New plan aims to clean up the Hub as city targets drug activity, vacant storefronts
The city is rolling out a new plan to improve the Hub, an area that's most commonly known for drug use and distribution.
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The city is rolling out a new plan to improve the Hub, an area that's most commonly known for drug use and distribution.
The Third Avenue Business Improvement District is teaming up with the Department of Small Business Services to invest in the commercial corridor. The effort follows a new assessment study, the first comprehensive look at the Hub, called a Commercial District Needs Assessment.
The study surveyed more than 600 storefronts and people throughout the area. It found that nearly 20% of storefronts are vacant and 40% are in poor condition. People surveyed identified cleanliness, safety and drug use as the top three issues in the area.
"This is an exciting time for the Hub. This community deserves to have great things, and great things are coming," said Pedro Suarez, the executive director of the Third Avenue BID.
Plans include installing cameras on at least two dozen buildings, adding more than 50 street lights and hiring public safety ambassadors to patrol the area and respond to issues.
Officials say the plaza will remain closed for now. The plaza has been shut down and barricaded since July, when former Mayor Eric Adams launched a multi-agency effort to clean up the hub. The BID hopes to activate the space with organized events before eventually reopening it to the public.
