I live in one of those older complexes. While what you say was true 5 - 6 years ago, it has been greatly cleaned up since. The problems were created by, first, not doing proper background on prospective tenants, and then not requiring them to abide by civilized rules.
Most of the problems were solved simply by enforcing the rules, and evicting people who refused to follow them. The Section 8 people who remain are those who simply and genuinely needed a helping hand to get them out of the cesspool of the inner city. I have little problem with them, and there is hope for their children.
And lots of local police attention.
If continued full time employment at a job for any adults living in a Section 8 household/apartment was a condition, that would help the surrounding neighbors alot. That just leaves their kids to worry about. I know, their kids have to show up for school too and get good grades. After all, it's our money.