East Dallas tenants frustrated with management after storm response

Residents of The Meadows on Ferguson complex in east Dallas are expressing frustration over what they describe as slow cleanup efforts and inadequate communication from their landlord, more than two weeks after a storm caused significant damage across the city.

Tenants at the complex spent part of their Friday protesting, walking, chanting, and holding signs demanding better living conditions, citing management’s delayed response to ongoing issues.

Wendy Davis, who injured her ankle due to a water leak near her apartment, expressed her concerns, stating, “We all work and pay our bills, and we deserve to live better than what we’re living.”

The storm on May 28 caused the collapse of an exterior wall at the complex, scattering bricks across grassy areas and parking spots, and knocking out utilities and electric units.

Tie Lasater, CEO of Key City Capital, which owns the complex at 11760 Ferguson Road, explained that they are awaiting Oncor’s approval for their insurance provider to safely clear debris from the site. He described the aftermath as a “catastrophe” and “absolutely horrible.”

Due to storm damage, two buildings have been deemed uninhabitable, necessitating 20 families to find alternative living arrangements. Lasater noted that all but two families have relocated, with some tenants moving to another property owned by Key City Capital.

He assured residents that each tenant is eligible for FEMA disaster assistance to help with relocation costs and that they will receive their deposit back if they choose to move to a property managed by another company.

Brittany Williams, another tenant, acknowledged that the storm was beyond anyone’s control but expressed disappointment in the management’s post-storm communication. “I want them to act like they care. Show like you care, be compassionate. Have some respect for your residents,” Williams emphasized.

Lasater disclosed that his firm acquired the complex in early 2023 and plans to invest $5 million in renovations over the next two years to improve conditions at the property, which has long been designated as a habitual criminal property by the city of Dallas. However, he admitted to shortcomings in communication since the storm and pledged to address these issues promptly.

“When the person communicating is not getting their message across, it’s not the person receiving it who has the problem, it’s the communicator,” Lasater acknowledged. “So, we need to fix that.”