Over the past three weeks, North Park Properties have removed most of the exterior security gates installed at their properties throughout Central San Diego. They did so despite the immediate outcry from dozens of residents who believe that these gates discourage crime without the need for additional policing or security patrols. 

We have repeatedly told North Park Properties of the crimes and other incidents at our apartment complexes that have led us to want the exterior gates reinstalled. At one property alone: 

• On July 5th, a resident found human poop next to the back exterior gate.
• On July 12th, a man stood shaking the exterior gate adjacent to the alleyway and yelled at residents, including calling them "sh*t stains" and "p*ssy smells"
• On August 3rd, after the rear exterior gate was removed, a resident was stalked into the apartment complex. The stalker only retreated after they were told they were being filmed.

These are only incidents from the past month. Over the past three years, residents have been stalked, harassed, and otherwise been made unsafe in our neighborhood. The gates have provided a level of security which have prevented these situations from becoming even worse for residents.

The property owners have stated they "believe that eliminating additional touch points will aid in stopping the spread of this virus". However, this is heavily contradicted by the CDC, which claims that surfaces are not thought to be the main way that COVID-19 spreads. The CDC also claims that proper hygiene removes the risk caused by touching surfaces. Given the other touch points that residents face throughout our daily lives, we all still need to practice good hygiene practices to keep ourselves safe from COVID-19, meaning that the risk caused by the gates is extremely low.

We believe that it is not appropriate to decrease the safety of where we live for a incredibly small reduction in exposure to COVID-19. The property owner and his company need to do the right thing and listen to the overwhelming calls from their residents: GIVE US BACK OUR GATES!