Hillcrest, a public housing development in Asheville notorious for its open-air drug market, is getting security cameras installed, and some residents don’t like it. The cost of the security network is being covered by the federal government. A sign at the entry to the project celebrates President Obama for providing stimulus for new, green window treatments, as well. The security cameras turned out to be more expensive than expected due to vandalism. An installer was shot with a pellet gun, but survived the attack.
Residents don’t like big brother breathing down their neck. However, when people live in a house provided by taxpayers, it is hard to say property rights belong to the tenant. The public has a vested interest in keeping public safety and maintenance costs down. The incentive to get people into their own places is commendable, but it punishes the small number of truly disabled persons in need of public assistance.
