New York City has announced the formation of the Midtown Community Improvement Coalition to tackle quality-of-life issues in Manhattan’s central business district.
Launched on Tuesday, July 2nd, by Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, this multi-agency initiative is set to enhance safety and cleanliness along parts of Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth avenues, stretching from 34th to 45th streets.
In a statement, Adams said, “With the launch of the Midtown Community Improvement Coalition we are doubling down on our commitment to improving quality of life, protecting public safety, and beautifying these historic and beloved neighborhoods for working-class New Yorkers.”
The coalition’s primary objective is to conduct regular patrols to monitor and address various concerns, such as substance abuse and retail theft.
This move is in response to increasing complaints from both locals and visitors regarding safety.
Bragg noted, “This new coalition, which combines the resources and expertise of a variety of agencies and providers, will enhance public safety and quality of life for everyone in the area. We have already proven the success of these inter-agency collaborations through the 125th Street Hub, and I know we will be just as successful in Midtown. I want to thank Mayor Adams and his administration, the NYPD, the Garment District Alliance, and Times Square Alliance for their commitment to realizing this collaborative effort.”
The coalition stems from a collaboration that began in 2023 between the Adams administration and local community partners, aimed at tackling quality-of-life and public safety issues within the areas from 34th Street to 45th Street between 7th Avenue and 9th Avenue and also from 34th Street to 37th Street on 8th Avenue.
The coalition is led by co-chairs Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance; Barbara Blair, president of the Garment District Alliance; and Brian Weber, president of the Midtown South Precinct Community Council.
Harris remarked, “I am confident that if we all work together, our neighborhood will work better for all New Yorkers.”
Blair praised the city administration’s efforts to address social disorder.
She said, “The Midtown Community Improvement Coalition will directly address conditions in a coordinated way. The causes of public realm disorder are complex. This Coalition is an opportunity for the Sheriff’s office, NYPD, DSNY, and others to respond as a team.”
Despite a reported decline in crime rates in Times Square, the disparity between statistical safety and actual tourist experiences remains a major concern.
