Manchester South resident urges county action on lighting, drainage and crime

Louis Evans, a resident of the Manchester South neighborhood near the Department of Social Services and the school for health-care professionals, told the council the area suffers from poor lighting, standing water and deteriorating road and drainage conditions that he says contribute to crime and vehicle break-ins.

"We got a lot of problems in that neighborhood that we're not getting no help with," Evans said, listing speed bumps placed near the school, very dark streets, drainage that washes out driveways and two unfenced retention ponds. "I'm gonna I'm gonna protect me before anything else," he added, saying he carries a firearm for personal protection.

Evans also displayed reflectors and pressed the council to direct the county's Department of Public Utilities or roads staff to inspect the site. A member of the council said staff would follow up with him on the listed items; no formal timeline or commitment was announced during the meeting.