Sun Prairie applies nuisance property law to senior apartment building

Sun Prairie is using its new chronic nuisance ordinance for the first time at The Landing, an apartment building for residents age 55 and older at 818 W. Main St. The ordinance was adopted in July and covers properties with repeated qualifying calls or code violations.

Under the policy, a building of this size can be reviewed after six qualifying incidents in 12 months. An Aug. 12 notice to owner Cohen-Esrey Communities identified incidents dating to October 2025, including an Aug. 9 disturbance that led to an arrest.

Residents describe problems At an Aug. 27 meeting, tenants raised concerns about maintenance delays, communication, fruit flies, building access, visitors staying in units, security cameras and disturbances in common areas. The meeting included city staff and property managers.

Company representatives acknowledged staffing gaps and said residents could report maintenance needs through a round-the-clock online portal and emergency phone line. Regional Vice President Ben Carpenter said the building was observing the age-occupancy rules that allow a limited portion of units to house younger residents.

Corrective requirements The city's Code Compliance Coalition reviewed a proposed correction plan and returned a revised version Sept. 18. Its 17 requirements include an on-site manager on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., a solution for fruit flies by Nov. 1, 2026, checks of the emergency maintenance service, cleaner common spaces and tighter building access.

The city will document compliance and continue inspections. Failure to meet the plan can bring penalties or affect tax-increment financing. The property must also avoid further qualifying incidents for 12 months before the nuisance designation can be lifted.