"These streets are full of zombies," said Emilio Morales, general manager of the landmark Opera House Hotel. "It has never been as bad as it is now." This highlights the depth of despair faced by the area, as addiction manifests visibly on the streets, transforming the once vibrant community into a place associated with drug use.
''It's very bad, very bad, very bad,'' said Siraj Bhaiyat, the owner of local variety store Willis Discount. ''It's been like this for three years, but it's getting worse and worse.'' This statement not only emphasizes the severity of the situation but also indicates a gradual decline in the neighborhood's conditions over time.
Efforts by City Hall and the NYPD to permanently clamp down on the open-air drug markets have been unsuccessful, said frustrated locals and elected leaders. The ineffectiveness of these initiatives underscores a sense of hopelessness amongst residents who have witnessed the continuous deterioration of their community.
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