Hello, I have a client I am working with in Lowell, MA. This is a public housing complex with mixed population.  The buildings are built in the 1950's with mostly all concrete.  The exterior cement stairwells are access points for delivery and maintenance.  These are entrapment area's and are certainly unsafe.  Is there any out of the box suggestions to make this safer.  I have recommended closing off access to only authorized people, but this does nothing for the fact that it is a hole people can hide in.  People have been found sleeping in them as well.  Thanks for any discussion on this matter.  Michael

thanks, South Common Village was constructed in 1955 to provide housing for the elderly. It is concrete throughout the design.  For the past 30 years it has been housing for all people who qualify. The designed use intended for elderly/disabled housing changed dramatically. Having mixed needs in combined housing is very difficult and proves challenging for those who need the health care and services. This complex contains 8 buildings all 4-8 stories. There is widespread homelessness and trespassing.  We have plans for a perimeter fence and vegetation.  Lighting has been properly placed.  The homeless population comes from the shelter that kicks everyone out at 0800.  They walk through the property on the way to the liquor store that morning and hang on and around the property all day long.  These basement stairs are a liability and hope that there are some creative solutions.  Concrete is tough to work with.