Numerous Mayflower Manor residents were looking for a chance to speak with HUD (Housing and Urban Development) officials during their monthly tenant council meeting Thursday night amid concerns of possible displacement.
Instead, HUD officials did not show up to the meeting. Marilyn Bobo, Council President for the Mayflower residents said she tried numerous times to get a hold of HUD, but was unsuccessful.
“I only got their voicemail,” she says. “I blew up their phone and never got an answer back.”
Those who attended the meeting however were still looking for answers.
Mayflower resident Karen King told AkronNewsNow.com she doesn't want to leave her home.
“I’ve made this my home until the good Lord takes me to his heavenly home,” she said.
King has lived in the building since 1986.
The city recently announced plans to purchase the aging building and find a developer to refurbish the former downtown hotel. It now serves as an apartment complex for low income individuals who are either elderly or disabled.
One anonymous resident feels that the tenants have no voice in the matter.
“I’m a realist,” he says. “This piece of the puzzle does not fit with what they’re trying to do downtown, so I feel they are going to do away with this.”
Gerald Carter says that even if those who currently live in the Mayflower are moved into nicer apartments, they are giving up amenities that make things easier for everyday living.
“We have four or five restaurants within walking distance and we have a convenience store right her at our disposal,” Carter explained.
He also said being close to the hospital and being on a bus line are some other benefits both he and others can take advantage of.
Calvin Williams, who’s called the Mayflower Manor his home since 2005, says he is afraid of the talk they might have to live elsewhere soon.
“I really don’t want to leave,” he says. “But if I got to go, I got to go.”
Another woman says she feels safer in the Mayflower than in any other AHMA housing complex that she's lived in before.
“We look out for each other using the buddy system, there’s an officer on duty at night, it truly is a safe place and it’s not as bad as people make it out to be.”
The city suggested recently that the downtown Akron landmark was in bad shape, saying it needs to be completely refurbished.
Fifteen-year resident Marilyn Bobo, the Council President for the Mayflower says the building is safe and received a high rating from its most recent inspection.
“We just passed our inspection in November, and now three months later there’s a problem?” she asked.
"We're just going to have to fight this thing together as a family."
The Mayflower Manor has over 250 people living there currently. City officials met with residents last week to answer questions regarding relocation and to reassure them they would not be homeless.
The city's plans to redevelop the building are contingent upon approval of a HUD 108 loan request and finalization of an agreement with the Mayflower's current owner. An ordinance to approve the loan request will be brought to Akron City Council in the near future.
