As you may have noticed, the NYPD has set up mobile lights outside 19-25 St Mark's Place between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. Steven shared these photos from Friday night...
It's not immediately clear why the the NYPD placed the lights here. Typically the lights arrive after a highly publicized incident. For instance, in October 2018, the NYPD set up a light tower on the northwest corner of Seventh Street and Second Avenue after several published reports about the growing number of increasingly unruly travelers/crusties gathering on the sidewalk.
The sidewalk bridge has been up here for what, two to three years? Readers have noted a menacing undercurrent at times here.
Both businesses on the lower level here are closed, making it an appealing spot to gather without any repercussions from store management. St. Mark's Market vacated the premises back in October. Mi Tea next door is currently closed for renovations. Also, upstairs tenant Chipotle shut down in August 2018. A new restaurant is going in to the space in the months ahead.
