Neighbors Demand Action on Condemned Concord Apartments in South City

Residents call for immediate removal of unauthorized occupants, securing of property, and expedited demolition as city faces deadline to clear site

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken lock or damaged door handle from the Concord Apartments, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the property's state of disrepair and the security issues it poses for the surrounding neighborhood.The condemned Concord Apartments have become a magnet for crime and vagrancy, exposing the challenges cities face in quickly addressing such properties.St. Louis Today

Residents of the Marine Villa neighborhood in South City, St. Louis have issued a formal 10-day demand letter to the city, calling for immediate action to address the condemned Concord Apartments property. The letter, signed by Cassandra Conner and 25 of her neighbors, outlines five specific actions they want the city to take, including removing all unauthorized occupants and encampment structures, enforcing trespassing and criminal statutes, securing the property to prevent re-entry, and expediting the planned abatement and demolition. The residents say they have witnessed ongoing illegal activity at the site, including drug use, violence, and threats to nearby homeowners, and are frustrated by the lack of progress despite the property being condemned in February.

Why it matters

The Concord Apartments have been a longstanding issue for the Marine Villa neighborhood, with residents reporting a significant increase in crime and public safety concerns over the past year. The city's condemnation of the property and planned abatement has done little to address the problems, as unauthorized occupants and a tent encampment have remained on the site. This case highlights the challenges cities face in quickly and effectively addressing condemned or abandoned properties that become magnets for illegal activity, and the need for coordinated efforts between local government, law enforcement, and community members to find solutions.

The details

The Concord Apartments in South City, St. Louis were condemned by the city on February 9th. Two weeks ago, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department raided the property, but residents say the situation has only worsened since then. Cassandra Conner, a five-year resident of the Marine Villa neighborhood, says she and her neighbors have witnessed drug use, violence, and other illegal activity at the site, with police frequently responding to calls. Conner and 25 other neighbors have now delivered a formal 10-day demand letter to City Hall, outlining five specific actions they want the city to take: 1) Remove all unauthorized occupants and encampment structures, 2) Enforce all applicable trespassing and criminal statutes, 3) Immediately secure the property to prevent re-entry, 4) Expedite the execution of abatement and/or demolition as already noticed, and 5) Provide ongoing enforcement to prevent re-encampment and continued unlawful use. The residents say they want written confirmation from the city that these measures will be taken. Homeless advocate Larry Rice has requested a two-week extension to allow more time to relocate the approximately 20 people currently living in tents on the property, but the city has stated the encampment will be decommissioned by the Friday deadline.

  • The Concord Apartments were condemned by the city on February 9, 2026.
  • The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department raided the property two weeks ago.
  • Residents delivered a formal 10-day demand letter to City Hall on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • The deadline for all occupants to vacate the Concord Apartments property is this Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Cassandra Conner

A 5-year resident of the Marine Villa neighborhood who delivered the formal demand letter to City Hall on behalf of herself and 25 other neighbors.

Larry Rice

The director of the New Life Evangelistic Center, a homeless advocacy organization that has been helping to relocate people displaced from the Concord Apartments.

Angel Shorter

A resident currently living in the tent encampment outside the Concord Apartments, who says she has no place to go.

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that raided the Concord Apartments property two weeks ago.

City of St. Louis

The local government that condemned the Concord Apartments property in February and has set the Friday deadline for clearing the site.

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What they’re saying

“We're all on the same page. We're frankly tired of it. It has been going on for at least a year and a half, escalated in the past year. We've gotten a lot of lip service.”

— Cassandra Conner, Resident of Marine Villa neighborhood

“Having to look, where can we place these individuals? We can't just walk off and forget about them. We're going to be in some cases helping with placement grants because some have found some places they moved to. Others will be moving to other homeless encampments.”

— Larry Rice, Director of New Life Evangelistic Center

“I have no place to go. I have no place for my dog. And this has all happened since Easter.”

— Angel Shorter, Resident living in Concord Apartments encampment

What’s next

The city has stated the tent encampment at the Concord Apartments property will be decommissioned by the Friday, April 18th deadline. Homeless advocates have requested a two-week extension to allow more time to relocate the remaining occupants, but it is unclear if the city will grant this extension.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in quickly and effectively addressing condemned or abandoned properties that become magnets for illegal activity and homelessness. While the city has taken steps to condemn and clear the Concord Apartments, the lack of a coordinated plan to safely relocate the remaining occupants has left the neighborhood frustrated and concerned for their safety. Addressing issues like this will require collaboration between local government, law enforcement, social services, and community members to find compassionate yet effective solutions.