On the Site:

LOCAL NEWS

Tenants say government-subsidized complex is filthy, unsafe

Jul 27, 2022, 7:13 AM

SALT LAKE CITY — Drugs, violence, bug-infested and filthy — that’s how some tenants of a downtown Salt Lake City apartment complex describe the living conditions.

The River Rock Apartments underwent new ownership a couple of years ago, and some of the residents say the new owner isn’t taking care of the property, which is partly allocated for low-income families. The property is located at 731 South 300 East.

The area is expensive and low-income housing is hard to find. Some residents here say the building isn’t just rundown — it’s dangerous and has become a hotbed for drugs and crime.

“We’ve found two needles with blood and drugs on them with the cap off,” said Desiree Ogborn, who moved into River Rock Apartments in May. She said she had no idea what she would encounter. She says the hallways are full of drugs and the grounds aren’t safe either. So, she’s creating a play area in their living room.

“I am building a playground in here,” Ogborn said. Her daughter has sensory issues and outdoor play would be much better, but she doesn’t feel the area is safe.

Brook Shipley purchased his unit in 2018. It’s still managed as part of River Rock. He said it’s become increasingly dangerous over the past couple of years, with drugs everywhere, violence and squatters.

“I’ve had my bathroom and kitchen flooded twice from squatters in the upstairs,” Shipley said. But he added that’s not all.

“In the last two months, I’ve been hearing a lot of bullets shot,” Shipley told KSL TV. And bullet holes in entryways into the complex support his claims.

The Utah Housing Corporation says a new owner bought the complex nearly two years ago. Claudia O’Grady with the office said her office hasn’t received any complaints from people who live at River Rock. But she added they have conducted three random inspections in the last three months based on neighbor complaints.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

(Frank Klein, National Park Service)...

Luke Seaver

Rockfall in Canyonlands closes White Rim Road

A large rockfall over the weekend in Canyonlands National Park has resulted in the closure of a section of the White Rim Road.

8 minutes ago

A new proposal could pave the way for some very tall buildings to be allowed in the Sugar House are...

Lindsay Aerts

New building proposal seeks to triple height of Sugar House buildings

Harbor Bay Ventures recently bought the Wells Fargo Building on the corner of 2100 South and 1100 East and plans to redevelop it.

36 minutes ago

The Olympic rings at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City on Monday. Future hosts of the 2030 or 2034...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Will IOC pick Salt Lake City as ‘preferred host’ for 2030 or 2034 Winter Olympics this week?

The International Olympic Committee executive board is scheduled to receive a report from the organization's Future Host Commission when it convenes in Paris on Wednesday, a possible signal the committee will vote on whether to advance Salt Lake City's bid to host a second Winter Games in 2030 or 2034.

46 minutes ago

(KSL TV)...

Mike Anderson

Northern Utah community comes together to help shelter the homeless

Local leaders and volunteers in Cache and Box Elder Counties come together to provide shelter to the homeless as temperatures fall

58 minutes ago

Snowbasin Ski Resort will open Thursday at 9 a.m., even though snowfall has been a bit delayed this...

Shelby Lofton

Snowbasin Ski Resort set to open Thursday

Snowbasin Ski Resort will open Thursday at 9 a.m., even though snowfall has been a bit delayed this winter.

60 minutes ago

A still image frame from the Apple NameDrop tutorial in the "Tips" app found on any iPhone. (Apple ...

Mary Culbertson

Online dispute rises over police warnings after iOS 17.1 software update

Police departments across the U.S. made posts on social media warning of the NameDrop feature that was activated by default with the iOS 17.1 update. Some posts weren't completely accurate.

3 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

Tenants say government-subsidized complex is filthy, unsafe