Apartment building needs to go away

Neighbors took a tour of the building at 222 Locust. We were invited to see one vacant apartment. You could see and smell the fresh paint in the hallways. There was new carpet in the apartment and fresh paint. They were prepared for us. I would like an unannounced visit of this building. I am sure the results would be completely different!

During our meeting recently we were told by the Management team of 222 Locust that there has not been a drug bust there since 2005. Perhaps they should read the police reports. There was a drug bust there on March 6 with eight arrested. Six of those eight arrested were residents of 222 Locust.

The city of Elgin wants to build a Park on Route 31 for the children. Are they crazy? A park would attract more gangs, drug activity and vandalism. This is not a safe environment for children. Didn't we see all the beer bottles and garbage in the area of this proposed park? I did. A park is not the answer.

My home was on the 2007 Historic House Tour. We have beautiful old homes in Elgin. We have so much potential. I want to see our neighborhood improve, not continue to decline. We have more than our share of public housing.

The only solution I see is to eliminate 222 Locust from our neighborhood. We all want to see our neighborhood improve, but it will never happen with 222 Locust in the way.

Susan Biederer

Elgin