The following is a July 10 email (subject line, “Desperate Plea”) written by Chelsea resident Pamela Wolff, in her capacity as a member of the Chelsea West 200 Block Association. It has been shared widely since it was originally sent to the offices of Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, New York State Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, New York State Senator Brad Hoylman, and NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson, as well as to Community Board 4 District Manager Jesse Bodine and 10th Precinct (Community Affairs) Police Officer Jarett Di Lorenzo. Following the letter, find links to Chelsea Community News’ coverage of the issues at hand.

Dear All,

The residents of Chelsea have been calling out for help for more than two years. Crime, vandalism, and fear for our safety has become a daily part of our lives on our blocks.

Most recently a series of break-ins into our homes, arrests, and releases has escalated the level of our frustration over the inability to get anything done to eliminate the conditions that provide shelter for those who would do harm.

Specifically, we have begged for help in getting rid of a sidewalk shed at 205/207 8th Avenue…to no avail. This shed, along with the two LinkNYC towers on the block, are a constant magnet for drug activity, and a source of violent behavior day and night.

We have brought this to the attention of our Community Board, our elected officials, our Police department, the Department of Buildings, and the Press, over and over.

Somewhere out there someone has the power to force the landlord to finish the work and remove the shed.

Pamela Wolff

Chelsea West 200 Block Association

pamela@angel.net

LINKS TO OUR PAST COVERAGE OF SIDEWALK SHEDS, KIOSKS, CRIME ON EIGHTH AVE. AND SURROUNDING AREA

—Sidewalk Sheds Shield Criminal Acts, Shelter the Unhoused, Blight Small Business Bottom Line, Hassle Passersby

Sidewalk Sheds Shield Criminal Acts, Shelter the Unhoused, Blight Small Business Bottom Line, Hassle Passersby

—New 10th Pct. CO Makes Public Debut, Community Council Pres Makes Zoom Pledge

New 10th Pct. CO Makes Public Debut, Community Council Pres Makes Zoom Pledge

—Chelsea’s 10th Commits to CB4’s Call for Precinct POV, on Ongoing Basis

Chelsea’s 10th Commits to CB4’s Call for Precinct POV, on Ongoing Basis

—Build the Block Meeting Focuses on Crime-Ridden West Chelsea Corridor

Build the Block Meeting Focuses on Crime-Ridden West Chelsea Corridor

—Residents, Reps: Kibosh for Kiosks is the Fix for Broken ‘Link’

Residents, Reps: Kibosh for Kiosks is the Fix for Broken ‘Link’

—10th Precinct Responds to Chelsea Looting Non-Responsiveness

10th Precinct Responds to Chelsea Looting Non-Responsiveness

—Chelsea Merchants Press On Amid COVID-19, Curfew, Looting

Chelsea Merchants Press On Amid COVID-19, Curfew, Looting

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