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Birmingham Takes Legal Action Against Mountainside Apartments

Proposed enhanced security measures for Mountainside Apartments.

News Summary

Birmingham has filed a lawsuit against Dominion Mountainside, LLC, seeking to declare Mountainside Apartments a public nuisance due to ongoing violence and criminal activity in the area. The city aims to enhance safety through improved security measures to combat escalating crime rates that have raised community concerns. The lawsuit follows a tragic shooting that highlighted serious management issues at the property, leading to calls for urgent action.

Birmingham Takes a Stand Against Mountainside Apartments Amid Ongoing Violence

In a move aimed at enhancing safety and community well-being, the City of Birmingham has officially filed a lawsuit against Dominion Mountainside, LLC, the owner of the troubled Mountainside Apartments. This legal action aims to declare the apartment complex, located at 101 Penthouse Drive in the Glen Iris neighborhood, a public nuisance due to a concerning pattern of criminal activity.

Criminal Activity Raises Alarm

Residents of the apartment complex and neighboring areas have reported troubling incidents that paint a grim picture of life at Mountainside. From violent crimes such as murder and gun-related incidents to drug activity, the situation has gotten severe enough to draw the city’s attention. Just over the past few years, there have been more than 200 calls to the Birmingham Police Department from the vicinity of the apartment complex, encompassing a variety of serious issues like domestic violence, homicide, and assault.

Adding to the distress, a neighbor, who lives less than 50 feet away from the property, has made alarming claims about hearing gunshots at least once or twice every month. The fear surrounding the apartment complex is palpable, and it seems to be affecting not just the residents but also the broader community.

Recent Tragedy Sparks Legal Action

One incident that has pushed the city to act was a tragic shooting that took place on July 26, 2024, where a man named Reco Dewayne Stevenson lost his life. In the aftermath of this shooting, police found a disturbing cache of illegal substances including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and several firearms along with nearly $20,000 in cash inside a unit. This discovery raised serious concerns about the management and oversight of the property.

Local officials, such as City Councilor Hunter Williams, have pinpointed how violence at this apartment complex is straining city resources while simultaneously lowering property values in the neighborhood.

City’s Commitment to Safety

The lawsuit accuses the property owner of not taking adequate measures to mitigate the ongoing criminal activities, despite being notified on multiple occasions. Birmingham’s Drug Nuisance Abatement Team (DNAT) is pushing for the court to require the landowner to implement improved security measures. These proposed measures include a significant 24/7 security presence, license plate scanners, and surveillance camera systems linked directly to the Birmingham Police Department’s real-time crime center.

City Attorney Nicole King has emphasized that property owners bear a responsibility to ensure the safety of the residents and the surrounding community. The city is serious about making sure that the environment is safe for everyone.

Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance

If the court rules in favor of the city’s lawsuit and the owner does not comply with the security enhancements mandated, potential consequences could include fines or even a forced sale of the property. The DNAT, which was established in 2020 to hold property owners accountable for code violations and address issues of blight and crime, appears to be committed to tackling the issues plaguing the Mountainside Apartments.

As the lawsuit unfolds, the apartment management has opted not to comment on the ongoing legal situation. Community members and residents are left hoping for a swift resolution that will foster a safer environment for everyone involved.

Birmingham’s proactive stance reflects a larger commitment to ensuring that neighborhoods are places of safety, community, and harmony. As this legal battle progresses, it will be crucial for residents and local authorities to stay united in their efforts to bring positive change to the Glen Iris neighborhood.