While DOGE has created uncertainties for Star Village, residents take action

STAR VILLAGE – The issues at Star Village have not been alleviated, but the residents there have begun a community engagement campaign to address the problems with the help of a grant from Johns Hopkins.

The management company has been failing inspections. The ongoing neglect by the property management and the city has caused sewage and drainage problems. Like much of the city’s infrastructure, Star Village’s is old and has deteriorated. Residents experience water outages and clogged plumbing that last for weeks. Residents have reported the poor living conditions and lack of communication. Plus, there is a high crime rate.

The management company, Tzadik Management, has faced similar issues in other locations where they own properties, including Sioux Falls, Nebraska and Florida where it is headquartered. Residents living in those properties have allegedly reported the same lack of maintenance, insect infestations, mold and rodents, poor living conditions and lack of communication. There have also been claims that residents fear retaliation if they are openly criticized.

Tzadik has made some improvements, but residents have said they have been the bare minimum.

Mayor Jason Salamun told KOTA TV that the problem isn’t unique to Rapid City. He said that it’s up to the property management company to do their part to ensure public safety and take care of code violations. He said the city does what it can to get the attention of the company.

In April, Tzadik filed for bankruptcy in Florida because of cash flow problems, mainly caused by creditors trying to collect on judgements. According to reporting in the Argus Leader, Tzadik wants to administer claims, reorganize its operations and financial affairs and formulate a confirmable plan of reorganization.

While there is assistance for residents who want to relocate, many of the residents at Star Village want to stay. Native Sun News Today Editor Ernestine Chasing Hawk, who also is a long-time resident said “we love our home at Star Village. It’s a beautiful place. We don’t want to move.”

For the city’s part, Rapid City was awarded a Love Your Block Grant from Johns Hopkins University in May of last year. Rapid City is one of 16 communities nationwide, one of the smallest to be selected.”

Salamun said in a press release that the program was supposed to utilize the resources for the neighborhood to build collaborations and partnerships with community groups on neighborhood driven, priority projects “that will enhance the quality of life for Star Village residents and families.”

Wendy Wiener said while that was supposed to be the mission of the program, they have instead been more like property managers having to deal with the management issues because they are so severe. Wiener is from the Rapid City Police Department (RCPD) Community Engagement Division but works as a member of AmeriCorps VISTA to administer the Love Block Your Grant. Wiener said many people don’t have heating. “People are going through winter without heat and hot water. Their homes don’t have basic weatherization, people’s doors don’t fit right, and windows are broken. I’m not saying all of that is Tzadik’s fault because every neighborhood has irresponsible tenants. But Tzadik has not been doing their job and have been neglecting their property.”

Weiner was recently and abruptly out of a job because AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) had experienced deep cuts due to actions by the Department of Government Efficiency.( DOGE) The termination of nearly $400 million dollars in grants has left many programs across the nation in limbo or terminated. Weiner said the Rapid City grant was supposed to be for 2 years. “I was out of work because Trump shut down AmeriCorps, but now I’m back again, but only for limited time.” While there is the question of the continuation of the program, Wiener says she is committed to administering the grant for as long as she is employed.

Because the issues at Star Village have been so severe, Wiener said they had to revamp the program to meet the needs of the neighborhood. She said they are still trying to implement the Love Your Block beautification and putting up speed signs. “So, we are trying to do all that stuff that keeps people safe. Security cameras is the next thing we’re going to be doing that Love Your Block will be funding.”

“It was difficult to get people involved at first,” she said, “because of a general feeling of negativity, but we have been trying very hard, and we are succeeding in getting the neighbors to work together for all of their benefits.”

Wiener said the community as a whole is getting more engaged – the city, RCPD, code enforcement – as well as residents and have been holding monthly and weekly meetings in an effort to work around Tzadik. She said Tzadik representatives have been attending the monthly meetings.

There are concerns in the Indian community that Tzadik may be allowing the buildings to deteriorate to the point of condemnation in order to build luxury homes. More reason for residents to take action to protect their homes.

Wiener, who lives near Star Village, said she loves to live there. “She said the real joy of depending on themselves and each other. This whole neighbors helping neighbors program that we’ve started here through Love Your Block is just wonderful.” She said people have been getting to know their neighbors. People are less afraid to reach out and meet more community members

Wiener said that a building on the property has been converted into a community center at 1614 Kellog Place, and they have been hosting weekly events.

Wiener said Takes a Village Tuesday is once a month. “We just hosted a Takes a Village Tuesday so the next one will be on August 12. The goal is to bring neighbors and community groups together with outreach as well as food and games. “We have had as many as 200 people attend.” The Rimrock Church also comes every two weeks to repair bikes and share a meal.

They also hosting meetings every Wednesday, for residents at Star Village. “This is to talk about things, to talk about problems and generally for residents who are needing some community support.”

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