NEW YORK (PIX11) – Some of the city’s most iconic spots in Midtown West have been overtaken by the homeless and mentally ill.
Stakeholders are concerned that if enough isn’t done, tourism could be impacted, which would cut the city’s bottom line.
Eighth Avenue in Midtown, from Times Square to Chelsea, is the gateway to the most visited spots in the world.
But when 60 million tourists arrive every year: “People in distress, people with mental health issues, substance abuse disorders, looking to connect with those individuals,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.
And it’s not at all the portrait New York leaders are looking to paint.
“It’s significant, and that’s why we’re all working together,” Bragg added.
Since February, Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg has teamed up with Assembly Member Tony Simone, the NYPD, and Sheriff Anthony Miranda.
While there’s a significant law enforcement element, they say it starts with housing the homeless and mentally ill. That’s why they launched the Neighborhood Navigators Program.