A New York City councilman has declared a humanitarian crisis on Manhattan’s West Side, describing streets filled with drug-abusing, mentally ill homeless individuals in a letter to Mayor Eric Adams.
Councilman Erik Bottcher, representing Manhattan’s third district, urged Adams for “immediate assistance” in addressing the crisis in a letter dated July 18, 2024. He cited areas like Times Square, the Garment District, and Washington State Park as particularly problematic.
Bottcher highlighted the rampant illegal and antisocial activities causing distress among residents, especially seniors and families. The New York Post reported seeing “unstable, strung-out homeless weirdos,” needles on the streets, and public drug use. A security guard in the area described the chaos, noting frequent drug use, public urination, and defecation.
Midtown Holiday Inn employees have resorted to using sprinklers to deter the homeless, though some turn it into a shower, according to the Post. Rocky Caban, the hotel’s front desk supervisor, mentioned the daily challenges, including threats and assaults from the homeless.
New York City-based PIX11 reported similar findings, observing public disturbances and mental health episodes. Bottcher called it a “heartbreaking reality” affecting both individuals and the community.
He emphasized the NYPD’s struggles with calls about “open narcotics sales and use, property destruction, physical and verbal intimidation, shoplifting, and other illegal activity.” Bottcher urged Adams to expand the B-HEARD program to Manhattan’s West Side and to support legislation requiring social workers in NYPD precincts citywide.
“The status quo cannot be allowed to continue,” Bottcher insisted. The mayor’s office did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
