Yazoo County resident Faye Smith says Shady Lane Apartments are out of control, but Sheriff Jake Sheriff says the current manager has hindered his department’s efforts to maintain order.
Smith told the Yazoo County Board of Supervisors Monday that her daughter and five of her grandchildren live in fear at Shady Lane Apartments.
“My daughter has gotten to the point where she hates to go home,” Smith said. “Her kids cry when they have to go home. That’s no way for anyone to have to feel about their home. I love my family, and I don’t want anything to happen to them or anyone else who lives out there.”
Smith said most of the problems at Shady Lane are caused by people who don’t even live there.
“There is a big problem out there, and most of the problems are being caused by visitors,” she said.
Smith said there is a list of people who are supposed to be banned from the complex for causing problems before, but some of those people regularly show up.
“There was recently a fire at one of the buildings, and y’all made everybody leave, but they all came right back as soon as you left,” Smith said.
Sheriff said the previous manager enforced the list of banned individuals, but the current manager does not.
“She told us that she runs the property, and she doesn’t want any more vehicles towed,” Sheriff said. “That’s the reason why we backed off. That is private property, and she is the manager.”
“I don’t know what’s going on with this apartment complex, but we need security,” Smith said. “The residents out there deserve to feel safe.”
Sheriff said he believes residents need to share their concerns with the owners of the property.
“The tenants need to get together and write a letter to the owners,” Sheriff said.
