Former Latitude Five25 Residents Still Awaiting Payment After Recent Court Decision

COLUMBUS, Ohio. It’s been nearly three months since the nearly 200 residents of the Latitude Five25’s Eastside flats were relocated, and residents are still waiting to be paid.

Last week, a judge in New Jersey dismissed an attempt by the city of Columbus to dismiss a bankruptcy lawsuit by the owners of Paxe Latitude. City officials said the owners were trying to avoid paying a $4.3 million fine.

10TV spoke with residents who opened a new page and fully moved into permanent housing.

“I love it here,” said James Holtz, standing in his new apartment.

He and Ann Barrett have become friends over the past few months as former residents of Latitude Five25.

On Christmas Day they were moved after pipes burst causing power problems. The city later sued the building after the buildings lacked potable water, heat, and a working fire extinguishing system.

“People are really suffering here because of this and I’m trying to move forward because I have a lot of health issues,” she said.

Now they are neighbors in a new apartment. Barrett moved last January and Holtz moved in February.

Barrett said it affected many people both mentally and physically.

In a statement released by the owners of Paxe Latitude, they said they have the plan and funding they need to move forward immediately.

In a statement from City Attorney Zack Klien, he wrote, “We need real money and a concrete plan for tenants and the future of the towers.”

Barrett said the money will help residents in the future if and when it comes.

“We deserve it, but if it happens, it will happen, if it doesn’t, I don’t worry about it,” Barrett said.