut to the complex’s on-site office, where boilers that heat water for the entire property are located.

“I called our electric department, made sure they had their electricity turned back on so now they can have hot water,” Hartwick said.

While power has since been restored, Hartwick said the problems go much deeper. Tenants have described wo