COLUMBUS, Ohio — Wedgewood Village, the City of Columbus’ largest low-income property complex is a place most residents say they’d rather not live.
“I’d leave as fast as I could. It’s terrible. It’s horrible. It’s deplorable,” said Jeffery Harmon, who says he’s lived here for two years.
Many of those who live here qualify for Section 8 housing vouchers.
They says the crime makes it unsafe to walk outside at night.
“You can definitely be hit by a bullet at any given time, any given day living in Wedgewood,” said a resident who asked we not use her name out of concern for her safety.
Columbus City Council will voted Monday night to $44,800 to expand its ShotSpotter contract.
The technology, unlike the security cameras that watch over this property, alert police in real time of any gunfire an is expected to improve police response.
“I think it’s a good idea. It definitely isn't going to change anything, especially if we aren't getting the folks out here out of the way that are doing it, that are the cause of the problem," said a resident who did not want her name used.
The property manager told 10TV he’s spent thousands of dollars on security cameras and hired a Columbus police officer to patrol the property. He says the security issues at Wedgewood start with the justice system.
"The problem comes with the judges and the justice system for not keeping criminals off the street. I'm incredibly frustrated. Adding ShotSpotter will help. What is happening at Wedgewood is not a simple fix. Keeping criminals off the street is a 75% fix,” said Jim Harrington Executive VP Independent Management Services.
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein didn’t disagree that the problems at Wedgewood go beyond adding more security.
“There isn’t one fix that is going to address all the issues facing Wedgewood overnight. It’s going to take an all of the above approach that brings everyone to the table—ownership, residents, the City, community partners, and our justice system," Klein said.
Klein said Wedgewood ownership has been responsive to the city by adding security cameras and working with the Columbus Division of Police, but more can be done in the justice system.
"I’ve consistently said that we need to rethink our juvenile justice system for the small number of repeat juvenile offenders who pose a threat to themselves and others. And we also need the City to come in and install ShotSpotter, and Wedgewood to continue to improve lighting and limit ingress and egress, and for residents to say something when they see something," Klein said.
Meanwhile, those who live in this 700-unit apartment complex find it hard to say anything good about living here.
“It’s not safe. It’s nasty. I mean I can’t say enough bad things about it,” Harmon said.