Residents Urged to Vacate: Safety Concerns Prompt Evacuation at Gardner, Kansas Apartment Complex

The city of Gardner, Kansas, has ordered residents at an apparently run-down apartment complex to leave within 48 hours because of hazardous conditions.

Town authorities stated in a press announcement on Tuesday that all residences within the Aspen Place Apartments located at 101 Aspen Street have been deemed uninhabitable because of safety issues.

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The city stated that the aging water infrastructure system has grown "progressively unreliable," leading to regular pipe ruptures and erratic water supply. However, the primary concern is that the inadequate water flow can no longer effectively extinguish fires, posing a substantial hazard for both inhabitants and first responders should a blaze occur within the area.

The city also mentioned that the declining condition of the roads on the site presents difficulties and risks for first responders and emergency services when they might need to enter the area.

Authorities reported on Tuesday that a fire engine en route to the apartment complexes for an emergency sank into the street on Sunday. Upon inspecting the roads within the complex, investigators found that they were unable to conclusively bear the weight of a fire vehicle.

The municipality referred to the choice as "the sole logical step," stating "ensuring personal safety is our top concern."

Because of these problems, all tenants have been ordered to leave their units within 48 hours of notification.

This indicates that they have to leave by 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. Following those two days, residents will be allowed to return solely for the purpose of collecting their personal items but only during daytime hours.

"The city understands the hardship this causes and does not make this decision lightly," City Administrator Jim Pruetting said in a news release. "However, continuing to allow residents to live in these conditions would be unsafe and irresponsible."

Aspen Place accommodates approximately 200 units. Even though residents cite long-standing issues at the complex, they were taken aback and distressed on Tuesday due to the brief notification.

Some expressed concern for neighbors with disabilities, while others were uncertain about where they would go themselves.

"I had a panic attack," tenant Sallie Taylor said. "I lost it. Because what am I supposed to do? Go to jail tonight because I don't have anywhere to go?"

City officials said resource lists have been provided to residents, and encourage tenants to review their renters insurance policies and lean on community support services.

Mission Southside, a nonprofit, is doing what it can to help.

“It’s not ideal. These individuals have lives; they’re dealing with hardships and survive on meager incomes and scarce resources,” stated Rod Janzen from Mission Southside. “While some work, others do not, yet our duty as a faith-driven non-profit organization is to support those around us.”

Residents with questions about the decision are asked to call the city's hotline at 913-884-2700.

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