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Peoples Evicted From 4-Bedroom Apartment

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By JOHN W. ALLMAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 30, 2008

TAMPA - Tampa Housing Authority Commissioner Karen Peoples was evicted Monday from her public housing apartment, nearly a year after being found in violation of federal housing guidelines.

Peoples, who represents public housing residents on the authority board, had lived in the unit at C. Blythe Andrews since 1984. She paid $26 a month in rent for the four-bedroom apartment, which is subsidized by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

HUD guidelines stipulate how many people can live in certain-size apartments. Peoples has lived by herself for more than a year, and she refused three attempts by the housing authority to relocate her to a one-bedroom apartment at other properties. More than 200 people are on a waiting list at C. Blythe Andrews who qualify for a four-bedroom apartment.

Peoples said moving would take her too far away from job opportunities. She said she has been out of work for several months. Her position on the housing board is unpaid, and her eviction means she will have to give up the board seat she has held since 1998.

"It's a sad day for us at the agency," said Lillian Stringer, the authority's director of public relations. "We hate to see anybody lose their housing, but we're held to a high standard by HUD. We have to adhere to rules and regulations, and so does she."

Stringer said the authority will contact Mayor Pam Iorio's office to provide a list of names for Iorio to consider for Peoples' vacant seat.

The seven-member board is appointed by the mayor, and each term lasts four years. Per state law, one seat must be filled by a person who lives in public housing.

Peoples' eviction marks the first time a Tampa housing commissioner has been kicked out for violating the rules.

Peoples tried twice to block her eviction, but failed.

Last week, Hillsborough County Civil Judge Eric Myers ruled that she had not followed proper procedures to stop the action and agreed to allow the eviction to continue. Peoples filed a second motion Friday, but it too was denied.

She was escorted from her apartment Monday morning by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies. Housing officials also were present.

"I got some things packed up," Peoples said. She did not know where she would live.

Peoples was forced to leave the unit immediately and only carried out a few items, including a laundry basket filled with clothes. She will have 48 hours to get her belongings, otherwise they will be thrown away by the housing authority.

Reporter John W. Allman can be reached at (813) 259-7915 or jallman@tampatrib.com.

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