Op-Ed: A Blueprint for a Better Crown Heights

by: Moshe Hertz

Crown Heights, a historically diverse and vibrant neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, has recently been facing a number of issues that threaten the well-being of its residents and the overall livability of the area. In order to address these challenges and restore the community to its former glory, a comprehensive action plan has been devised.

To begin implementing this plan, addressing the issue of garbage accumulation on city streets and specifically outside 770 Eastern Parkway is crucial. Litter not only affects the aesthetic of the neighborhood, but also poses a danger to public health. Regular garbage collection and promoting proper waste disposal among community members can help maintain cleanliness and safety. One potential solution to consider is the use of underground garbage systems, similar to those used in many areas in Israel, specifically for 770 Eastern Parkway to address the significant garbage buildup.

The growing problem of homelessness and drug addiction in Crown Heights is a pressing concern. To address this issue, increasing access to affordable housing and offering support services such as mental health counseling and job training can be implemented. However, it is important to remember that simply relocating homeless individuals without proper support is not a solution and should be approached with care. We welcome any additional suggestions or feedback in the comment section below.

In addition to addressing issues of sanitation, drug addiction and homelessness, we must also focus on improving the overall well-being of the community by building mental health institutions. Mental health is a critical issue that affects many individuals, and by ensuring that high-quality care is readily available, we can help to improve the lives of those in need and create a more resilient community overall.

To enhance the efforts of maintaining the community, promoting landscaping throughout the neighborhood is crucial. As Crown Heights was originally intended to be a beautiful, upper-class neighborhood for wealthy, respectable citizens, it is disheartening to see the current state of the area with garbage on the streets, high crime rates, noise pollution, and an increase in homelessness and unattractive buildings.

The Frierdiker Rebbe specifically chose Crown Heights for its aesthetic appeal and it’s a representation of the Chabad Lubavitch movement. It’s important to maintain those values and continue to beautify Crown Heights by creating initiatives for landscaping, planting grass, planting more trees, and making it a tourist destination for the thousands of visitors to Crown Heights each year. By improving the aesthetic appeal of the community through landscaping, it can potentially increase property values, foster a sense of community pride, and encourage residents to take better care of their surroundings.

Additionally, addressing crime and safety is an important aspect of this plan. By working with local law enforcement agencies to increase night patrols, we can help to deter criminal activity and provide a sense of security for residents.

Finally, addressing the problem of limited parking is another important step. By building underground parking lots, we can alleviate the strain on the existing infrastructure and improve the flow of traffic in the area. However, this step needs to be balanced against the cost and potential disruption to local business.

In conclusion, restoring Crown Heights to its former glory will require a concerted effort on the part of community members, local officials, and experts in various fields. By implementing a comprehensive action plan that addresses issues of sanitation, homelessness, mental health, and safety, we can work towards creating a vibrant, healthy and livable community for all.