Aldermen and Neighbors Say Prostitution and Drug Use Plaguing South Side

Aldermen and neighbors on Milwaukee's south side said prostitution and drug use is a serious problem.

Neighbors said they're starting to feel unsafe, even in the middle of the day.

At the intersection of 23rd and Greenfield, women getting in and out of cars and dirty needles lying in the street is what many consider the norm.

"All throughout the day and it's not even on some corners, or some places. Like all over the place. In front of my house. You see girls injecting themselves, it's crazy," said Berenice Evangelista. 

Berenice Evangelista said prostitution and drug use has gotten so bad, that she doesn't want her little sisters to go outside and play.

"I wouldn't want my sisters to see something like that because growing up seeing that is just kind of disturbing," said Evanglista. 

Alderman Bob Donovan said it's a problem that picked up in the last few years.

"I often drive down Greenfield avenue on my way to work everyday, at 8:15 in the morning, it's not uncommon to three or four or five prostitutes working that street," said Donovan. 

Donovan said his letters to Chief Flynn and other law enforcement officials have fallen on deaf ears.

While he notices more officers in the area, Donovan said it still hasn't gotten any better -- and believes a crackdown is needed.

"I'm asking the police to take this serious, and bring some of these individuals on state charges so that the lesson be sent."

Alderman Donovan also said he has gotten some help from the City Attorney's office, who is cracking down on landlords who rent their homes to known drug dealers.

He said the problem is also happening in Alderman Jose Perez's district, and both men are working together to help fix the issue. 

CBS 58 reached out to MPD for comment, and did not hear back.