Tenants of the Thurston Road apartments are declaring victory against the complex's property owner.

After being served eviction notices, tenants say they’ve learned from lawyers of the property that all evictions would be stopped immediately. 

“I’m very emotional because I’m taken aback by the support from the community,” said tenant Barbara Rivera. “Moving forward, we know that we are a force to be reckoned with,” said tenant Barbara Rivera. 

 

 

Despite living with mice, sewage problems, and no heat, tenants like Rivera were told to vacate the premises. Last week, Rivera and other tenants protested against the evictions by taking their concerns to the front door of property owner, Brendan Kyle.    

“I’m a mother also of five children. My children are grown but at one time they were small,” said Mary Brown, president of the Thurston Road Tenant Association. “That could have been me so knowing that I could be a support of her it feels good.” 

The property at 447 Thurston Road was previously owned by Peter Hungerford, who the city of Rochester has referred to as an absentee landlord. Hungerford had 70 code violations on the property before he sold it. 

“I hope they understand that they’re messing with people’s lives and they have to take responsibility for what they’re doing,” said Rivera.

“I think that is the greatest thing that could have been happening here,” said Sister Grace of the House of Mercy. “The voices of the poor are finally being heard and I do think it is creating fear among those in power and authority.”

The property owner is currently in negotiations to sell the Thurston Road Apartments to family owned development company Home Leasing LLC.