Photo by Alfredo Velez/Downey Register
Residents from Eden Roc Apartments took to Tuesday’s City Council meeting to express their grievances toward a reported increase in rent they received earlier in the day.
City Hall hosted a capacity crowd of residents waving signs and ready to speak up about the problem during more than two hours of public comments.
Residents’ complaints included being given the notice of increase earlier in the day on Tuesday by Winstar Properties, the company managing the property, and that they were given 60 days to vacate.
Residents also stated that they were offered up to $5,000 to vacate by Oct. 1 as part of a “cash for keys” plan by the property management. One resident stated through an interpreter that she was approached by Andres Delgado, a representative of Winstar, who allegedly told her in Spanish, “O se van o pagan” (You either get out or you pay).
Delgado has not responded to Downey Register’s request for comment as of press time. Dulce Delgado, a Downey resident who simply identified herself as someone who lives on the property, disputes the residents’ claims that they were being evicted.
Ms. Delgado stated via Facebook that residents were not being evicted, but were notified of the rent increase. Regarding the $5,000 payout, Ms. Delgado described it as an “incentive” to leave, but that “they don’t have to take it if they don’t want to.”
Ms. Delgado did confirm that she is related to Andres Delgado, but did not disclose her relationship to Mr. Delgado. She then advised that further requests for comment be forwarded to Winstar Properties.
Further updates, including statements from residents, property management, and City officials, will be provided as they are received. Visit this article for further developments.