It seems like a lesson in common sense is needed.
Students at New York University are expressing dissatisfaction about Washington Square Park, claiming it has lost its appeal following the removal of many homeless individuals and drug users—ironically, after one of their peers was attacked by a violent vagrant in the vicinity earlier this week.
According to a report from the student newspaper, “Local unhoused communities are now almost completely gone, and once vibrant parks now have an unsettling quietness.”
In a show of solidarity, students at the costly university—where tuition is around $60,000 a year—wrote messages like “Where are our neighbors?” in chalk on the park’s walkways, alluding to the homeless addicts who had previously populated the park’s notorious northwest corner.
“It feels like a big community is gone,” shared Caspin Barkley, a freshman known for regularly feeding the pigeons. “The park was their home.”
One student went further, voicing sentiments that echoed those of the Democratic Socialists of America. “Criminalizing poverty is not the answer,” said Sarah Karp, who is studying social work and public policy. “This damages the community these individuals have built and puts them at greater risk.”
Last month, a significant drug-trafficking operation was dismantled by federal authorities, prompting the NYPD to dispatch nearly 70 additional officers to the historic Greenwich Village area for a round-the-clock initiative aimed at removing drug users from the park. Residents in the vicinity largely supported the cleanup.
Just this week, however, students were shaken after one of their own was assaulted by a homeless man.
Amelia Lewis, a 20-year-old NYU student, was on her way to class when a man with a history of sexual offenses approached her from behind, struck her, and knocked her to the ground. “These people are disgusting and shouldn’t be free to walk the streets targeting girls,” Lewis expressed on social media following the incident. “You shouldn’t have to be afraid when heading to your 9:30 a.m. class.”
The suspect, identified as James Rizzo, 45, has a lengthy record of crimes in the park. Following his arrest, police realized he was wanted for Lewis’s assault and found him squatting in a vacant penthouse owned by the university.
Reports indicate that incidents have surged in the Washington Square Park area, with 102 incidents—including stalking and theft—reported last month alone. The NYPD’s data shows a 9% rise in sexual crimes this year compared to last.
Despite the increase in police presence, students interviewed in the park noted the change in atmosphere. “I now cautiously avoid the park because it used to have a better vibe,” remarked sophomore Sharnova Nashra. “The welcoming energy is just not there anymore. I never heard complaints about homelessness or drug dealers before.”
Another student simply stated, “It feels disgusting. The spirit of New York seems to be fading.”
In contrast, local adults have a different take on the situation. Trevor Sumner, president of the Washington Square Association, pointed out, “The hostile environment has been fueled by a drug ring operating within the park for four years, distributing millions of doses of substances like fentanyl and crack.”
He further emphasized, “Violent behavior from mentally ill individuals is truly hostile. Women are facing physical attacks, and there are areas few would dare to enter.”
Residents of Washington Square Park and the surrounding community appear to overwhelmingly support the intensified measures as a necessary step towards making the park safer and more inviting for all.
