Westfield breaks lease with MTA at Fulton Center transit hub over safety concerns
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- The $1.5 billion Fulton Center transit hub was meant to help downtown recover from 9/11. However, in recent years, it has become a trouble spot, according to retail giant Westfield, which now wants an early exit.
Incidents at the mall, like stolen tips, worker assaults, homeless fights, and encounters with emotionally disturbed people, have been captured in videos shared with PIX11 News. Several factors prompted international retailer Westfield to break its lease with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
"You cannot run a business like that. I totally understand why Westfield wants to break the lease," said Shlomo Levi, a former tenant.
Westfield moved into the transit hub a decade ago, with plans for ten more years, but is now opting to cut its losses.
Westfield stated in a federal court filing that it had repeatedly informed the MTA about unsafe conditions.
Shlomo Levi, owner of thirty Matto espresso shops in the city, also left Fulton for similar reasons, citing a worker being assaulted with a chair as the final straw.
"On a daily basis, something happens; it's ridiculous. No one wants to work there," Levi said.
However, the NYPD was conducting rush hour bag checks Wednesday night, with the National Guard supplementing mall security. Police data indicates a 33% decrease in crime at the location over the past year.
"This subway stop is generally safer than most," commuter Bryan Lim said.
Emmeli Osterdahl doubted that increased military or police presence would make her commute safer, suggesting funds would be better spent on homeless people.
The MTA is fighting Westfield's attempt to terminate the lease in court. The Manhattan D.A. stated that subway crime in the borough is the lowest citywide, and Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that combating retail theft was a priority.
"We know public safety is crucial, and we'll continue to go after those shoplifters," Adams said.
The legal dispute continues in federal court, with the MTA claiming the lease does not allow Westfield to bolt due to crime concerns.