Water still on at The Morgan after St. Pete says owner missed bill deadline

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — People who live at The Morgan apartments still had water Thursday night, but the city of St. Petersburg said that could change if its owner doesn’t pay its water bill.

“As previously stated, an interruption of services is a last resort action for the city,” Alizza Punzalan-Randle, managing director of communications and community engagement for the city, said in an email.

According to Punzalan-Randle, Lurin Real Estate Holdings owed $452,995.33 on its two water accounts at The Morgan as of July 24. She said as of Thursday, Aug. 21, $290,063.37 had been paid. A payment of $72,647 was received Thursday, following one for $70,000 on Wednesday. Punzalan-Randle said those transactions hadn’t cleared the banking system as of late Thursday afternoon, and if they do, Lurin still owes $162,931.96. 

“I really hate to have to spend money to move for a reason that’s not my fault,” said Michael Williams, who’s lived at The Morgan for 14 years. “I mean, I’m paying to be here. The water bill’s included in the rent. We’re paying the rent. So, where’s the money been going?”

Paulette Hines, who’s lived in the complex for ten years, said it’s a question many residents have.

“As long as I’ve been out here, I have never witnessed or been through the experience that myself and the other tenants are going through with this whole water shut-off situation,” Hines said.

Williams shared an email with Spectrum News he received Thursday from “The Morgan Team.” It begins, “Payment for all past due water bills for The Morgan has been sent to the City of St. Petersburg and should be reflected soon in the City’s records.” Lurin spokesman Ed Cafasso sent a similar statement. 

“We thank residents for their patience as we worked to resolve this matter, as promised, with no interruption in service. We will now turn our attention to catching up on certain maintenance needs at the property,” Cafasso’s statement read.

Williams and Hines pointed out a number of such needs, from a tarp-covered roof Hines said still needs repairs following last year’s hurricanes to the complex’s closed pools.

“Not even the ducks want to swim in it,” Hines said.

The grass hasn’t been mowed in about two weeks, according to Williams, but he said this isn’t the worst it’s been.

“It had been sitting a good month or two months without being mowed. It was, like, up to here,” Williams said, holding his arm about waist high. “You walk your dog, you lose your dog inside.”

The city previously urged residents to start looking at alternate housing options in case Lurin doesn’t pay in full. That’s easier said than done for some residents.

“It’s a horrible situation because I’m on a fixed income,” said Williams. “My VA payment doesn’t come until the first of the month, and if we have to leave now or between then, I have no money or no place to really go. I mean, it’s frightening to think that we may get a notice saying, ‘Get out,’ or whatever, but I have no place to go right now until I have money in my pocket.”

“That is going to be a financial burden, plus a big stressor. You know, I have myself plus my two daughters that reside with me,” Hines said.

Punzalan-Randle said sufficient notice will be given to residents if the water does get shut off. Hines questioned what that means since finding a new place could be difficult for some.

Groups have been reaching out to residents to offer help. The St. Petersburg Tenants Union held a meeting Tuesday to discuss organizing with residents, and Punzalan-Randle said city staff was available at the Enoch Davis Center and South Branch Library Thursday to connect residents with legal resources and aid. They also distributed a flyer Wednesday at the complex with information on renter’s rights and resources.