Affected Tenant Calls Tarek El Moussa's Condo Project Statement 'Deceptive'
By Afouda Bamidele on August 14, 2023 at 12:45 PM EDT
Tarek El Moussa is facing new criticism over his condo project in North Hollywood.
The controversy began with the realtor's plan to demolish the bungalow complex to make way for a luxury development. A tenant who lives on the site that will be urbanized has called out the HGTV star for his "deceptive" statement about the project.
Tarek El Moussa's Condo Project In Hot Water
Clare Letmon, a current resident of the bungalows slated for demolition in the contentious project, shared her perspective with PEOPLE. As an organizer as well on Hartsook Street, she shed light on the impact this situation has on her family and fellow neighbors.
Responding to El Moussa's claim that he is being "dragged for false accusations and misconceptions," Letmon revealed to the publication, "He basically called us liars."
According to her, direct communication with the reality TV star has not happened since July 14. She also asserted that they had repeatedly asked for a personal meeting with those affected, including her neighbor Cathy, a long-term resident of forty years.
The unhappy tenant claimed that the "Brother Vs. Brother" judge blocked the Hartsook Tenants Association on social media and ceased responding to their emails after July 14.
She also emphasized that the news of their homes being torn down and the urgency to plan for the relocation before the $50 million project's launch in 2024 was "super triggering to tenants."
Letmon acknowledged that while El Moussa did not personally distribute eviction notices to her neighbors, the property's current owner executed those actions to pave the way for his undertaking.
In response to the concerns raised by Hartsook tenants, the "Entertainment Tonight" guest co-host released a statement via his Instagram page last week. In the lengthy note, he partly wrote:
"Please let me clear something up regarding a new project. I am one of the partners of NoHo 138 working on purchasing the Hartsook property in North Hollywood for redevelopment. Even though I am being dragged for false accusations and misconceptions, my intentions are to do good, and I hope that we can focus on the positive and the facts."
The "Rock the Block" judge clarified, "Notices to the tenants were served by the current owner, not by me or the partners of NoHo 138." He also explained that the city of Los Angeles mandated the construction of a new structure on the premises, prompting the need to remove existing ones under relevant legal codes.
El Moussa emphasized their intention to collaborate with tenants, improve the neighborhood, and construct a new apartment complex that includes low-income units and contributes to city programs.
The "Flip or Flop" star reassured that the process was being conducted within the bounds of the law, with respect for the existing tenants. To conclude, he expressed his enthusiasm for becoming a "great addition and neighbor to the community."
The 'Tarek's Flip Side' Host And Wife Continue To Film Their Show Amidst Building Controversy
The couple had on smiles as they began filming the second season of their HGTV series, "The Flipping El Moussas." This took place while controversy swirled around rent-controlled homes in North Hollywood. While standing on the curb outside a residence in Cerritos, California, with her beau beside her, the blonde beauty was seen exchanging fist bumps with a colleague.
Undeterred by the ongoing dispute, the couple managed to maintain a cheerful demeanor while shooting their HGTV show. The "Selling Sunset" star radiated positivity as she arrived on set donning fashionably ripped jeans, a blue tank top, and sneakers.
She accessorized with a tote bag, a bottled beverage, and a large white Stanley Cup water bottle. Meanwhile, her husband sporting his signature hat and sunglasses complemented her style in a fitted black shirt, trousers, and checkered sneakers.
In a venture dubbed his "most significant flip," he is set to replace the weathered bungalows on Hartsook Street, Los Angeles, with an imposing 138-unit apartment complex featuring a rooftop pool. With a projected profit of $26 million, the venture includes investments from the "Face the Truth" panelist's firm, TEM Capital, his wife's company HEM Capital, and the collaboration of Pyramid Development Group and WJK Development Co.
