NYC Launches Taskforce To Curb Crime Along 14th Street

NEW YORK CITY — City officials are implementing a new initiative to curb crime and improve quality of life along a Manhattan street.

Part of the initiative includes the installation of a NYPD Mobile Command Center at East 14th Street.

Police officials along with the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS), among others will focus their efforts on 1st Avenue and Avenue A.

The multi-agency coalition will work to address a range of public safety issues, including illegal vending, retail theft, substance use, the mental health crisis, beautification, cumbersome scaffolding that drives quality-of-life issues, unlicensed cannabis shops, and more.

When we came into office, we had a clear mission: protect public safety, rebuild our economy, and make our city more affordable and livable, and the ‘14th Street Community Improvement Coalition’ precisely addresses these concerns — enhancing quality of life and making the East Village safer,” Mayor Eric Adams said.

“Our administration does not and will not tolerate an atmosphere where anything goes. That’s why our multi-agency approach, working in partnership with local elected officials and community members, will keep our streets safe and our businesses thriving."

The initiative will also:

• Conducting weekly NYPD operations to address homeless encampments, vendors, and persons in need of assistance.
• Assigning a dedicated NYPD foot post to address quality-of-life issues and maintain visible presence along the commercial corridor of 14th
• Affixing mobile light fixtures to sustain visibility.
• Servicing litter baskets on all three DSNY shifts daily and addressing homeless encampments.
• Deploying DSNY graffiti clean-up crews to remove graffiti on private property.
• Ensuring availability of mental health units and homeless services outreach teams to support people in-need of mental health support through DOHMH and DHS.