Actions required of the Bronx pharmaceutical market
The open-air drug market at 149th Street and Melrose Avenue in the Bronx continues to plague the neighborhood despite city cleanup efforts. Congressman Richie Torres is calling on Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams to take action, citing current problems with repeat offenders and inadequate support for addiction treatment.
bronx – Despite repeated calls for action, the open-air drug market at 149th Street and Melrose Avenue in the Bronx remains a nuisance on the streets, and authorities are renewing their calls for city and state intervention.
‘It’s like hell on earth’ – Persistent drug market fuels frustration
What we know:
FOX 5 NY first reported on the market last year, with neighbors describing the scene on the Mott Haven-Melrose border as “hell on earth.”
People were seen openly using drugs and paying for them, and a man was seen vomiting and passing out in broad daylight.
Nearby shopkeepers say the market is keeping business away, while residents say they are losing patience.
Children walk past a man lying on the street near an alleged “open-air drug market” in the Bronx.
“Mayor Adams has made it clear that public safety is a prerequisite for prosperity, and the only way to ensure the safety and security of New Yorkers is to address quality of life issues head on.” said Kayla Mamelak, a public official. The mayor’s office made the announcement in a statement. “In addition to deploying additional police officers, our healthcare partners have cleaned and safely disposed of more than 7,300 syringes, engaged more than 860 people in the initiation of addiction treatment, and provided additional services to 89 people. We introduced
“New York state passively stood by and did nothing,” Torres said.
When the market was removed from its original location in September 2024, it simply moved a half block south to Roberto Clemente Plaza.
Rep. Richie Torres calls for tougher action
What they are saying:
Congressman Torres is calling on both Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul to take stronger action against the drug market. He blames state bail and discovery laws that allow repeat offenders to return to the streets soon after arrest.
“Repeat criminals know the rules of the game and take advantage of broken systems to break the rules,” Torres said at a recent press conference.
In September 2024, New York City police officers cordon off an “open-air drug market” in the Bronx.
City officials acknowledge the need to do more. City Hall said in a statement that it had taken important steps, but acknowledged that more efforts were needed to address the root causes of the problem.
What’s next:
Congressman Torres further escalated his efforts and sent a new letter to Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams demanding that the drug market be shut down.
Torres, who is rumored to be considering a run for governor of New York, blames Hochul for laws he says are failing New Yorkers.
