City shutters apartment complex after squatters, crack, and fentanyl

Broadway Court Apartments to close by September 15, after years of crime, squatting, drug activity, and deteriorating building conditions.

On September 2, City Attorney Zach Klein announced that the Property Action Team has secured a court order regarding the closure of the property located at 2009-2033 W. Broad Street.

According to a press release, the court order followed the Columbus Police’s finding that 16 people were occupying two supposedly vacant units in the apartment complex. Suspected narcotics were also recovered during a recent investigation.

A preliminary injunction issued by Franklin County Environmental Court Judge Stephanie Mingo orders the entire 30-unit complex to close no later than September 15. Currently, five units are occupied by known tenants, who are expected to vacate by September 14.

Alongside years of criminal and drug activity, Code Enforcement inspectors also documented numerous violations in April, which remained out of compliance by the time of reinspection.

The Property Action Team filed a case against the property in June and obtained an order requiring the owners to address all code violations by early September.

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The final nail in the coffin for the property was on August 28. Police responded to a reportedly vacant apartment at 2021 W. Broad Street and encountered an individual who allegedly jumped from a third-story window as officers approached. Police then searched two units and recovered suspected narcotics, including fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine. Police detained 16 people, and four were arrested on outstanding warrants.

“What police found last week is just the latest example of why we have continued to push for action at this property. When vacant properties are left unsecured and become a haven for drugs and criminal activity, the entire neighborhood is put at risk,” said Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. “Property owners have a responsibility to secure their buildings, fix dangerous conditions, and prevent their properties from becoming magnets for crime. If they fail to do that, we will use every legal tool available to protect residents and the surrounding neighborhood.”

The City is also seeking to recover at least $8,300 in civil fines from 2031 Broad LLC for failing to correct code violations on time. A hearing on a permanent injunction is scheduled for September 28.

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