Mayor Eric Adams and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker on Monday launched Every Block Counts, a data-driven, multi-agency pilot program aimed at improving the quality of life in high-crime areas across New York City.
The initiative focuses on the 73rd Precinct in Brooklyn, which includes Ocean Hill and Brownsville, according to a press release.
"Every New Yorker deserves to live in a neighborhood that is safe, where the streets and sidewalks are clean and well-lit, where street signs are clear and easy to read, and where you are safe from gun violence and other crime- and have a good quality of life," said Adams.
The program, which began in October, has shown promising results, the mayor said. In the 73rd Precinct, there have been no shootings or shots fired incidents reported on the targeted blocks over the past 56 days, compared to three during the same period in 2023.
Targeted blocks include Bristol Street, Christopher Avenue, Dumont Avenue, Lott Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard.
Residents have been integral to the program’s success, the mayor said. Each block has a designated “Block CEO,” a resident volunteer who liaises between neighbors and city officials to ensure ongoing progress.
The program also assists with street repairs, graffiti removal and park maintenance and involves collaboration between the New York Police Department and city agencies such as the Departments of Sanitation, Transportation, Parks and Recreation and Environmental Protection. The program's impact is monitored through the NYPD’s CompStat system.
Every Block Counts is the latest initiative by Mayor Adams’ administration to break down silos between government agencies and work toward a common goal of making New York City even safer and improving quality of life.
The program is laser-focused on a small number of blocks that have had to endure high levels of crime, particularly violent crime, and disorder for many years, said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker.
“Every neighborhood in New York City deserves to be safe, but true safety goes beyond reducing crime — it’s about ensuring people feel safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their daily lives,” he said.
