From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM – The City of Birmingham’s Office of the City Attorney is suing the owner of Valley Brook Apartments due to what they describe as a “high amount of violent crime and other illegal activities at the property.”
The lawsuit seeks an injunction requiring the owners of Valley Brook Apartments to take steps to reduce illegal activity at the complex. This would include requiring the owners to establish a comprehensive audio/video surveillance system at the complex, acquire license plate technology and establish a 24-hour, seven day-a-week security presence at the complex.
The city asks that if the owners fail to prevent further illegal and violent activity, that the court require the property to be sold. Birmingham’s lawsuit states “the Defendants have continued to allow criminal, violent and life-threatening activity to occur, thus creating a public nuisance.”
The city contends:
- Valley Brook Apartments have been the site of several incidents of murder, gun-related violence, assaults and other forms of illegal activity.
- Birmingham police officers have responded to multiple incidents where firearms have been discharged.
- Birmingham police officers have made multiple arrests at the apartment complex.
“Landlords must be put on notice,” City Attorney Nicole King said. “You will be held accountable if you do not take care of your property or allow crime to take place.”
“This is a key part of our public safety response,” Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said. “We must address crime through a multi-faceted approach, which includes law enforcement, our courts, state and federal partners and through the help of our residents. Together, we reduce crime through innovative thinking. I commend the City Attorney for taking this action.”
Problems with drug and nuisance properties can be reported via email to problemproperty@birminghamal.gov or residents may call the internal Drug and Nuisance Abatement Team at 205-254-2369 during normal business hours.