Ward 3 Alderman Gregory Robertson said that lawlessness is out of control on West Second Street.
Robertson said during the Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting this week that drug deals openly take place in areas on West Second Street and between First and Levee streets. He said that residents who try to speak out against illegal drug activity are being intimidated.
“They threaten the citizens and tell them to shut their mouths,” Robertson said. “Some have even gone as far as taking animal feces and putting in a citizen’s yard. They have threatened citizens and told them that they will burn their house down if they don’t shut their mouths.”
Robertson said he has gotten numerous complaints about the area, and he wants to see a greater police presence in those neighborhoods.
“I thank our law enforcement for the job that they do,” Robertson said. “They have a very difficult job. I know we are short-handed, but hopefully we can address these problems.”
Ward 4 Alderman Aubry Brent Jr. added that Ethel Street also needs more patrolling.
Robertson also said that he wants to make sure that city employees treat the residents they serve with respect.
“I also want the city workers to know that they should be respectful and cordial to the citizens,” Robertson said. “They are the ones who pay for them to have those jobs. I have witnessed some employees being disrespectful, hollering and yelling at the top of their voices at citizens. That should not be.”
In other business during the Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting:
n During his first three days on the job, new street superintendent Walter Williams has already overseen the installation of 27 new stop signs.
Williams said that he is also looking into solutions to improve the garbage collection.
Ward 4 Alderman Dr. Jack Varner said the board has to provide the tools to get the job done.
“You can’t do a job without the proper equipment,” Varner said. “The blame stands with us, and we’re willing to fix it with your direction.”
n Building inspector Russ Carter said that he is already getting complaints about tall grass in the city, and he will begin enforcing the city’s ordinance that prohibits grass over eight inches tall.
Carter said that most of the properties that are frequent offenders have owners who live out of town.
