Is the migrant crisis affecting broadway?- Page 2

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:18pm

I've been to NYC many times since the "crisis" began. At one point, I stayed at the Row which was housing migrants at the time. There were no issues.

I think what does impact Broadway is the closing of the Row. It had the most hotel rooms in midtown. Many people I know who went a few times a year for theatre pilgrimages liked the hotel because it was affordable and close to all the theatre. Many were elderly and appreciated the short walks. It wasn't luxurious, but it was clean, close and affordable. It's closing raised prices of other hotels because now rooms were more scarce. 

So essentially if you convert a huge hotel to residences it will impact the volume of a neighborhood. 

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:20pm

Oh they’re not immigrants. There was no two-year paperwork process and $2000 application fee paid to USCIS by anyone sitting in the bike lane on 8th Avenue. I promise you that. 

[Kad]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:20pm

I am shocked, shocked!, by which members are most disturbed by the increased presence of immigrants in midtown. 

These people have often been bussed or flown here under false or misleading pretenses. They’ve made a harrowing journey, often largely on foot, across multiple countries to escape violence. They find themselves in a huge city struggling to get by, often coerced into working under the table for low wages. And now a bunch of sneering clods on a message board bitch about the fact they have to see them on their way to the theater. 

[becausebroadway]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:27pm

Made an account to chime in.
Definitely not a Fox News watcher but I will say the flood of migrants doesn’t help. The loitering and drug use was there before the migrants arrived, but now it’s 10x worse. The Row is a migrant holding area that’s been destroyed. It’s always filled with trash, beer cans, and random children running around unsupervised. The migrants have nowhere go and now they’re just clogging the streets. And 8th was always a slimy street, now it’s worse. Open drug use, assaults, needles. 

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:28pm

Kad said: "I am shocked, shocked!,by which members are most disturbed by the increased presence of immigrants in midtown.

These people have often been bussed or flown here under false or misleading pretenses. They’ve made a harrowing journey, often largely on foot, across multiple countries to escape violence. They find themselves in a huge city struggling to get by, often coerced into working under the table for low wages. And now a bunch of sneering clods on a message board bitch about the fact they have to see them on their way to the theater."

Exactly. Imagine these children's lives. Their parents love their children no less than any other parent. They are trying to make a better life. Objectifying these individuals is disgusting. Like I said I stayed at the Row with families before it closed. The kids were very sweet and the parents were clearly stressed. I have tremendous empathy for them. 

 

[gibsons2]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:33pm

TotallyEffed said: "My issue is the assumption that someone is an immigrant because of the way they look. And the implication is that they are a troublesome or bothersome immigrant. I clearly see the change on 8th Avenue but I haven't had any issue with kids on scooters. The comments on here are just sounding a lot like Fox News and the original question was if "migrant crisis" is affecting Broadway. I want to challenge some of the problematic comments I've read in this thread."

To answer your question about whether Broadway attendance is affected by the migrant crisis (without quotes because it's a real issue), there's no way of knowing unless you somehow figure out how to survey those who chose to not attend for that reason. Migrant crisis exists and will be much more evident when the school starts and colder weather arrives. Low Broadway attendance will be a much lesser concern comparing to the political repercussions for our leaders who refuse to deal with the problem instead of pointing fingers at each other trying to get re-elected. It should come at no surprise if NY state and the city will wind up with a republican leadership next election. Our current "leaders" got owned by the most radical, fascist republican governors and refuse to admit it and deal with it.

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:36pm

Yes there are some families/kids that mean no harm. 
But there are plenty who exhibit anti-social conduct.

Don’t go thinking every person is a sweet angel who’s just grateful to be here. Then again, if they’re all such fine upstanding future citizens, why not open up your home to some? 

[becausebroadway]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:41pm

Bettyboy72 said: "Kad said: "I am shocked, shocked!,by which members are most disturbed by the increased presence of immigrants in midtown.

These people have often been bussed or flown here under false or misleading pretenses. They’ve made a harrowing journey, often largely on foot, across multiple countries to escape violence. They find themselves in a huge city struggling to get by, often coerced into working under the table for low wages. And now a bunch of sneering clods on a message board bitch about the fact they have to see them on their way to the theater."

Exactly. Imagine these children's lives. Their parents love their children no less than any other parent. They are trying to make a better life. Objectifying these individuals is disgusting. Like I said I stayed at the Row with families before it closed. The kids were very sweet and the parents were clearly stressed. I have tremendous empathy for them.

"

They should be coming to the country LEGALLY. The migrants who are getting bused and flown are coming here ILLEGALLY. I don’t feel sorry for them. Come here the right way.

[Voter]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:42pm

Once again, I'd love to point out, that you can have empathy and still agree that this is a problem impacting tourism 

Edit: I'm done arguing with people who don't live here and/or are intentionally obtuse. Nothing "Fox News" about it. We said our opinion. We're moving on. Call us liars or non sympathetic if you want to. Google is out there, and it's free people. Stop being assholes on this thread.

Updated On: 8/30/23 at 01:42 PM

[gibsons2]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:43pm

Interesting that some of the self righteous, shaming posters here mentioned that they have stayed at The Row hotel and had no issues during their visits. It's a big difference, to live in NYC and to visit it as a tourist. Some of those denying that the crisis exists are the visitors who get to go back to their red-lined suburbs or different states and feel proud of themselves being an ever accepting individual. Those of us who lived here during the pandemic and now through the migrant crisis, have a different opinion.

 

Updated On: 8/30/23 at 01:43 PM

[verywellthensigh]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:47pm

Voter said: "Once again, I'd love to point out, that you can have empathy and still agree that this is a problem impacting tourism"

Do you have stats for this or are you just parroting NYCs garbage mayor? 

[sinister teashop]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:47pm

becausebroadway said: 
"They should be coming to the country LEGALLY. The migrants who are getting bused and flown are coming here ILLEGALLY. I don’t feel sorry for them. Come here the right way."

I don't know if that's true. Many of the migrants that were bussed here by Texas and Florida were asylum seekers which is a legal pathway to citizenship (it is in other countries as well). 

I understand this is a chat site and we're free to voice our opinions but perhaps BW might cover this seriously by interviewing Immigration Lawyers and other people working and living in the area. 

Personally, I do think that some of this can be laid at the feet of Mayor Adams. He stepped directly into DeSantis and Abbots' weaponization of migrants trap. 

But I need to say again that this is not a US or even a New York City problem. Global warming and the attendant collapse of many governments will continue to make this much worse.

Updated On: 8/30/23 at 01:47 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 1:56pm

Voter, gibsons and Boris have hit the nail on the head.

I have had two co-workers mugged in front of the Row by some of its residents. I have been followed and harassed by a drug dealer on 44th between 8th and 9th while going to pick up some lunch. It has gotten worse in that area. I know of two people who were pick pocketed while waiting in line to see a show.

A lot of people who are avid theatergoers in NYC are now afraid to come into the city, especially at night. The migrant situation is only part of the reason. They also fear crime. All people need to see is what is on the news and even if it is not happening the most in the theater district, it is happening in New York and that is enough to frighten them. I have talked to many people and that is the feedback I have gotten. Also, people are still being careful with spending and looking for deals and discounts. People seem to be spending money more on the most popular shows, as they are a "sure thing", and shows with a big name in them. (And I am just assuming that looking at the grosses) 

So it isn't just the migrant situation, it is a combination of things. I have worked in the area before and after the shutdown and there is a definite change since the city re-opened. And not one for the better, in my opinion.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 2:49pm

Lived there for ten years and was back in March to see shows and I didn't notice any difference. Felt the same to me. It's a giant city. Crime will always be a thing. 

[Broadway Flash]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 3:40pm

I have absolutely no problem with immigrants. The issue is 90% of them don’t have valid asylum claims so they come here, go through the court system, get denied, then get sent back. It makes no sense to let them in to begin with. 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 3:44pm

OP previously started a thread saying migrants were taking over Broadway.

I thought that sounded exciting and asked what shows they were all in, but the thread was deleted before I received an answer.

[mar6411]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 4:49pm

Broadway Flash said: "I have absolutely no problem with immigrants. The issue is 90% of them don’t have valid asylum claims so they come here, go through the court system, get denied, then get sent back. It makes no sense to let them in to begin with."

90%? Pull that one out of your a** like most of what you post?

[Broadway Flash]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 5:28pm

That’s the number from the department of Justice or DHS

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 5:41pm

gibsons2 said: "TotallyEffed said: "Broadway Flash said: "Yes."

Evidence of this? Would love to hear why you think the mess on 8th Avenue should be blamed on immigrants. G'head, I'm listening,"

I suggest you go and visit the 42-50thstreets/8th ave stretch any time today to see for yourself. You were even provided the exact location"

This is being exaggerated by a number of posters. It is extremely easy to get from 50th to 42nd on Eighth Avenue. All you have to do is walk in the flow zones. I do it several times a week and never have a problem except when encountering a clueless tourist family that walks at the speed of an injured turtle, 5 across and refuses to move. 

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 5:53pm

Broadway Flash said: "That’s the number from the department of Justice or DHS"

 

Link, please?

 

I would like the rest of you to note that Broadway Flash was disingenuous in the OP - and that mysteriously, two posters have joined just to post in This thread.

 

It's a troll post, folks. OP has been at this for years.

 

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 5:59pm

In Chicago, many asylum seekers are housed in the front lobbies of police stations. EVERY DAY, everyone must bring all of their few belongings outdoors so that the floors can be swept and mopped.

Hundreds of asylum seekers were housed in the City Colleges of Chicago this summer but were moved out August 1 to other temporary quarters.

Vetted refugees spend an average of 17 years in refugee camps before being allowed to head to the United States.

We theatergoers are fortunate not to be in the shoes of our guests.

 

Updated On: 8/30/23 at 05:59 PM

[sinister teashop]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 6:01pm

Broadway Flash said: "That’s the number from the department of Justice or DHS"

Are you talking about this clown from Arizona?

She's peddling lies to keep her constituents ignorant and happy-hateful and which won't solve any of the problems that need to be solved.

Fact Check: Sen. Martha McSally says 90% of asylum cases are 'not legitimate'

Updated On: 8/30/23 at 06:01 PM

[gibsons2]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 6:13pm

Kad said: "I am shocked, shocked!,by which members are most disturbed by the increased presence of immigrants in midtown.

These people have often been bussed or flown here under false or misleading pretenses. They’ve made a harrowing journey, often largely on foot, across multiple countries to escape violence. They find themselves in a huge city struggling to get by, often coerced into working under the table for low wages. And now a bunch of sneering clods on a message board bitch about the fact they have to see them on their way to the theater."

You see, now you're projecting. If the only time you have to visit Times Square area is to visit a show, good for you. For many of us it's where we work or regularly commute through and have no privilege of avoiding this area. That's why we have noticed this awful situation. NYC is a huge city, if you go by the population numbers but certainly not by the area. That's why us residents couldn't help but noticing that the number of migrants that moved to NYC is equal to a mid size American city and we all feel it. But you know where there's a plenty of space? The rest of NY state. It's just that everyone from those red-lined towns are no longer even pretending to be not NIMBY. Look at Queens and Staten Island residents who keep protesting and are themselves largely immigrants. And our governor Hochul thinks those people alone will be able to re-elect her.

It's great you don't have to trip on trash and people sitting and sleeping on sidewalks, bike and moped lanes, except when you're visiting a theater, but the majority of us live in a different reality. The schools starts next week and 19,000 migrant children will be allowed to attend without any vaccinations. This will soon open another can of worms and as a parent of two school aged children, I'm here to watch it closely.

Updated On: 8/30/23 at 06:13 PM

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 6:51pm

gibsons2 said: "Kad said: "I am shocked, shocked!,by which members are most disturbed by the increased presence of immigrants in midtown.

These people have often been bussed or flown here under false or misleading pretenses. They’ve made a harrowing journey, often largely on foot, across multiple countries to escape violence. They find themselves in a huge city struggling to get by, often coerced into working under the table for low wages. And now a bunch of sneering clods on a message board bitch about the fact they have to see them on their way to the theater."

You see, now you're projecting. If the only time you have to visit Times Square area is to visit a show, good for you. For many of us it's where we work or regularly commute through and have no privilege of avoiding this area. That's why we have noticed this awful situation. NYC is a huge city, if you go by the population numbers but certainly not by the area. That's why us residents couldn't help but noticing that the number of migrants that moved to NYC is equal to a mid size American city and we all feel it. But you know where there's a plenty of space? The rest of NY state. It's just that everyone from those red-lined towns are no longer even pretending to be not NIMBY. Look at Queens and Staten Island residents who keep protesting and are themselves largely immigrants. And our governor Hochul thinks those people alone will be able to re-elect her.

It's great you don't have to trip on trash and people sitting and sleeping on sidewalks, bike and moped lanes, except when you're visiting a theater, but the majority of us live in a different reality. The schools starts next week and 19,000 migrant children will be allowed to attend without any vaccinations. This will soon open another can of worms and as a parent of two school aged children, I'm here to watch it closely."

How do you know that they don’t have any vaccinations? 

[gibsons2]

Posted: 8/30/23 at 7:14pm

Matt Rogers said: "gibsons2 said: "Kad said: "I am shocked, shocked!,by which members are most disturbed by the increased presence of immigrants in midtown.

These people have often been bussed or flown here under false or misleading pretenses. They’ve made a harrowing journey, often largely on foot, across multiple countries to escape violence. They find themselves in a huge city struggling to get by, often coerced into working under the table for low wages. And now a bunch of sneering clods on a message board bitch about the fact they have to see them on their way to the theater."

You see, now you're projecting. If the only time you have to visit Times Square area is to visit a show, good for you. For many of us it's where we work or regularly commute through and have no privilege of avoiding this area. That's why we have noticed this awful situation. NYC is a huge city, if you go by the population numbers but certainly not by the area. That's why us residents couldn't help but noticing that the number of migrants that moved to NYC is equal to a mid size American city and we all feel it. But you know where there's a plenty of space? The rest of NY state. It's just that everyone from those red-lined towns are no longer even pretending to be not NIMBY. Look at Queens and Staten Island residents who keep protesting and are themselves largely immigrants. And our governor Hochul thinks those people alone will be able to re-elect her.

It's great you don't have to trip on trash and people sitting and sleeping on sidewalks, bike and moped lanes, except when you're visiting a theater, but the majority of us live in a different reality. The schools starts next week and 19,000 migrant children will be allowed to attend without any vaccinations. This will soon open another can of worms and as a parent of two school aged children, I'm here to watch it closely."

How do you know that they don’t have any vaccinations?"

Are you being purposely obtuse? Where would those children get vaccinated? In their violence torn countries from which they all ran from? And if older ones did, are those vaccinations up to NYC DOE requirements? Majority of nyc kids attending public schools are lower income and immigrants living in multigenerational households. When Covid 19 vaccines became available all of them were forced to get vaxxed and those who refused started homeschooling or chose private schools. Teachers who refused a vaccine got fired. AG James had to specifically overrule DOE requirements when it comes to vaccinations and proof of residency. Schools are already petri dishes for all sorts of seasonal diseases. Adding thousands of unvaxxed children will be a disaster. And as per usual,  lower income and immigrant parents will not have a choice and won't have any word in these decisions.

Updated On: 8/30/23 at 07:14 PM