BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WBRC ) - In Birmingham, the Norwood Plaza Apartments are coming down , brick by brick.

For years, residents say the aging complex stood as a symbol of crime, drug activity and neglect. Now, with demolition underway, neighbors are looking ahead to what could replace it.

The teardown is part of a settlement agreement between Tutwiler Realty and the City of Birmingham. Earlier this year, the city sued the property owners, calling the complex a haven for criminal activity.

“I don’t know what they’ll do back there,” said Calvin Johnson, who has lived in Norwood for 12 years.

Johnson hopes the space could one day become housing for older residents.

“I would like to see senior citizens move in there back there in that area,” he said.

Just a few blocks away, three-

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