Liberty Meadows

**Liberty Meadows** is a public housing project located in the Willowdale Grove neighborhood of Clayton Heights, Atlantica. It is one of the oldest housing projects owned by the Housing Authority of the City of Clayton Heights. next to Nathaniel Blackwood Elementary School and the Willowdale Grove Community Center. The proximity to these educational and recreational facilities makes Liberty Meadows an ideal place for families with children. Liberty Meadows consists of 97 buildings with a total of 587 units, ranging from one to four bedrooms. The diverse range of unit sizes allows for a variety of family sizes to be accommodated within the community.

Liberty Meadows offers residents access to a range of amenities, such as the Mellie Pellie playground, the Liberty Meadows Clubhouse, the community swimming pool, and the LKU fitness center. These amenities provide opportunities for families to engage in physical activity, socialize with neighbors, and host gatherings or events. Liberty Meadows is located in close proximity to top-rated schools, ensuring that children have access to a quality education.

The complex is bounded by Spruce Row to the north and Oak Drive, 64th Street to the south, and Bliss Avenue to the east. This large area has been used as a prime location, offering residents easy access to nearby shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options. Liberty Meadows is also surrounded by beautiful parks and green spaces, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The convenient location also offers easy access to major highways and public transportation, making commuting to work or exploring the surrounding area hassle-free.

Designed by architect Alfredo Cruz, it was completed in 1974 as one of the first modern residential complexes in the area. With its unique architectural design and well-maintained grounds, Liberty Meadows has become a landmark in the community. The complex also boasts a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and playground, making it an ideal place for families to live and enjoy a vibrant lifestyle.

In the 1980s, Liberty Meadows saw the rise of the Herz Brothers, an infamous street gang that brought crime and violence to the neighborhood. The presence of the Herz Brothers brought a period of fear and instability to Liberty Meadows, causing many residents to feel unsafe in their own homes. The Herz Brothers lived at apartment complexes 52F and 53F and were known for their involvement in drug trafficking and robberies. They and the Herz Street Gang were a constant threat to the community, leading to a decline in property values and an exodus of families seeking safer neighborhoods. In 1988, the Herz Street Gang was expelled from public housing, and the brothers were arrested and convicted for their crimes. The expulsion of the Herz Street Gang from public housing and the subsequent arrest and conviction of the Herz Brothers brought a sense of relief to the residents of Liberty Meadows. With their removal, the community began to experience a gradual restoration of peace and security. Families who had previously left in search of safer neighborhoods started returning, and property values slowly started to stabilize.

As of August 2028, Liberty Meadows had seen an 87% decrease in crime rates compared to the previous year. The increased police presence and community engagement programs have played a significant role in rebuilding trust and fostering a sense of unity among the residents. These initiatives have not only deterred criminals from targeting Liberty Meadows but have also empowered residents to actively participate in crime prevention efforts. The once crime-ridden streets are now filled with children playing outside and community events taking place. Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern Liberty Meadows has transformed into a vibrant and thriving neighborhood, attracting new businesses and investments and becoming a shining example of how a united community can overcome adversity and build a brighter future.

## Former notable residents includes:

**Dr. Deborah Powell**, a well-known pediatrician at the Great Hearts Clinic, lived in apartment complex 2A in Eastern Liberty Meadows from 1978 to 1995, played a crucial role in providing healthcare services to the community, especially to children in need.

**Beverly Miller**, a successful singer for the r&b group Elios, lived in apartment complex 12B in Northern Liberty Meadows from 2001 to 2005 and contributed to the local music scene by performing at various venues in the neighborhood.

**Milton Hamilton**, a renowned architect who resided in apartment complex 7C from Eastern Liberty Meadows in 1985 to 1992, designed several iconic buildings in the city, including the Liberty Center and the Hamilton Tower.

**Patrick and Michael Herz**, the two brothers and leaders of the Herz Street Gang who resided in apartment complexes 52F and 53F from Southern Liberty Meadows in 1980 until they got kicked out in 1988, were known for their involvement in drug trafficking, robberies, and other criminal activities.

**Adalgiso Calabrese**, an accomplished chef who lived in apartment complex 14A in Western Liberty Meadows from 1998 to 2003, opened a popular restaurant called "Calabrese's Bistro" in the neighborhood, which quickly gained a reputation for its innovative cuisine and cozy atmosphere.

**Chris Douglas**, a basketball player for the Terranovan Tigers, grew up in 21C in Northern Liberty Meadows from 2002 to 2019 and went on to become one of the team's star players, leading them to multiple championship victories.