‘Vista Shadow Mountain’ Residents Searching For New Places To Live

Residents living at the Vista Shadow Mountain apartment complex are spending the day packing after the City of Tulsa gave the owners a water shut off notice.

We first told you last month that the complex told those living there they had 30 days to move, which is Wednesday.

Vista Shadow Mountain resident Sandra Jackson Edwards said she can't turn on her light without seeing sparks, water spots are covering the walls and ceilings and more water is dripping into her apartment.

“Every 2-3 hours, I come up here, ‘Is it full yet?” resident Sandra Jackson Edwards said.

Edwards said she's moving out to live with family, but she's incredibly frustrated with the owners.

"I pay my bills, they get it every month. Why can't I get mine back, just a little bit?” Edwards said. “This is below human. I can't do it.”

Tulsa city leaders told complex owners last month if they didn't pay their past due water bill by July 7th, water would be shut off the next day.

Complex leaders then gave residents a 30-day notice to move out.

The deadline falls on Wednesday. The bill totals more than $100,000.

"Everyone at this complex is in danger of losing water, through no fault of their own, because it's folded into their lease or month-to-month contract,” District 7 City Councilor Lori Decter Wright said. "Even if their management hasn't told them they have to leave, if they lose water, the city and health department are going to tell them they have to leave.”

Decter Wright said the city is planning to have water trucks there Thursday if the water is shut off, but they want to help residents find a place to go before then.

If the water bill is paid, Decter Wright said it's still not safe for people to stay there.

"I see structural damage. I see black mold,” Decter Wright said. “These are not things that are fixed with a coat of paint. These are not things that are fixed with even new sheetrock because it’s in the foundation. It’s in the roof and these folks need to get out.”

Decter Wright said the city has been working with Housing Solutions and other community partners to help connect residents with the resources they need.

"They've been doing everything they can to get it together, to find a new rental,” Decter Wright said. “They have children, so they can't just move into a one bedroom or a studio. They need multiple bedrooms and that was the story we heard over and over again up here.”

 Residents, like Edwards, said they just can't take it anymore.

“I am at my breaking point,” Edwards said.

Decter Wright said they're looking for suitcases, moving boxes, tape, volunteers and hygiene products.

They're also holding a pop-up event at Volunteers for America at 61st and Mingo from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday to help connect residents with community partners.

We also reached out to Property Management at the complex for a comment. The company has not returned our call.