By Ann Rubin
East St. Louis, IL (KSDK) - They're cracking down on crime in East St. Louis public housing. On Wednesday, politicians announced federal funding for security measures like cameras and lights.
But had that money actually been intended for more police officers instead?
Mayor Alvin Parks says he's grateful for any added security measures. Still, he says that federal money was supposed provide more manpower too.
Twins, Ethel Sylvester and Edna Mayes attended the security news conference today. They've called East St. Louis home for the last 84 years. The majority of that time they've lived in public housing.
"East St. Louis is not the worst place to live baby," said Sylvester.
The incidence of violent crime is now almost four times the statewide average, something residents say needs to change.
"We love East St. Louis and we think they can, they're going to do better," said Mayes.
And on Wednesday politicians promised just that.
They'll put federal dollars toward new security cameras, lighting and fencing for the housing authority's high rise buildings. They'll also upgrade the public housing ID program.
But Senator Dick Durbin, (D) Illinois, says that's just a start.
"We need the cooperation of the city mayor. We need you to do your part. Which means to make sure we reign in this club scene, stop these late night liquor sales, put a police force on the street that can help us keep this area safe," said Durbin.
But Mayor Alvin Parks says he has no intention of making any changes to the club or liquor sales because it would be bad for business.
And as for police officers, he says today's announcement was supposed to include the addition of five.
Documentation shows there had been an agreement, under which the Housing Authority would spend $378,000 a year to hire five officers to patrol those buildings.
But three weeks ago, Parks says something changed.
"That agreement somehow vanished and they said we're now going to go with the cameras, the fencing and the lighting," he said.
The twins say they would have liked more officers. Still they're hoping these security measures alone can make a difference.
"This was a beautiful place. We were born and raised here. And we could have the same thing again," said Mayes.
Just before the deal for HUD to fund those officers fell apart, the East St. Louis Police Chief resigned and was indicted. Sources say that may have been a factor in why the money was used in a different way.
KSDK