The Marion County Health Department is suing Irvington Lofts for failing to provide heat, an issue that has persisted for several years according to residents. The heating and cooling system is currently being replaced at a cost of around $250,000 per building, with the South building expected to be repaired by November 30th. In the meantime, residents are using space heaters to stay warm, which has raised concerns about fire safety.
This recent incident follows a two-week power outage that prompted the Marion County Public Health Department to take legal action. Although residents affected by the power outage were eventually given hotels and received a $300 discount on their November rent, those dealing with the heat outage have not been compensated. Fran Quigley of the Health and Human Rights Clinic at Indiana University McKinney School of Law advised that resident rights are being violated and they should take action by contacting the Marion County Health Department and seeking assistance from Indiana Legal Services.
According to records from the Marion County Health Department, it has issued 9 violations to Irvington Lofts so far this year, 7 of which are heat-related. Irvington Lofts management stated that it is working with the health department to resolve the issue, and in addition, residents will receive $150 off their December rent as a reimbursement for lost food expenses. Despite this, residents continue to demand a permanent solution to the recurring heating problems.