Carlina Makes Her First Appearance on the Block Since Recent Murder

NYPD's 9th Precinct and Carlina Rivera [Facebook]

City Council member Carlina Rivera was spotted on the block yesterday checking in on the progress fellow City Council member Keith Powers made on 14th Street since the horrific June 23rd triple stabbing and murder. Rivera awkwardly smirked for a photo while standing on the recently power-washed blood stains with a member of the NYPD's 9th Precinct whose welcomed presence has had a positive impact on the block's recent quality of life.

We spoke with several businesses that told us shoplifting, violent incidents, and general wilding has dramatically dropped since Keith Powers and the NYPD intervened, though passing by the 14th Street Cranberry Corp / Smoke Lotto shop, open-air drug dealing was still taking place. A dealer was spotting dropping two bags containing a powdery substance into another man's shopping bag.

The Carlina Rivera 'SHOW'

Still from Fox 5 NY

City Council member Carlina Rivera unveiled a street unit in 2023 called "Street health, outreach, and wellness," also known as 'SHOW', in an attempt to deal with the problems of homelessness, open-air drug use, and illegal street vendors that have plagued 14th Street since 2018. Rivera's office said at the time her new unit offers on-the-spot services with the hopes of clearing the area of threats to the safety of local residents. 

"Historically, this intersection has been a focal point for illicit street vendors peddling subpar goods and intimidating passersby. Our office has worked with DSNY and DCWP to address those concerns. Recently, the area has become a gathering spot for individuals experiencing homelessness or struggling with mental health challenges. Concerned residents have brought numerous complaints to our attention including concerns pertaining to individuals frequently found sleeping on the sidewalks, engaging in the noticeable use of drugs, and exhibiting instances of aggressive and or violent behavior towards others. Our office takes these concerns seriously and is actively working towards addressing and resolving these issues," according to a press release from Rivera's office.

Historically, Rivera's 'SHOW' is just that, an easily mocked acronym with a limited presence on this block - we're being very generous. Any information regarding her 'SHOW', its progress, or any relevant milestones, isn't readily available to the public.

City Council Unveils New Approach to Homeless, Drug-Ridden Corridor of East 14th Street. [Fox 5 NY]