Changes at Osseo Apartments Force Residents to Move

Changes are coming to an Osseo apartment complex that some residents aren’t happy about. Residents of the 6th Avenue Apartments say future renovations are disruptive and will result in them having to find new homes.

A new office building and exercise room will be built on the old pool site of the complex, pending city council approval. The apartments will also be renovated, which does not need city approval.

The news, however, is difficult for some tenants, who claim they have been kicked to the curb with just two months notice and now have no place to go. Angry residents voiced their concerns to the Osseo Planning Commission at Monday night’s meeting.

“They don’t answer the phone for days on end at times,” said Scott Dracey, who lives at the complex. “I just don’t understand how he can kick 92 apartments or whatever it is out on the street in one fell swoop and think it’s proper.”

“As of right now I do not have a home,” said Tonya Simpson, another building resident. “I am trying, but three times the rent is what is required now out there. We were not given an option to vacate for 30 or 60 days and come back to our same apartment.”

Residents are unhappy that the pool was recently demolished  and complained about the laundry room, trash collection and cleanliness of the units. Members of the Osseo Planning Commission, however, say that the building owner has gone through proper legal channels and that this is a zoning issue, not about how a company runs its business.

“My heart hurts for you,” said Michael Olkives, a member of the Osseo Planning Commission. “For each one of you. I wish there was some power we had to discuss morals with people like this.”

The apartment building used to be called Countryside Estates. Two years ago there was a significant fire there that displaced seven families.

CCX News reached out to property owner Jason Quilling, but he did not return our phone call on Tuesday.

Osseo