The City of Kent recently reached a settlement with the owners and management of Phoenix Court Apartments, resolving a lawsuit alleging the complex was a chronic public and criminal nuisance.

The settlement, finalized on Jan. 9, 2025, and approved for dismissal by King County Superior Court on Jan. 24, comes after the City’s push for improvements to address safety concerns.

The lawsuit, filed in Aug. 2023, followed nearly a year of urging by the City for the property’s owners and managers to address increasing criminal activity at the complex that affected residents and the surrounding community.

After the lawsuit was initiated, the apartment complex implemented new security measures and made significant improvements, resulting in a notable decrease in criminal and nuisance activities.

Under the terms of the settlement, Phoenix Court’s owners and management agreed to maintain the enhanced security measures and implement additional safeguards to prevent future public nuisance issues.

The agreement also requires immediate action if nuisance activity reoccurs.

“We appreciate the efforts taken by the owners and managers of Phoenix Court Apartments to improve safety and their commitment to continuing these efforts,” said a City of Kent spokesperson. “This represents a positive step forward in enhancing public safety for the entire community.”

Scott Schaefer

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