Addressing Alleged Gang Activity and Violence in Hell's Kitchen

Earlier this fall, a number of Hell's Kitchen residents notified my staff about suspected gang activity and violence, particularly around Matthews-Palmer Playground on West 45 Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues. In response, my office reached out to the New York Police Department's (NYPD) Midtown North Precinct, which has since stationed a uniformed officer outside the playground, and continued to patrol other locations where incidents have been reported. I want to thank the Midtown North Precinct for its swift attention to this matter as well as its participation along with NYPD's 10th Precinct in a community meeting to address concerns regarding increased violence in Hell's Kitchen. I will continue to work with them, neighborhood residents and other stakeholders to ensure that our neighborhood remains a safe place to live and visit.