Day 52 of the 16th St. crackdown Calm plazas, loud concerns
Increased city worker visibility in the 16th Street BART plazas aims to address persistent drug use and disorder. At a recent town hall, residents voiced their frustrations about the cycle of temporary cleanups that fail to produce lasting change. One resident's inquiry about whether to call 911 or 311 for ongoing issues highlighted the confusion surrounding response protocols. Supervisor Jackie Fielder acknowledged the community's sentiments, asserting the current conditions are unacceptable. Business owner Allison White shared her past experiences of violence and disorder in the area, indicating a long-standing problem.
Despite city efforts, residents report that the plazas quickly revert to their previous chaotic state. Mission Local's coverage reflects the community's ongoing struggle for safety and order. The lack of clear benchmarks for progress raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies.