DURHAM - The deadline for moving out has passed, but residents remain at Lincoln Apartments and the owners are not ready to start formal evictions.

Larry Suitt, chairman of the Lincoln Hospital Foundation, said Thursday morning that he knew some tenants had not left but, “I do not have an update at this point.

“We have requested that management stay on top of that (situation) and let us know who has not vacated and what the status of the vacant apartments are,” Suitt said.

Tenant organizer Sendolo Diaminah said some Lincoln residents called on Suitt Wednesday night and asked that the board hold off removing the remaining residents.

“We will have to assess that,” Suitt said.

“There may be some extenuating circumstances that they can offer that we would consider. We just don’t want to go into this blind, sending in the sheriff.”

Lincoln Apartments is a 150-unit complex for low-income residents near N.C. Central University. On Sept. 28, tenants were notified that the foundation intended to close the apartments as of Oct. 31 due to financial difficulties, including people not paying their rent.

Tenants and supporters, including City Councilman Steve Schewel, have said that did not give residents enough time to find new housing and have asked the foundation to delay closing. Meanwhile, the city has pledged to keep the apartments’ water on despite an overdue bill.