Property managers fired after sending ‘distasteful’ COVID-19 letter to Bradenton residents

The property managers who sent out a “rude and distasteful” letter to low-income residents regarding their rent amid the coronavirus pandemic were fired Friday and removed from the property following a story published in the Bradenton Herald on Thursday.

Mark Vengroff, whose One Stop Housing company oversees Robin’s Apartments, at 2301 First St., in Bradenton, as well as other properties, confirmed Saturday the termination of his former managers Debbie Sipp and Kristi McClellan.

Vengroff said a standard letter was sent to the tenants of all his properties on Wednesday, but, “Unfortunately, they altered this one and it was very distasteful and insensitive to what is going on.”

Vengroff said given the nature of the letter, he had no choice but to terminate the two managers and immediately replace them with seasoned property managers from within his company.

“Each one of them has been with us for at least 15 years,” Vengroff said. “They understand our culture and have carried that out beautifully. It took a few hours to get things in order, but they went door to door, keeping social distancing, and made sure everybody is OK and understands what is going on.”

A revised letter outlining the best way to handle the pandemic was sent to residents, along with an apology letter.

“These tenants are amazing and very understanding,” Vengroff said. “I realize most of the social media feedback was from people that have never stepped foot on this property, but I understand why they are upset, and I was extremely upset, too.”

The Bradenton Police Department were on hand to oversee the removal of the two employees, but Vengroff said their presence is standard policy when terminating an employee. It also was for the benefit of Sipp and McClellan, who received multiple threats via Facebook before Robin’s Apartments deleted its page after public backlash.

Vengroff said staff are implementing other standard policies at his other properties, such as putting up information on where to get resources during this difficult time. Vengroff is also pledging to work with tenants through financial challenges.

“What happened was embarrassing,” he said. “It was frustrating, and I’m angry they took that tone they did.”

Few of the residents are sorry to see Sipp and McClellan go, Vengroff said.

“Most are pretty happy,” he said. “Especially now that there has been some clarification on the rules. The tenants seem pleased.”

Vengroff has even taken the time to reach out to members of the public who contacted him directly. Michelle Jiminez-Baserva was one of them. She chastised the actions of the former property managers directly to Vengroff, who apologized to her as well. Jimenez-Baserva said she was pleased with the response.

“It’s about helping those who can’t help themselves and exposing those who think it’s OK, as well as those who right a wrong,” like Vengroff did, she said.

This story was originally published March 28, 2020 at 3:19 PM.