Dozens suffer as trash piles up at New Kensington apartment complex

In New Kensington, Pennsylvania, residents of the Valley Royal Court apartment complex are facing serious issues due to heaps of uncollected trash that have accumulated over several weeks. City officials reported that the owner of the complex, Winn Companies, has not made necessary payments to the waste service provider, Shank Waste Service, leading to the suspension of garbage pickups. The situation has persisted for approximately three to four weeks, contributing to health hazards and disturbing living conditions for those in the area. Tenants have expressed frustration and concern over the visible piles of trash, which are a significant eyesore and could potentially attract pests, posing further risk to their health. The accumulation of waste is not the only problem tenants are dealing with. Furthermore, residents have reported various dangerous living conditions, including lack of heating, mold growth within the apartments, and infestations of rodents and insects. Structural damage to the buildings and failing water systems have also added to the residents' woes. Such an environment is unacceptable, making it clear that immediate action is required to address these pressing issues for the affected individuals. Community advocate Aaron Moore voiced the need for drastic changes, stating that if the company managing the property cannot improve conditions, they should consider selling it. After significant public concern and media coverage, Shank Waste Service confirmed that they had finally received a payment check from Winn Companies amounting to $5,900. With this payment, they expressed hopes of resuming garbage collection services as soon as the check clears. Although this development is a positive step towards alleviating the trash situation, it remains indicative of a larger issue surrounding the management and maintenance of the complex. The residents are anxiously awaiting improvements not only in trash collection but also in their overall living conditions. City officials, including the New Kensington City Code Enforcement team, have been trying to assist tenants by coordinating with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for an emergency inspection. These efforts aim to bring better living conditions to the inhabitants and inspect the overall management practices by the property owner. As the inspections proceed and subsequent actions take place, residents hope for a better future in their community. While the immediate issue of trash may soon be resolved, the larger concerns regarding the overall state of the property and how this situation came to unfold highlight the importance of responsible property management.