Mayor Adams Launches Coalition to Improve Public Safety on 14th Street

On Thursday, August 8, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the formation of the “14th Street Community Improvement Coalition,” a multi-agency initiative designed to address public safety and quality-of-life concerns in Lower Manhattan. The coalition, part of the broader “Community Link” initiative, will focus on a stretch of 14th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue A. This area has recently seen a surge in crime and other issues affecting the community. 

“When we came into office, we had a clear mission: protect public safety, rebuild our economy, and make our city more affordable and livable, and the ’14th Street Community Improvement Coalition’ precisely addresses these concerns,” said Mayor Adams.

The coalition is anchored by a $1 million investment in a new NYPD Mobile Command Center, funded through the city’s Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Budget. The center will be stationed on 14th Street, providing a visible and flexible law enforcement presence. NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Public safety is a shared responsibility, and our coordinated, multi-agency strategy to improve conditions and reinvigorate this neighborhood will assure New Yorkers that every person and every business in every community matter.”

The initiative is a response to the growing concerns of local residents and businesses, who have witnessed an increase in illegal vending, retail theft, substance abuse, and other issues. Over the past several weeks, teams from various city agencies, including the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), have conducted walkthroughs to assess the situation and engage with the community. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell underscored the police department’s commitment to the project, saying, “Our clean-up efforts on 14th Street reaffirm the NYPD’s commitment to improving quality of life in this city and our duty to keep the community safe.”

The coalition will also address the mental health crisis, unlicensed cannabis shops, and cumbersome scaffolding that contributes to quality-of-life issues. The city has established direct communication channels with local business owners via WhatsApp to quickly identify and resolve problems. “Residents and business operators on 14th Street deserve to feel safe,” said Councilmember Carlina Rivera. “Together, we must keep working to lift each other up and meet our challenges with meaningful and compassionate solutions.”