The Deputy Mayor of St. John’s says the city would like to see more support from the provincial government in dealing with issues in the community that are causing problems in certain neighbourhoods.
Ron Ellsworth was responding to rising concerns in the community about so-called “trap houses” and the activities surrounding them that are cause for concern.
Residents have identified certain properties that are creating noise and disruption, and where people are coming and going at all hours of the day and night.
In some of those cases, NL Housing properties have been identified by residents who feel frustrated and powerless to get action despite numerous complaints.
The Deputy Mayor says the city runs a number of public housing properties and as a landlord, it has a certain responsibility to ensure that tenants are living up to their agreements.
Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth (VOCM News)
Living next to a problem property is a concern, full stop says Ron Ellsworth
“If you’re somebody living next to a property that’s problematic, its a concern. Full stop. That is something we need, as a community, to be looking at.” In the meantime, Ellsworth says landlords do have opportunities to deal with peaceful enjoyment of property, and they have tools that can be used to deal with property complaints or disruptive activity.
However, Ellsworth says, when it comes to drug, or criminal activity, that’s when the city has to rely on partners like the RNC and the provincial government.
He says they understand the struggles being faced by officers on the front lines and some of the structural challenges the police service is facing.
“We very much appreciate the work of the men and women on the front line who are working the best with the tools they have” Ellsworth told VOCM Open Line.
“We need more enforcement on the street, we need more collaboration on the street, we need stronger mental health and addictions support on the streets, and we’ve been certainly lacking in that in the city from the provincial government.”
