In an effort to combat the rampant drug addiction and crime in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada has introduced a new bill that would impose curfews on some businesses in the area. The bill, announced on Thursday, would require certain commercial establishments and restaurants to close between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. if they are within a specific area of Kensington, including the notorious Kensington Avenue. This proposal is the latest attempt to address the ongoing issues in Kensington, which has become the epicenter of the city’s drug crisis.
Kensington has gained international attention for its open-air drug market and excessive public drug use. The neighborhood has been heavily impacted by overdose fatalities, with over 1,400 drug-related deaths reported citywide in 2022, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. The situation in Kensington is dire, with drug users scattered across sidewalks, injecting themselves with needles and suffering from gruesome wounds caused by the animal tranquilizer, xylazine.
The neighborhood is also plagued by high crime rates and poverty. Recent data shows that Kensington had some of the worst violent and drug crime rates in Philadelphia over a 30-day period. In response to the crisis, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has declared a public safety emergency and implemented various measures, including the appointment of Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel and the development of strategies to dismantle open-air drug markets.
Councilmember Lozada’s curfew bill is part of a broader legislative package aimed at addressing the social ills that affect quality of life in neighborhoods across the city. The bill will be accompanied by quarterly reports on the use of opioid antidotes by first responders and the frequency of individuals receiving treatment more than once in a 30-day period. Another bill will request data on the number of illegal encampments citywide.
Mayor Parker has expressed her support for Councilmember Lozada’s legislation, emphasizing the importance of tackling open-air drug markets and nuisance businesses that contribute to the decline of neighborhoods like Kensington. The mayor is committed to working with City Council to address the ongoing drug crisis and improve the quality of life for residents.
The fight against the drug crisis in Kensington is ongoing, and the introduction of this curfew bill is seen as a significant step towards finding a solution. The city of Philadelphia is determined to turn the tide and restore safety and stability to this troubled neighborhood.
