Loraine Watts and Carolyn Hunter live in the apartment complex called the Overlook at Oxon Run. They say seniors like them who live here are living in fear.
“And I can understand why,” said Ms. Hunter. “No security. People can walk in on us, take our stuff, and molest us, whatever. This is ridiculous.”
“At night you don’t know who is walking around the building,” said Ms. Watts. “Because they let people in.”
Within the last month, Ms. Hunter says her four tires and rims were stolen in the apartment complex’s parking lot because the security gates don’t work, and she says vandalism has happened to other residents too. There’s also been a recent report of a break-in that resulted in an arrest inside the property.
Hunter says she’s tried to get the apartment complex to solve the security issues. She says the security cameras on the property don’t work properly and prevented police from collecting evidence on who stole her tires.
“Nothing happens,” said Hunter. “I ask for more security. I said can you give us another security guard? Can you fix the cameras? Could you fix the gates? That’s what I’ve asked over and over.”
“For how long?” asked 7News Reporter Nick Minock
“For about three years,” she said.
Her son wants her to move.
“I want her to because I don’t like this because this is unsafe,” said Marquette Hunter. “This is supposed to be a secured building. Then there’s my concern about my mom going to the laundry room. Security can’t see her. Because what: The cameras aren’t working and there’s only one security guard in there, so how can one security guard watch all the floors by their self and watch the outside?”
“You don’t want to leave?” asked Minock.
“No! Because I’m close to my church. I love my neighbors,” replied Ms. Hunter.
One resident is already leaving.
“The parking lot is wide open,” said Janice Malloy. “It’s not safe. Especially for the elderly. I’m glad to be leaving.”
7News on Your Side took Hunter’s questions to the management company called Enterprise Residential. The company responded in a statement to 7News:
“The Overlook at Oxon Run Apartments is currently undergoing an overhaul of its security system and protocols. Our private security partner is on-site 24-7, and their presence has been increased to provide additional patrols for our residents while the system is undergoing these repairs. The contractor fixing the front gate has told us repairs will be complete by the end of this week. Our management team has communicated to residents throughout the process to keep them informed and updated on the timeline for this and will continue to work with them to address their concerns. The safety of our residents is a top priority.”
In addition, “Enterprise Residential just took over management of the property in February and was not the original management company,” a spokesperson said.
“If they do what they supposed to do we won’t have this kind of trouble,” said Ms. Watts. “When I first moved here [in 2008] it was a very nice building. I don’t bother nobody. I stay in my place and I mind my business. But when it starts affecting my friends, I have something to say.”
“We ward 8. We seniors. We need help,” said Ms. Hunter. “We can’t fight nobody off. People have canes. Wheelchairs. Walkers. My message is take care of your tenants. They are staying on your property. You have a responsibility to us. We pay you rent. We human. You want your money every month. On time. And we want service we need all the time from you.”