KC judge needs more time to decide the fate of Independence Towers lawsuit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) -A judge needs more time to decide if KC Tenants should have a legal say in a lawsuit involving the Independence Towers apartment complex.

This is the latest chapter in some residents' fight for better living conditions. Tenants want to be a party in the legal case between Fannie Mae, which provides federally backed loans for affordable housing, and their former landlord. In October, Fannie Mae agreed to pay $1.35 million for upgrades at the complex. In a courtroom on Tuesday, the judge first asked Fannie Mae’s attorneys about the progress of those upgrades. They mentioned new carpet and some renovations inside and to the parking garage—which has been closed off—but said there is still work to be done.

Residents also shared their side, claiming conditions have been so bad over the last five years-- they want a direct role in how the future looks. Fannie Mae’s attorneys asked the judge to deny the request. They argued that while they have a right to feel comfortable, they shouldn’t have a legal say in it.

The judge said he’s taking the arguments into consideration and needs more time to come up with a ruling.

KCTV5 spoke with residents after the ruling, who said they’re going to remain optimistic and continue to fight.

“I appreciate him listening to us and not laughing at us out of the court, given that it’s something that’s not really been done before,” said resident Hunter Stephens. “We are trying to make something new happen.”

As for the progress, they said while they have noticed a few changes, they want more.

“A lot of it feels superficial like new carpets in the hallways, new paint, maintenance requests are better, but a lot of us still have outstanding issues that haven’t been addressed like roaches and holes in the ceiling,” said resident Chris Carlton.

Attorneys denied KCTV5’s request to comment.

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