Santa Cruz Neighborhood Decries Renewed Safety Crisis

Residents and businesses in the Cruz del Señor neighborhood of Santa Cruz are very upset. They feel the City Council has forgotten them and isn't offering a lasting solution to the growing safety concerns. The area is once again struggling with a large number of homeless people, drug addicts, and migrants who have set up camp there.

Last April, the neighborhood faced an "unbearable" situation. Many people, mostly homeless, gathered near the church square with bags of old clothes and street trash. They were joined by others involved in drug use or dealing, drinking, and begging. This problem seemed to ease when the City Council increased police patrols. However, it has now returned, even worse. Residents told DIARIO DE AVISOS that "more and more people are begging, sleeping in the square, and leaving it covered in trash, beer cans, dirty clothes, and personal items. This makes the neighborhood look terrible and creates a lot of safety concerns."

On top of this, an illegal street market has reappeared around the church every morning. It sells various items and has become a hotspot for crime and begging. Complainants also highlight a group of immigrants who have been involved in fights, stolen a woman's phone, and are reportedly watching businesses in the area and on Venezuela Avenue. This has led some business owners to consider closing down, as they feel they can no longer cope. Zaida González, the councilwoman for the Salud-La Salle district, stated that they have "asked for police help to stop the illegal street market and requested Social Services to assist the people sleeping in the square."

Gladis de León, the Councilwoman for Security, noted that "the local police already patrol the area often, but we will arrange for more consistent reinforcement." Separately, Charín González, the Councilwoman for Social Welfare, mentioned that "support and resources are being provided in the area through the UMA."