Jersey City Neighborhood Knows Violence, Drugs

Between 10 and 20 shots were fired in the shootout between Jersey City and Port Authority police and the two armed suspects at a Reed Street apartment Thursday morning, a local resident told reporters.

But many residents of the neighborhood say that they are not surprised by the outbreak of violence because drugs and crime are simply a part of life in the area.

"I'm scared for my kids," said one resident.

Neighbors say that drug dealers openly work the one-block Reed Street, defying police and terrifying the families, and older people who live here.

Utility workers call the street "Smack Alley," for the heroin and drug trade that rules. Phone company and gas and electric employees are afraid to enter the buildings.

One police source said Reed Street is the worst drug spot in Jersey City.

Developer Noelle Harvey and his partners have plans to redevelop the area, including Reed Street. But the drug trade drags everything down.

A spokesman for Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healey said the city is fighting crime with all necessary force. It is taking back the city block by block and that includes Reed Street.