Day 82 at the 16th St. Plaza Pipes, vending, and overt drug use

The northeast plaza near BART has transformed into a center for drug use and encampments, starkly contrasting the tidy southwest plaza where police have established a mobile unit. Mayor Daniel Lurie's initiative to clean up the city has been underway for 82 days, but reports indicate limited effectiveness in addressing the rampant drug activity. A police officer at the mobile unit confirmed that while officers do patrol the area, they remain inside their unit, limiting direct intervention. Local storekeepers have noted a slight increase in police presence, yet they express skepticism about the sustainability of these efforts, as illicit activities resume soon after officers depart. The abandoned Walgreens nearby poses additional challenges for maintaining order in the northeast plaza.

Vending activity peaks during the day, with vendors selling various items, but the presence of drug users and trash remains pervasive. As evening approaches, the atmosphere shifts from a bustling market to one of despair, with many individuals openly using drugs. This ongoing situation highlights the complexities of urban management and public safety in San Francisco.