Rep. Cleaver Announces $1,350,000 for Independence Towers to Address Desperately Needed Repairs

"Since visiting Independence Towers last month, my staff and I have been working tirelessly to ensure the voices and legitimate safety concerns of tenants at the apartment complex are heard at the highest levels of government and addressed," said Congressman Cleaver. "I have been in contact with all parties since my concerning visit to the property last month, and I'm happy to announce that Fannie Mae has provided an additional $1.35 million to Independence Towers to cover operations over the coming months and address other long overdue repairs. While I'm grateful to Fannie for taking action to support the work of the receiver, there is more work that must be done to ensure the conditions at the property meet the standards all renters deserve and have come to expect - and I won't stop pushing for action for my constituents."

In May, following legal action by Fannie Mae to seek appointment of a receiver who could properly manage Independence Towers, a Jackson County court appointed Trigild Inc. to oversee management of the property. Since that appointment, Fannie Mae has provided $425,000 for repairs and operations at Independence Towers. Last Friday, following calls from Rep. Cleaver for additional action, Fannie Mae provided an additional $1,350,000 for repairs and to cover operations at the property until the property can be transferred to a new, responsible owner. Use of these funds will include replacing, repairing, and maintaining routine items associated with the apartment building such as pest control, building security, appliance replacements, flooring, interior repairs, painting, and more. Tenants should continue to report issues to property management.

"Thanks to this action, things will be roughly $1.35 million better at Independence Towers, but make no mistake, the fire of concern about living conditions around the nation is still burning with the embers of renters' discontentment," said Congressman Cleaver. "It's imperative that we listen to the growing frustration of renters nationwide and make necessary reforms that ensure every tenant has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing."

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.