College Hill Courts is less than one mile from downtown Chattanooga, but at least one resident said it might as well be another state.
Which is why Chattanooga City Councilman Andraé McGary said he met Monday with three dozen residents, police and media members, calling for people to fight the city's gang problem through increased community interaction.
"This is a problem that affects every single one of us," he said. "It's not someone else's problem when they come in your neighborhood and start shooting your kids."
Mr. McGary said he recently rode with Chattanooga police during weekend patrols and was able to speak with residents of areas of the city that frequently face higher crime. He encouraged others to go out with police to see what challenges some communities face.
Crowd members called on Ronnie Hill, who organized baseball games for children at College Hill Courts last summer and this year is seeking help from the city for youth activities.
"It was kids who endorsed it," Mr. Hill said. "They showed up every single morning, sometimes before I got there."
The city historically sees a summertime spike in crime rates because more youth are out of school and warm weather allows people to interact more frequently, police say.
"If we show up, week in, week out, we'll show them we're serious, that we care," Mr. McGary said. "I want the young people to know that someone cares about them."
Following the event, Darius White and James Graves stood near the empty flagpole at College Hill Courts.
"It's the same thing every time," said Mr. Graves, who has three grandchildren living in the complex.
He reeled off a list of five police officers from decades past who he said walked through College Hill Courts and knew people's names and family members by memory. Now, he said, police walk through the complex and rarely say "Hello."
Mr. White grew up in College Hill Courts and has since moved away. When he lived in the complex, there was plenty to do besides crime, he said.
"When we were kids, we played football right here, softball, basketball," he said. "You had something to do eight hours a day."
"I'm asking each and every one of you to not sit this summer and do nothing," he said. "Do something, and that something is to get involved right where you are."
Mr. McGary was joined by Councilman Peter Murphy and Hamilton County Commission candidate Bernie Miller. They were flanked by police, residents and volunteers from Stand, the community visioning organization.
Besides riding along with police, everyone who can should volunteer with mentor programs and recreation centers to learn about other parts of the city, Mr. McGary said.
WHAT'S NEXT
Councilman Andraé McGary is hosting two community discussion groups to talk about youth crime and gangs in Chattanooga. All are invited.
First event
* When: Saturday, April 24, from 9-11 a.m.
* Where: East Side Elementary School, 1603 Lyerly St.
Second event
* When: Monday, April 26, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
* Where: Brown Academy Elementary School, 718 E. Eighth St.