NILES Officials give answers to residents' complaints

Police say they plan to step up patrols in the South Cedar Street neighborhood.
NILES -- Residents' complaints of drug activity, speeding cars, loud noise and fights -- and even "ladies of the evening" -- were addressed Wednesday by safety officials at a council meeting.
Ron Huff of South Cedar Street said he and many of his neighbors are concerned about activities in the neighborhood. Many of their worries center around the NAUS Club on Mason Street, he said.
"I've been here 12 years, and it's getting ridiculous," Huff said as he listed his numerous concerns.
Complaints
Huff said people will speed down his street, ignore stop signs, blare music and worse. He also said he suspects drug activity and prostitution.
Several residents of South Cedar Street attended council's last meeting, asking for more patrols for speeders. They complained that since city workers removed several stop signs that were deemed unnecessary, traffic problems have increased.
Police response
Police Chief Bruce Simeone said officers are addressing many of the complaints, and plans are to step up patrols and take even more action.
"We are very active on about four of those issues right now," said Donald Allen, safety-service director.
Simeone also noted that one "drug house" has already been closed down in the neighborhood, and police continue to investigate complaints. He and Allen declined to comment further, though, saying they didn't want to risk jeopardizing investigations.