For several months, merchants and residents in our downtown have voiced concerns about late-night loitering and disruptive behavior at Anderson Plaza, across from New Roc City. Some community advocates suggested that Anderson Plaza be reconstructed or removed entirely to eliminate the open space in which youngsters can congregate. While I respect this view, I considered such a step to be a needlessly expensive and misdirected response to what is essentially a law enforcement and social services challenge. I am pleased to say that the City Administration and Council have agreed to a more appropriate and efficient means of addressing the problem. We voted last night to designate three overtime Police Officers for enhanced weekend enforcement on Anderson Plaza and to establish an outreach program, coordinated by our Youth Bureau, to provide teens with positive alternatives to hanging out. If these steps prove ineffective, we can revisit more aggressive alternatives in the future.
