After serious concerns were raised by an advisory neighborhood commissioner, the city initiated legal action against the property owners of 1828 Q Street SE. The lawsuit accuses the owners of not taking adequate measures to halt ongoing criminal activities in the apartment building.

The apartments, situated in the Fairlawn neighborhood of Southeast Washington, have been the subject of numerous complaints. Residents and officials have reported alarming incidents including attempts to set fires using gasoline on the premises, drug transactions occurring in the hallways, and unauthorized entries into vacant units.

Tom Donohue, the local advisory neighborhood commissioner, has been actively monitoring the situation. He has visited the building multiple times over recent months in response to these issues, seeking to address the community’s safety concerns.

This legal action represents a significant step by the city to enforce property ownership responsibilities and prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents.