RALEIGH, N.C. — Residents at Garner Road Apartments, located at 1107 Garner Road, feel like they are being left behind. 

“They’re jacking the prices up on rental properties so high where low class families like me can't afford it,” said Caroline Crowder, who lives at the property. 

In May, residents were told that the apartment complex was bought by Trademark Residential, a property management company. They were informed that Trademark Residential plans to remodel the units and needs each apartment vacant prior to the start of construction, and would therefore not be renewing leases as of June 30.  

However, Trademark Residential did offer residents an option to move into one of the remodeled units as they come available. The new units will rent for $799 a month, but most residents are currently paying between $500 and $600 a month. 

“We can’t afford that, and either way we have to leave. I don’t know what we’re going to do,” said Josie Banks, who has lived at Garner Road Apartments for six years. 

Residents say they feel like they are being pushed out of their own community as the city continues to develop.  

“The city has got to grow, but they forgot about us poor people. You know, where are we gonna stay at? I’ve lived here all my life, I’ve seen this whole city change. There used to be places for us,” resident Stanley Alston added. 

After working with Diana Powell, executive director of Justice Served Inc., a meeting was held on June 7 with Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin and county commissioners to discuss the residents' issues and the lack of affordable housing in the city as a whole. The meeting resulted in Trademark Residential extending leases to residents until July 31. 

Raleigh/Wake Partnership to End Homelessness is now trying to work with each resident to help find them a place to go.