NORFOLK, Va. - People living in a Norfolk neighborhood are protesting what they say are unfair public housing practices.
Protesters say public housing buildings in the St. Paul's quadrant are set to be redeveloped without first building replacements. This would leave some current residents without a home.
Organizers say Wednesday's protest at City Hall is a way to try to get the city to hear them out on this issue, as well as others regarding maintenance and living conditions, expanding the moratorium on evictions and expanding rent relief fund.
“If you don't have time to listen to your residents who have you elected and you're supposed to represent, then who do you have time for? These people are not pawns; they are not toys. These are people and their families and their children that need respect, that need attention and just swift and direct action is all we're asking for,” said Monet Johnson, a Community Organizer with the New Virginia Majority.
According to the New Virginia Majority, more than 670 evictions have been filed in the city since June.
Protesters say they had scheduled a meeting with Mayor Kenny Alexander to discuss their concerns, but they say he canceled.
