Cianna Hope Reeves
2019-2020 Editor-in-Chief
What is supposed to be a memorable time for Greek college students has now turned sour after members of one fraternity received complaints by the community they live in.
City of Jackson residents are taking action against the Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi for partying and loud music at their fraternity house located in south Jackson.
The home at 1771 Casteel Drive is currently the hot spot where the fraternity members fellowship, congregate and host gatherings for others to enjoy; however, too much pleasure
Is becoming an issue for some living in proximity of the home.
Neighbors say excessive partying in the middle of a residential area is disturbing and as it nears close to summer, they fear it will get worse.
Residents voiced their concerns during a city hall meeting on April 16. They called out to Jackson Council members for help, claiming they can no longer deal with the blasting music, crowded streets, and other conditions that they have experienced on frequent basis.
“Summertime is coming. Something has to be done,” declared Rev. Wayne McDaniel as he stood at the podium to address his growing concerns.
These complaints are not new. Prior to their arrival to city hall, several notices were directed to the owner of the home, Walter Wofford and Councilman Charles Tillman, whose ward the home is located in.
McDaniel, a neighbor and NAACP Jackson Chapter President, is strongly advocating that city leaders take action against what some neighbors consider to be disorderly conduct.
He also stated during the meeting that a pit bull roams from home to home, occasionally without an attached leash or methods to keep the dog at its residence.
The wandering animal has attacked two residents, according to McDaniel, and has some neighbors afraid to step outside.
Members living in the neighborhood appealed to the councilmen and councilwoman for help and declared that they cannot continue to take any more disturbing nights, especially as it gets warmer.
Fran Camper, a resident who lives adjacent from the south Jackson home, begged that the matters be addressed promptly with a solution.
“Why should we tolerate all of this? We pay taxes? We work hard and we need something done immediately. It’s going on two years. This summer they are going to [do the same thing] again, so please you all, help us,” Camper said with frustration.
They also argued how difficult it is to park or get into their driveways because vehicles are often aligned along the perimeter of the fraternity’s home and discussed how some of the neighbors have to pick up discarded trash left from partying the night before.
Camper said the police have been contacted on several occasions and have insisted they file papers against the owner of the house.
In response to Camper’s statement, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba assured that a plan is being put in place.
“We are going to address [the situation] and that may require some work with the neighborhood association simultaneous to do that, but we are going to press forward,” reiterated Lumumba.
Ward 4 Councilman, De’Keither Stamps, suggested additional police task force would possibly monitor the area, even though he understands the college-goers are simply enjoying their freedom.
“I think the short-term solution is to police it aggressively, for the police to be actively engaged in this,” proposed Stamps.
He continued, “They’re doing all the stuff you normally do at most colleges, but it’s just not appropriate in the middle of a neighborhood.”
The fraternity’s Regional Representative, James Cistrunk, said he has been confronted about other issues regarding the fraternity but assured those concerned that the organization does not have a direct connection to the rented property.
He also said that if the complaints continue, he would analyze the situation and move forward from there.
“We don’t normally govern how they run their house, but if it’s a continuous situation, it’s something we need to look at,” said Cistrunk in an interview with The Clarion Ledger.
Meanwhile, a student at JSU who wished to remain anonymous is not in favor of how media platforms have shined a light on the buzzing situation.
“I feel like the media is always going to broadcast something negative about Greek life and that is not the always the case. Everybody is not doing wrong, and I don’t approve of how [the media] generalizes situations that one or two persons are a part of and immediately associate it with the entire chapter,” said the student.
We reached out to Susan Powell, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, prior to print deadline in order to obtain a statement but could not be reached for comment.
Members of the Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was also asked for a comment but the chapter collectively agreed not to comment on the claims
