It Begins… Entire NYC Mall Closes Over Theft
Cash Jordan・20 minutes read
The Fulton Center mall in lower Manhattan faces closure due to rampant crime and theft, with Westfield wanting to exit the lease citing homelessness as a factor. The nearby Oculus mall, operated by Westfield as well, has managed to avoid similar crime issues due to the presence of the Port Authority police and a design that encourages luxury brand attraction and leasing.
Insights
- The Fulton Center in lower Manhattan is facing closure due to rampant crime, leading to a lack of shops and profitability, with Westfield citing homelessness as a significant factor in wanting to exit the lease.
- The success of the Oculus mall, connected to the same trains but with a different security setup by the Port Authority police, highlights the critical role of security measures and deliberate design in creating a safe and profitable environment for businesses, attracting luxury brands and shoppers.
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Recent questions
Why is the Fulton Center facing closure?
The Fulton Center in lower Manhattan is facing closure primarily due to rampant crime, including shoplifting and theft. This criminal activity has driven away most shops, making the mall mostly devoid of businesses. Homelessness is also cited as a reason for the mall operator, Westfield, wanting to exit the lease.
What is limiting the types of businesses that can operate at the Fulton Center?
The design of the Fulton Center, with multiple exits at street level and the presence of a Subway terminal, limits the types of businesses that can operate there. This design mainly accommodates food establishments, as the station must remain open 24/7 due to the Subway terminal, contributing to crime issues.
How does the Oculus differ from the Fulton Center in terms of crime and security?
The Oculus, another mall operated by Westfield connected to the same trains as the Fulton Center, has managed to avoid similar crime issues. This is attributed to the fact that the Port Authority police, not the NYPD, oversee security at the Oculus, creating a safer environment compared to the Fulton Center.
Why has Westfield filed a lawsuit against the MTA regarding the Fulton Center?
Westfield, the mall operator, has filed a lawsuit against the MTA citing crime and quality of life concerns as reasons for ceasing operations at the Fulton Center. The crime problems in the subway and the mall have led to businesses struggling to operate and make profits, prompting legal action.
What contributes to the financial unsustainability of the Fulton Center compared to other malls?
The layout and design of the Fulton Center, focused on aesthetics rather than functionality, have led to financial unsustainability. Unlike the more successful leasing and luxury brand attraction at other stations like the Oculus, the Fulton Center's design, with multiple exits and a focus on quick transit to the street, has hindered its ability to attract businesses and shoppers effectively.
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Summary
00:00
Fulton Center Mall Faces Closure Due to Crime
- The Fulton Center in lower Manhattan is a mall facing closure due to rampant crime, including shoplifting and theft.
- The mall, opened 10 years ago at a cost of over a billion dollars, is now mostly devoid of shops due to criminal activities.
- Homelessness is cited as a reason for the mall operator, Westfield, wanting to exit the lease.
- The MTA, the landlord, expresses confidence in the NYPD's ability to handle crime and wants Westfield to stay.
- The mall's design, with multiple exits at street level, limits the types of businesses that can operate there, mainly food establishments.
- The presence of a Subway terminal in the mall necessitates it being open 24/7, contributing to crime issues.
- Crime problems in the subway and the mall have led to businesses struggling to operate and make profits.
- Westfield, the mall operator, has filed a lawsuit against the MTA, citing crime and quality of life concerns as reasons for ceasing operations.
- The Oculus, another mall operated by Westfield, connected to the same trains as the Fulton Center, has managed to avoid similar crime issues.
- The Port Authority police, not the NYPD, oversee security at the Oculus, which has contributed to a safer environment compared to the Fulton Center.
12:44
Station's deliberate design attracts luxury brands.
- The storefronts in the station are mostly leased out, contrasting with the empty ones at the Fulton Center, designed to attract luxury brands and shoppers.
- The Port Authority police are consistently present, contributing to a safer environment due to the deliberate design of the station as a shopping mall rather than a typical subway terminal.
- The layout of the station, with limited escalators and exits, aims to keep people inside longer to encourage spending, unlike the Fulton Center designed for quick transit to the street.
- The Fulton Center's design, focused on aesthetics rather than functionality, has led to financial unsustainability, contrasting with the more successful leasing and luxury brand attraction at the station.
