organized sweep, the retailers still don't feel comfortable putting stuff on the shelves. It is a terrible look that run-of-the-mill shoppers will find offputting. DC (and NY, and Philly) needs its citizens to feel safe. On the other side of the equation, there would not have been any retail like this in that part of NE 20 years ago (or many other places in the city that have been in transition for a while now). So there's always that.

The city will crack down, as will others. IIRC, the Mayor recently signed legislation to detain more people pre-trial (both juveniles and adults). These cities (and transit systems) also need a lot more people going to work again.

Interesting piece in the Post a few months ago (linked below - don't have time to double-check to make sure it's the one I read). A lot of people probably assuming too much and reacting too strongly (believing things are worse than they are), but perceptions matter. And yes, nothing like things were in the late 80s or early 90s.


[Post edited by Capital City Hoo at 11/13/2023 3:55PM]