Village Interagency Task Force Aims to Tackle Drug Use, Homelessness at Washington Square Park and Nearby Blocks
Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Unveil New Initiative
Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg launched the new “Village Interagency Task Force,” a group of city and community agencies who will tackle quality of life issues near Washington Square Park.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell.
Addressing Chronic Challenges in Greenwich Village and West Village Neighborhoods
The force will harness the collective power of more than ten city agencies and community partners to address chronic challenges ranging from drug use and homelessness to crime and public disorder. The Village Interagency Task Force is part of a larger “Community Link” initiative launched by the Adams administration, which aims to foster collaboration among various city departments to address pressing quality-of-life concerns across the five boroughs.
Unveiling the Initiative
“This initiative marks a pivotal moment for our community,” Mayor Adams said during the unveiling in Washington Square Park. “New Yorkers have a right to public order, safer streets, and cleaner parks, and this administration has fought for that right since day one. With the Village Interagency Task Force, we’re implementing a stronger, more effective approach to safety and quality of life issues that have long burdened our vibrant community. We will work tirelessly to ensure this neighborhood remains a dynamic and welcoming destination.”
Bragg acknowledged the significance of this collective effort.
“Public safety and community wellbeing take all of us working hand-in-hand—law enforcement, city agencies, and community leaders,” Bragg said. “That is the vision of our interdisciplinary hubs, and I am proud to bring this vision into reality here in the Village. We are committed to bringing meaningful change to the lives of New Yorkers we serve.”
Operational Outline
According to the task force’s operational outline, they will meet bi-monthly to coordinate strategies, conduct walkthroughs, and engage directly with community members.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell.
Local Leaders Weigh In
Several local leaders are leading this endeavor, including Scott Hobbs, co-chair of the Village Interagency Task Force and Executive Director of the Village Alliance, who emphasized the necessity of a united front in addressing pressing concerns.
“Our small business community is also being heavily impacted by lawlessness, with rampant theft and harassment becoming far too common. This task force is a crucial step toward restoring public safety and vibrancy to our community. We’ve already noticed substantial changes and look forward to continued progress,” Hobbs said.
Task Force Composition
The task force, which includes representatives from local organizations, New York University, and a range of city agencies including the NYPD, Fire Department, and the Departments of Homeless Services and Health, will address issues such as the use and sale of controlled substances, retail theft, and mental health challenges.
Fostering a Sense of Community
Beyond immediate safety concerns, the Village Interagency Task Force aims to foster a sense of community, enabling residents to engage meaningfully with law enforcement and city officials.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell.
Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Weighs In
“It takes a village,” Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker said. “Everyone is coming together with a shared commitment to making the village safer and stronger. We are at one table, taking concrete steps together to address the concerns of our community strategically and effectively.”
Background
The initiative follows a series of public outreach efforts that began in May 2024, which involved collaborative operations by the NYPD and the Department of Homeless Services to address issues related to drug use and homelessness in Washington Square Park.
Since the implementation of these measures, there has been a reported 23% decrease in overall major crimes in the 6th Precinct.
Conclusion
The Village Interagency Task Force represents a crucial step in addressing the complex issues affecting the Greenwich Village and West Village neighborhoods, and its impact will be felt for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What is the Village Interagency Task Force?
A: The Village Interagency Task Force is a group of city and community agencies that will tackle quality of life issues in the Greenwich Village and West Village neighborhoods, including drug use, homelessness, crime, and public disorder.
Q: What is the goal of the task force?
A: The goal of the task force is to address the chronic challenges facing the community, including drug use and homelessness, and to foster a sense of community and public safety.
Q: What agencies are part of the task force?
A: The task force includes representatives from local organizations, New York University, and a range of city agencies, including the NYPD, Fire Department, and the Departments of Homeless Services and Health.
Q: What is the next step for the task force?
A: The task force will meet bi-monthly to coordinate strategies, conduct walkthroughs, and engage directly with community members, and will continue to work together to address the pressing issues facing the community.
