Fernwood Apartments represents everything wrong about post-Katrina New Orleans: unchecked crime, atrocious management, and rampant greed.

I lived at several apartments in the New Orleans area, and Fernwood was by far the worst. The buildings and the surrounding neighborhood are in rapid decline, and the absentee management does not seem to care. Fernwood requires an initial payment for a "background check," yet I was told by a police officer that one of my neighbors was a violent criminal with over 100 arrests. I learned this unfortunate fact after this neighbor committed a hit-and-run against my girlfriend, less than one block from Fernwood Apartments. The incident was reported to management, who refused to work with police in order to bring this cowardly criminal to justice. Eventually, my neighbor was found guilty of the hit-and-run, but he was permitted to continue living in his apartment. At Fernwood, protecting the "privacy" of violent criminals who commit crimes against other Fernwood residents is far more important than providing a safe living environment.

The fact that management is only present on site for 9 hours each week is further proof that Fernwood management and River Lake Properties simply do not care about anything besides collecting rent - that is, when they aren't conspiring to increase monthly rates. This is a most disturbing trend throughout the city, as big corporations snatch up property and capitalize on the housing shortage. In my opinion, there is no greater leach in terms of prospering from the hurricane than River Lake Properties.

After speaking to several neighbors at Fernwood, I have learned that my experience was closer to the norm than the exception. It is truly sad that the loyal residents of New Orleans have to overcome so much in addition to all the rebuilding efforts.

In conclusion, unless you are a violent criminal seeking refuge, stay far, far away from Fernwood Apartments.