Troubled Fayetteville apartment complex to add security

Barrington Place Apartment Homes on Barcelona Drive will implement new security measures to safeguard residents and visitors, according to a consent order adopted Thursday by the complex's owners and Fayetteville officials. The measures include gating two entrances to the complex to limit access, posting four overnight security guards for at least six months and adding security cameras.

Southwood Realty will also conduct random apartment checks, run more thorough background checks on potential tenants and hire a security safety expert to help identify and implement other security measures on the property, according to the consent order.

Formerly known as Cambridge Arms Apartments, the 700-unit complex has been the site of a range of crimes. Two double homicides were reported there this year alone.

Last month, the Army temporarily banned Fort Bragg soldiers from living at the complex, prohibiting them from moving it or renewing leases.

The ongoing crime prompted city officials in April to file a nuisance lawsuit against the property owner. A similar suit last year led Southwood Realty to install an iron fence around the complex and its first batch of security cameras.

“The city remains optimistic that the implementation of these security enhancements will improve safety and that the property owner will take necessary measures to abate criminal and nuisance activity on the property,” City Attorney Karen McDonald said in a statement.