Milwaukee's Housing Authority denies claims of retaliation against Mitchell Court residents

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Mitchell Court residents accused their landlord, the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM), of retaliating against them for speaking out about their living conditions.

Residents hosted a public meeting on March 26, when they told local news outlets they were living with rats, bed bugs and abusive management, among other things.

'It's unbelievable and it's wrong," Chris Logan, a resident, said.

Logan said she and others were found in violation of their leases only after speaking out.

"Management put these violations on our doors for all to see," Logan said about her violation for unsanitary conditions.

A spokesperson for HACM denied the residents' retaliation claims.

"No, that's just part of the process," HACM Communications Coordinator Amy Hall said.

Hall said 45 units at Mitchell Court failed the annual inspection in February. Those residents are still within the allotted time period to remedy the problems.

"Our goal is to have them be in compliance with the lease, so everything is safe, clean, you know, a healthy living environment for everyone," Hall said.

Hall said HACM addresses resident concerns as they are brought to them.

Local organization, Common Ground, is backing the residents.

Rev. Will Davis said they'll protect their right to protest.

"We will not allow any resident that is standing up for better living conditions to get evicted by Willie Hines," Davis said.

HACM Secretary-Executive Director Willie Hines was called out directly by residents and Common Ground. He was not available to speak with CBS 58 on Monday.