A resident of the predominantly black neighborhood in the South Hampton subdivision has deplored what he sees as official political apathy to the sale of drugs in his neighborhood.
In a letter addressed to commissioner president Jack Russell (D. St. George Island) and Dan Raley (D. Great Mills) a resident of the Windsor Drive said, “The crack dealers have invaded South Hampton. The crack heads are lined up, the residents can’t get into Windsor Drive.”
Resident Ray Barnes informed the commissioners, “These people are blocking the street purchasing that poison.”
Barnes said law-abiding citizens were fed up and demanded that something be done to clean up the community.
A visit to Windsor Drive by this correspondent of The Bay Net Tuesday afternoon showed a youth sitting aimlessly in a car at one end of the street on Bristol Drive and two youths sitting in a car at another end, with a woman talking loudly to the two occupants.
“Every day these same drug dealers are on that corner of Bristol and Windsor Drive. There’s no law-enforcement present,” Barnes said.
According to Barnes the dealers use a shed to hide the drugs. He implored the commissioners, asking how much longer the residents of South Hampton will have to deal with this problem.
“We are not asking for any favors, but our right to be free of these leaches,” said the complainant.
Commissioner President Jackie Russell told The Bay Net the issues confronting local communities are on the radar of the political leadership. “Dan (Raley) and I discuss these issues on a regular basis,” Russell said. “The proper authorities will be notified.”
Barnes also asked the commissioners to put the recreational center that once housed the George Washington Carver Elementary School to better use.
