Rocky Hill Mayor Gives Update In Apartment Complex Saga

ROCKY HILL, CT — While some residents have been able to move back into their homes at Concierge Apartments, others still have to wait until ongoing repairs are finished.

Mayor Allan Smith gave a status update on the repair project on Wednesday.

Last week, tenants at the five-building complex had to relocate due to unsafe conditions, including damage caused by frozen and burst pipes.

According to Smith, on Tuesday evening, many Concierge residents were able to return to their apartments in Buildings D and E (400 and 500) after repairs were completed, and required occupancy approvals were secured.

Smith said the return process was “chaotic at times,” and “challenging” for residents.

“We appreciate everyone's patience as town officials worked through a rapidly changing situation to safely get people back into their homes,” Smith said.

Three other buildings, including Buildings A, B, and C (100, 200, and 300) are still undergoing repair work as of Wednesday, and they are not yet approved for overnight occupancy, according to Smith.

Before those residents can return, repairs must be completed. Also, the buildings need to be inspected, and the town’s building, fire and health officials must determine they are safe for occupancy.

As of Wednesday, the mayor said there is no definite timeline for when this will be finished. Smith said the property’s management has informed the town it hopes all necessary repairs can be finished by the end of next week.

In the meantime, residents of the three buildings still being repaired may enter during the day to get their belongings. According to the mayor, residents should not remain overnight, due to ongoing utility issues and active demolition and repair work.

Displaced residents whose hotel accommodations are ending should contact the hotel and Concierge management to request extensions, according to the mayor.

To reach on-site management, call 860-563-5300 or email conciergerockyhilloffice@twocoastliving.com. If unable to reach local management with urgent needs, call 860-955-3465 or email conciergehotline@twocoastliving.com.

Anyone needing additional assistance should reach out to Rocky Hill's Human, Youth and Senior Services Department HERE.

On Monday, Attorney General William Tong announced an investigation has been launched into Concierge Apartments management. His office has sent a civil investigative demand under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. The demand seeks documentation and answers about the landlord’s management and response to deteriorating conditions at the complex.

According to Tong’s office, Concierge has informed his office that it is undertaking $2 million in repairs to replace pipes, insulate the building, and replace damaged sheetrock.

“Concierge management is sitting on billions of dollars in assets while Connecticut families cannot safely remain in their homes,” Tong said. “This crisis did not happen overnight. This is the result of years of callous mismanagement and broken promises.”

According to Tong’s office, Concierge has been the subject of multiple code enforcement actions and tenant complaints over the years, including loss of hot water, and failure to keep the property cleaned, plowed and accessible. Tenants have reported problems such as lights, appliances and elevators routinely being out of order. Freezing temperatures caused pipes across the complex to freeze and burst, resulting in loss of hot water and extensive damage to buildings and personal property, Tong’s office said.

The property is managed by JRK Property Holdings, a Los Angeles-based real estate company.

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