East Meadows residents talk life after Wheatley Courts

Leonard Walker disliked his time at Wheatley Courts, claiming violence was common. His time spent at East Meadows has been peaceful and he has no intention of leaving the community in the near future. WENDI POOLE / SPECIAL TO FOLO MEDIA

Leonard Walker, 57, and his wife Trelina remember living in Wheatley Courts for five years without central air or a washer and dryer. In 2013, they left their home when they learned of the U.S. government’s plan to demolish the outdated and notorious courts and erect, in their place, new apartments.

Now, the Walkers are back — renting a unit in the new complex called East Meadows, a mixture of affordable and market-rate apartments on the East Side, about two miles from downtown. And they believe they’re living the high-life.

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