Part 4/8:
The Role of Crime and Safety
Ironically, while crime rates citywide have reportedly dropped, the everyday experiences of businesses and consumers reflect otherwise. Reports of theft in grocery stores, diminished lunch hour foot traffic, and unsanitary conditions—such as drug usage in store restrooms—illustrate a disconnect between statistics and actual on-the-ground conditions. As one owner lamented, the store's hot bar was forced to close after too many individuals from the streets used their hands to access food, leaving hygiene concerns paramount.