SOMERS POINT — City resident Joshua Hannah, 34, was shot dead Feb. 10 at Somers Point Apartments. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit is investigating. No arrests have been reported.
On Dec. 13, 2021, police officers responded just after midnight to reports of shots being fired at the complex on Somers Point-Mays Landing Road. Police stopped an SUV that had left the scene at a high rate of speed, finding a 33-year-old man who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds inside. The injuries were not life-threatening.
A fire Nov. 7, 2021, damaged one unit and displaced multiple residents.
These incidents are among the many that plague the 117-bedroom affordable-housing complex just west of Route 9.
“There have been some pretty aggressive crimes there in the past couple of months, a lot of police activity. The number of calls has multiplied,” City Council President Janice Johnston said. “We wanted to address it. It’s not fair to the residents that they have to live in unsafe conditions.”
Johnston said during a City Council meeting March 24 that officials met with representatives of the complex owner, Related Companies, to discuss their concerns.
“In light of some of the incidents that seem to be multiplying at that facility, we had a sit-down with them to address some of the issues going on there,” she said. “It was a great, very positive meeting. They were very open, agreed that it’s an issue.”
City Administrator Jason Frost and Police Chief Robert Somers were among the group, as was Mayor Jack Glasser, who heads the Public Safety Committee.
“The city is working with property management on quality-of-life issues and will continue to offer suggestions in conjunction with the Police Department to assist the residents of Somers Point Apartments,” Frost said.
“We gave them a wish list of what our officers recommended to fix a lot of the security issues there and they are going to come back to us in two weeks with a plan,” Johnston said. “We’re going to keep staying in touch with them and hopefully make some good improvements for the residents there.”
Since the property has a Project-Based Section 8 contract with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, some or all of the rents are based on income. Tenants leasing units typically contribute less than 30 percent of their adjusted income toward rental costs.
Related Companies operates more than 55,000 affordable residences in cities across the country.
“We strive to propel cities forward. Our developments are inclusive, tech-forward and sustainable, and serve as economic and creative engines for their communities,” its web site states.
Johnston said the representatives were “very receptive, knew where we’re coming from and want to make it a safe place for people to live.”
“We are going to come up with a plan and they are going to work closely with us,” she said.
A Google review from four months ago reads: “The most disgusting place I have ever lived in. It is not safe at all. To [sic] many drug dealers and chronic noise pollution. The office intimidates the residents. They have no respect for anyone here. The parking took 11 years to fix. Every time there is a problem, no one does anything. They ignore the well being of the residents. VERY unsafe, and they don’t take care of the apartments inside or out.”
Somers said the police department would like more lighting and security cameras at the complex.
“Overall we’re trying to make it a better place to live,” he said, noting the complex generates numerous 911 calls for assistance.
Reached for comment, a woman at the office said the supervisor was on temporary leave until mid-May and was not available.
Johnston said the company recently hired a staff member whose focus is on improving security at its complexes.
Calls and emails to Related Companies were not returned.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff