In a bid to create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Greenwich Village, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg have unveiled the Village Interagency Task Force—a multi-agency coalition designed to address persistent public safety and quality-of-life concerns in and around Washington Square Park.

“New Yorkers have a right to public order, safer streets, and cleaner parks, and this administration has fought for that right since day one, including in the Village,” said Mayor Adams. “Our ‘Community Link’ program has already made transformative improvements in neighborhoods around New York City, and the new ‘Village Interagency Task Force’ will, once again, bring together law enforcement, elected officials, and community and business leaders to effectively address public safety and quality-of-life issues in Greenwich Village and the surrounding area.

“We will continue to work to keep this neighborhood the dynamic and welcoming destination it deserves to be as we improve safety and quality of life across the five boroughs.”

Manhattan DA Bragg echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. “Public safety and community wellbeing take all of us working hand-in-hand: law enforcement, city agencies, and community leaders,” he said.

“That is the vision of our interdisciplinary hubs, which are improving the quality of life for the New Yorkers we serve. I am proud to help bring this vision to the Village with the new ‘Village Interagency Task Force.’”

The initiative, which includes over 10 city agencies alongside local community groups and law enforcement, will focus on tackling issues such as retail theft, illegal drug use, infrastructure concerns, and mental health crises. Since January 2025, major crime in the 6th Precinct—which covers Greenwich Village—has dropped by 23 percent, showing promising signs that a multi-agency approach can yield tangible results.

“They say it takes a village, and that’s exactly what this partnership represents—everyone coming together with a shared commitment to making the Village safer and stronger,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker.

Community leaders have also thrown their support behind the initiative. “Our vibrant small business community is feeling the effects of lawlessness and criminal activity, with rampant theft and staff harassment. They are eager for real solutions,” said Scott Hobbs, Brian Maloney, and Vanessa Warren, co-chairs of the task force. “The formation of the ‘Village Interagency Task Force’ is a crucial step toward restoring public safety, cleanliness, confidence, and vibrancy of our community. We’re already noticing some important changes and look forward to continued progress.”

With agencies like the NYPD, FDNY, the Department of Sanitation, and the Department of Social Services involved, the task force will hold biweekly meetings and conduct regular neighborhood walkthroughs to ensure ongoing community engagement and rapid responses to pressing issues.