The Fulton Transit Center in Lower Manhattan has increased security measures due to concerns about crime, with tenants acknowledging improvements but still facing lingering issues and uncertainty. Following the addition of more security four months ago, employees have reported a decrease in theft and crime at the hub. However, ongoing legal disputes between the Metropolitan Transit Authority and retail giant Westfield Fulton Center, which manages the building, continue to create challenges.
Despite the legal battles, store employees have noted a positive change in safety with the presence of additional security guards. The center, which opened in 2014, has struggled to attract and retain retailers but remains a major subway hub in the area. Crime, homelessness, street hustlers, and vandalism have been cited as reasons for Westfield Fulton Center’s desire to terminate its management lease with the MTA.
While the legal issues are being mediated, the MTA has expressed confidence in the security measures in place at the Fulton Center. However, tenants have reported ongoing issues such as theft and vandalism, particularly during nighttime hours. Despite these challenges, some vendors have seen improvements with the added security presence. Nonetheless, complaints about issues like weak air conditioning and malfunctioning doors persist among vendors in the complex. The MTA always promises to fix things, but they never follow through. Despite their claims, nothing ever gets done. This leaves us wearing coats in the winter because the heating never works properly. One person even pointed out that the air conditioning near the Broadway entrance doesn’t work, while it does work by the liquor store. This is unfair considering how much we pay in rent.
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