LANSING, Mich. — The remaining tenants of the Sycamore Townhomes in southwest Lansing are urging the federally-appointed receiver overseeing the property to extend relocation deadlines and increase financial assistance as they face displacement from a housing complex deemed unsafe and hazardous.
William Lawrence, secretary of the local advocacy group Rent Is Too Damn High, stated that residents require an additional two months to safely secure alternative housing. He further emphasized the financial strain residents face, estimating that relocation costs range from $3,500 to $5,000 per household.
“In today’s economy, just putting down a security deposit and first month’s rent can easily reach $3,000,” Lawrence explained. “Add to that application fees, moving expenses, lost wages from time taken off work, and childcare costs during the housing search — the burden becomes overwhelming, especially with the school year ending.”
The housing crisis at Sycamore Townhomes has roots in years of code violations and court proceedings. The City of Lansing sued the New Jersey-based property owners, resulting in the appointment of a federal receiver to manage and rehabilitate the 350-unit complex.
U.S. Federal District Court Judge Jane Beckering underscored the urgency of the situation in a September 18 ruling, declaring that the living conditions at Sycamore were “incompatible with human health and safety” and warranted judicial intervention.
John Polderman, the court-appointed receiver, received court approval in February to initiate a $15 to $16.5 million renovation plan for the property. In April, Judge Beckering authorized relocation efforts, including financial offers to tenants current on rent to help with moving expenses and security deposits.
Despite these measures, residents continue to advocate for more time and greater financial support to navigate the complex and costly process of finding safe, stable housing.
