Retail

Midtown Manhattan businesses: LinkNYC kiosks should go

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July 25, 2022

Some businesses in Midtown Manhattan want the LinkNYC kiosks removed, saying they attract homeless people who create litter and sometimes commit crimes, according to a New York Post report.

Barbara Blair, head of the Garment District Alliance, has been fighting the kiosks that offer free Wi-Fi for years. She said she recently wrote to the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications about the problems and has not received a response.

Anthony Mignano, manager of a 42-story office tower on West 41st Street, said the homeless create living spaces at the kiosks, and pointed to a grate near one kiosk cluttered with broken glass pipes and hypodermic needles.

Steve Kaufman, owner of a 46-story building on Seventh Avenue, said the kiosks attract drug dealers and homeless people and don't serve any legitimate purpose.

The city recently announced that the LinkNYC kiosks will offer 5G connectivity.