Rep. Humphrey Statement on Illegal Housing of More Than 800 People at Colonial Village Apartments

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Latyna Humphrey today calls for immediate action following the alarming discovery at the Colonial Village Apartments off East Livingston Avenue in Columbus where authorities discovered more than 800 people residing within substandard conditions and condemned units. The city of Columbus confirmed that many people living in the apartments were from Haiti. The complex was previously declared a public nuisance in August 2021.

"Colonial Village Apartments is in a critical situation, and we must act swiftly. I vehemently condemn the illegal housing of more than 800 people residing in substandard, haphazard, and condemned conditions in Colonial Village. This undermines the principles of safety, community, and legal adherence. Such actions jeopardize the well-being of those involved and compromise the broader community,” said Rep. Humphrey. “It is imperative that we prioritize lawful and ethical practices to ensure the welfare and stability of our communities and our constituency. I can appreciate the transition to a new property management team. However, while appreciating that change, it is crucial to address accountability and seek the appropriate reprimand for those responsible for the unsafe practices in the illegal housing of more than 800 people.”

As this situation unfolds, there is a growing awareness of the challenges immigrant communities face, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a supportive and secure environment for all residents. Rep. Humphrey has been a strong advocate for the complete renovation of Colonial Village from the start of her tenure and wants to ensure that residents have safe, sanitary, and decent housing.