JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Hilltop Village Apartments now has new leadership after a multi-million dollar sale was finalized this week.
The 200-unit complex has been plagued with unsanitary conditions including rat infestations and garbage pile ups in recent years, but there’s hope the new owners will continue making improvements.
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Action News Jax extensively covered the issues at Hilltop Village Apartments back in 2021 Capturing images of rat droppings and obtaining pictures of dead rodents from residents.
The conditions were so bad, US Senator Marco Rubio called on the head of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to intervene.
Two years later, resident Juwan Hargrove says things have gotten better.
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“Yeah so far. I just moved in a couple months ago, but ever since it’s been decent,” said Hargrove.
Just this week, the property was sold for $16.25 million to Joined Management, a company based out of New Jersey.
Already, the owners have solicited the help of Paul Tutwiler with Northwest Jacksonville Community Development Corporation asking the group to help identify issues facing residents.
“By working with our residents themselves to own the challenges and become part of the solutions,” said Tutwiler.
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He said the owners have indicated a desire to improve safety at the complex.
Tutwiler’s organization will not only help residents communicate their concerns to management, but also help connect them to services and improve their quality of life overall.
“Trust, listening, making a difference and reaching out to those with resources to really make a difference and not just give lip service,” said Tutwiler.
Management at the complex told Action News Jax the new owners are interested in speaking on camera and providing a tour of the apartments when they’re in town next week, to demonstrate what improvements have been made over the past two years.
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