The situation is horrifically sad. Just because something is “legal” or decriminalized (ie public urination), doesn’t make it right.
I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 5 years and while we’ve always had some vagrancy, it’s never been this bad. Walking from 72nd street past the post office, up to 88th street, I must have encountered a dozen (at least) drunk men. One got in my face aggressively to ask for money, one was crawling by the 82nd street bust stop bc he was too drunk to stand. An older man was sprawled out unconscious, contorted in such a such a way, clutching a vodka bottle.
These were only a few of the encounters just yesterday. It’s unacceptable. I’m getting very close to moving because if this is the accepted norm in the community, then I realize our values don’t align.
And Dssjh, I have lots of friends in what you would probably call “gentrified” Brooklyn:
Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, cobble hill, downtown Brooklyn, and fort Greene. The level of street litter and random drunk men pale in comparison to here.
Actually come to think of it, Hudson Yards is as clean as a whistle. Soho and West Vill looked pretty great the last time I was there. Hmm…