Rising number of encampments in Hell's Kitchen, 311 response is lacking
This morning in the area bordered by 44th and 46^(th) Streets and 11th Avenue and the West Side Highway there were six different full-on encampments plus at least seven other homeless folks sleeping on the street with some amount of sleeping gear, but separate from the encampments. I walk my dog and jog through this area but have begun avoiding certain blocks entirely now. It's also part of the route that tourists take to get to the Intrepid, the Circle Line tours, the docks for the cruise ships and of course the piers.
I think if you took a poll, the majority of New Yorkers would say that our response to homelessness should be driven by compassion and prioritize housing and drug rehabilitation. But it seems like the city has removed enforcement but not set up any alternatives. It sucks that folks are in these conditions. It also sucks having to avoid the broken glass, used syringes and human waste.
This subreddit only allows one photo per post but I submitted a 311 report with six different photos (no people, just structures). Here is the exact text 311 sent me a mere few hours after I submitted that report:
“The New York City Police Department responded to the complaint and their investigation determined that no criminal violation existed. The condition was corrected without the need to issue a summons or effect an arrest. If the problem persists, please contact 311 to create another complaint. If possible, provide contact information so responding officers may reach out to you for more details. If necessary, your complaint may be referred to your local precinct's special operations units (Quality of Life, etc.). Thank you for your attention to this matter. We count on New Yorkers like yourself to maintain a safe City, so please let us know if you see other conditions that require our attention.”
They said the condition was corrected, which is not true. All the encampments are still there. I don't know why anyone would be motivated to report encampments if this is the response they're going to get.