A growing chorus of complaints is emerging from residents of River Pointe Townhomes on Fort Wayne’s southeast side — and now a former property manager is joining them, accusing the complex’s owners and current management of allowing conditions to spiral into disrepair.
What began as a single phone call to the WPTA newsroom has uncovered a broader pattern of neglect, with residents reporting overflowing trash, unresolved maintenance requests, and hazardous living conditions.
“I Had to Fix It Myself”
John Robinson, who moved into River Pointe in December, initially felt good about the decision.
“At first, it wasn’t too bad. I wasn’t disappointed about the apartment itself,” Robinson said. “But over time, things started going wrong.”
That included a bathroom flood with no clear cause. Despite submitting a maintenance request, Robinson said no help came — so he fixed the problem himself.
Now, he says, “I feel tricked. I just don’t think it’s fair that we pay as much as we do, especially for a one-bedroom apartment. I can’t use my dishwasher. It’s too hot in my apartment. I can barely sleep.”
Mold, No A/C, and “Phantom Repairs”
Victoria Myles, another resident, has faced ongoing issues, including mold in her bathroom — which she says has been there for over a year — and no working air conditioning.
“When we put the order in, they’ll send us a confirmation saying the order was completed,” Myles explained. “But when you come home — nothing’s fixed.”
Outside, residents say the problems are just as bad. Trash piles up near units, storm drains are clogged with litter, and dumpsters are overflowing with garbage and discarded furniture.
“It Makes You Feel Like a Liar”
Anthony Eldridge-Benson Sr., who worked as the property manager at River Pointe for over a year, said he left the job in part because of what he called systemic deception.
“It makes you feel like a liar,” he said, recalling moments when he was asked to promise tenants that issues would be fixed in exchange for signing a lease. “You’re walking into someone’s living room telling them everything’s going to be taken care of — and you know it’s a bald-faced lie.”
Eldridge-Benson Sr. now believes local officials must do more to hold out-of-state property owners accountable.
“These corporate landlords are coming into our communities, collecting rent, getting tax breaks — and none of the money is going back into the neighborhoods,” he said. “City Council needs to step in.”
City and Health Officials Respond
When contacted by WPTA, Fort Wayne’s Neighborhood Code Compliance department acknowledged they’re well aware of the problems.
“The department has numerous active cases concerning the property,” a city spokesperson said, noting that some cases have been resolved while others remain pending, with scheduled inspections, fines awaiting resolution, or liens placed via the Allen County Treasurer’s Office.
The Allen County Health Department also confirmed multiple complaints, including mold, rodent infestations, and trash violations.
But officials emphasized that continued pressure from residents is essential. “The only way for action to be taken is by residents diligently reporting their issues,” the NCC spokesperson said.
No Response from Ownership
River Pointe Townhomes is owned by Soundview Equities LLC, a New Jersey-based firm that owns two other properties in Fort Wayne, and several others across the U.S.
Despite multiple attempts for comment, the company has not responded to WPTA. According to the Better Business Bureau, Soundview Equities holds an F rating.
