Dosker Manor residents struggle with unpaid rent amid relocation from Louisville housing complex

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Metro Housing Authority is moving forward with plans to demolish and redevelop Dosker Manor, a high-rise public housing complex in downtown Louisville.

The relocation process is underway with more than 150 residents already moved out. LMHA said the process remains voluntary for now, but challenges persist as many residents face unpaid rent that could jeopardize their eligibility for relocation assistance.

According to LMHA, 217 accounts at Dosker Manor owe a total of $562,000 in unpaid rent. Federal guidelines require residents to either pay their back rent or enroll in a repayment plan to qualify for assistance. LMHA offers repayment plans that cap payments at 40% of a resident's income while providing access to moving assistance and alternative housing. Officials have also announced plans to seek federal approval to forgive some debt for residents who consistently meet their repayment obligations.

Since 2017, Melissa Hester has called Dosker Manor home. She is currently enrolled in a repayment plan after accruing $1,700 in unpaid rent, a debt she said stemmed from guidance to withhold rent due to poor living conditions.

"I signed up where I have to repay it and I've been doing it since August," Hester said.

Hester described worsening conditions at the complex, including mold and sewage issues, which she said have become more prevalent since the pandemic and the announcement of demolition plans.

"I've had someone's toilet come up through my shower," Hester said.

In July, the Louisville Metro Housing Authority said it had 100 apartments open and ready for residents for Dosker Manor residents. LMHA is covering all moving expenses, and has hired a contractor to help residents pack their belongings and unpack them at their new space.

If residents choose to move themselves, they can be reimbursed up to $1,300. LMHA has estimated that it will take nearly a year and-a-half to get everyone out of the complex.

Despite ongoing relocation efforts, some residents remain in limbo. Archie Mathis, another resident, said Monday he hasn't yet received clear information about his next steps.

"They keep talking about meeting with us to let us know where we can move," Mathis said.

The timeline for the demolition and construction phases remains unclear, though it's scheduled in 2026.

Plans for the new Dosker Manor include senior housing on the current site of the First Link corner store, while additional family housing will be built on the current grounds of the complex. The new development will not include high-rise buildings, a significant change from the current structure.

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