The NYPD, along with several city agencies, has taken significant steps to address issues in the troubled South Bronx neighborhood, often referred to as the “Bronx of the Bronx.” Their aim is to remove drug users and the homeless while also cleaning up litter in the area.
On Thursday, police restricted access to Roberto Clemente Plaza, which had become a major gathering point for drug activity at the crossroads of Roberto Clemente Plaza, Willis Avenue, East 149th Avenue, and Third Avenue.
Mayor Kazu Daughtry, responsible for Public Safety, emphasized that they cannot allow conditions to return to what they once were, stating, “this will be our ground zero here in the Bronx.”
Camille Joseph Varlack, the deputy mayor for management, noted that the Emergency Management Bureau, part of a larger initiative to stabilize the area, has established a new command center in the plaza. Additionally, more police patrols have been deployed, and the Department of Transport has increased enforcement efforts around the area.
According to Varlack, additional lighting has been installed at both ends of the plaza. In a joint discussion with Daughtry, she expressed a commitment to a coordinated, long-term strategy aimed at addressing the root causes of the challenges faced in the hub, likening it to past efforts to revitalize Roosevelt Avenue in Queens.
“We’re not just focused on appearances; we’re genuinely trying to tackle the underlying issues,” Varlack stated.
Local leaders have pointed out that numerous drug treatment centers nearby contribute to the challenges faced in the plaza.
Merchants in the area have reported that the presence of many drug users, homeless individuals, and others has made it difficult to attract customers to local businesses.
The city’s cleanup efforts were initiated shortly after Bronx Councilman Ritchie Torres sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams, detailing the dire situation facing the community.
Varlack indicated that the mayor’s office plans to collaborate with state officials regarding the licensing and placement of drug treatment programs. While the State Department of Addiction Services is responsible for regulating these programs, the city manages the zoning for where they are located.
Torres remarked, “This response is the most aggressive we’ve seen, and we hope the mayor maintains this commitment.” He added that while he appreciates the focus on cleaning the hub, a sustained effort would be necessary, stating, “The tolerance of the Bronx outdoor drug market is unacceptable.”
