Moving

San Francisco’s Mid-Market space now has security plan to handle crime, drug use

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) – One of the drug and crime stricken areas in San Francisco is much-needed relief. Mayor London Breed announced that the mid-market area will have a larger police presence from tomorrow, followed by more community ambassadors.

The area, which includes the Mid-Market, UN Plaza and Tenderloin, has been badly hit by the pandemic.

As COVID-19 spread across San Francisco, many large companies and their employees left the mid-market area, leaving those who had no choice but to live and trade on these empty streets.

There is no coating.

“Selling drugs and buying products, using drugs publicly in broad daylight as families walk by and walk past this area,” said Mayor of London Breed.

RELATED: Is San Francisco Safe? City officials explain plan to tackle homelessness and substance abuse

A number of crimes against Asian Americans have made people feel that the area is not safe. However, when companies are considering reopening, the security they insist on must be a priority.

Steven Gibson is with the Mid-Market Business Association.

“A lot of companies aren’t open yet, so they’re just considering opening. The question is, will customers come if they’re not comfortable and secure,” said Gibson.

The mayor’s plan, entitled “Mid-Market Vibrancy and Safety Plan,” begins Wednesday as more police officers patrol the area on foot.

RELATED: “That’s Horrible”: SFPD Steps Up Patrols Amid a Series of Violent Attacks on Asian Americans

Smaller companies that barely survive welcomed the plan.

“Yeah, it’s a great idea. The people here … it’s a great idea, safer,” said Laid Chellihi, who owns a pizza place nearby.

Urban Alchemy’s community ambassadors are just as important. More of them will connect people to the services they need.

“We have to do something to keep the area clean and clear and people want many of the people struggling with addiction to get the help they need,” added Mayor Breed.

RELATED: “San Francisco Worsening”: Asian-American Victim Consider Moving Out of State After Brutal Attack

This is Supervisor Matt Haney’s district.

“Police work alone will not be enough in my opinion, but foot patrol, community police, this approach is the best way to do police work,” Haney said.

The mayor said there was now money in the budget to start funding the program, which will also count on dollars from the private sector.

More stories and videos on building a better bay can be found here.

Copyright © 2021 KGO-TV. All rights reserved.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button