Increased security coming to Karl King Tower under IN AG compliance agreement

It comes after ABC57's reporting showed that issues in the building go far beyond poor heating or even bedbug infestations. ABC57 exposed the rampant safety risks and police responses because the building isn't secure.

Over the winter, after tenants suffered a lack of heating in Indiana's frigid temperatures, the Portage Township Trustee's Office filed a formal complaint to the AG, asking that office to investigate Karl King. Now, the finalized Assurance of Voluntary Compliance is the result of that investigation.

For the first time, the owners of the 219-unit building, Karl King Holdings LLC, are legally bound by the state to implement better security measures.

ABC57's Annie Kate caught up with Portage Township Trustee Jason Critchlow, who has been the on-the-ground liaison with the AG's office.

"The requirement of on-site personnel at all times jumps out to me. Huge complaint from residents," Critchlow said. "Ensuring a new security system is put in here, as well as monitored cameras, is also big wins for the residents as far as a lot of the complaints that we've heard in this office."

In February, a voluntary compliance agreement was reached between Karl King Holdings, LLC, and Portage Township, following a January demand letter. That agreement ensured all affected tenants received a 20 percent rent credit for the month of March as restitution for the heat failures over the winter. Critchlow said his office confirmed tenants did, in fact, receive this rent credit.

This new agreement between Karl King Holdings LLC and the AG includes everything in the township's original agreement and then some, particularly when it comes to safety and building security.

The Office of the Attorney General investigated "substantial criminal activity at the building," and deemed it necessary for the owners to implement remedies. Unlike the township, the AG has enforcement power on these matters.

"They were able to really be much more thorough," Critchlow said, "and again, they're swinging a much bigger stick and a much bigger hammer than we're able to here at Portage Township."

The Assurance of Voluntary Compliance requires on-site security patrols in the evenings and on weekends. It requires security cameras throughout the building and updated access control systems at the entrance doors. It also requires the owners to self-report any and all criminal activity in a monthly written submission.

The agreement is filed with the Marion County Superior Court, and noncompliance would lead to legal ramifications.

"I have been hearing from tenants over this past week, as a matter of fact. They've been noticing some changes in the building," Critchlow said. "Changes are good, and I think, look, considering where we started, anything, any sort of progress is going to be better when it comes to these sorts of situations."

While mandated security measures are a big win for the tenants, there are several issues that remain unresolved, Critchlow said.

"Are the tenants going to be 100% happy? No," he said. "There are things that are not covered by this. Bedbugs are not covered by this. Hygiene is not covered by this. Trash is not covered by this. Elevators are not covered by this."

Critchlow said he has started a task force at the Portage Township Trustee's Office to come up with policy recommendations for state lawmakers. Indiana law limits the enforcement power of municipal government on matters like the issues at Karl King.

"I think what's needed is a culture change here in South Bend. This isn't just about this one building," Critchlow said. "I'm hoping that... corporate landlords see that we're taking notice of this. I'm hoping that we see some action, again, from our state government, from our city government, when it comes to holding these folks accountable."

The full compliance agreement can be found inside this article.