August 15, 2026
“We at Community Board 12-Manhattan are devastated by the events that occurred in Inwood on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Leading up to that day, CB12M took part in several meetings with local stakeholders, including the 34th Precinct of the NYPD and local business owners where a plan for the incoming crowd was discussed. However, the City’s resources were overwhelmed by the unprecedented and unexpected turnout of young people, largely not from our neighborhood, but from outside New York City altogether.
“A flyer has circulated on social media promoting another ‘takeover’-type event on Dyckman Street tomorrow, August 16, 2026. We are vehemently opposed to any such event occurring in our neighborhood or on our roadways. Because what transpired last week led to the tragic death of a young person, multiple injuries, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage, we are calling on our partner agencies to take steps to prevent this takeover from occurring.
“Our District Manager, several Board members, and I participated in meetings this week with our elected officials to strategize ahead of tomorrow, and we are pleased to report that steps are being taken to mitigate the possibility of a repeat situation. I also took part in a press conference on Friday, August 14, 2026, where I reiterated the Board’s support for this partnership’s efforts to halt tomorrow’s promoted event. We have a responsibility to the people who live in our community district, and we believe the plans devised by this partnership of elected officials and City agencies will meet that responsibility.
“At the press conference, a small group of residents suggested that last Sunday’s events were in some way connected to the Board’s vote not to pass a resolution regarding noise in the district’s plazas. The Board is an advisory body that follows a democratic process in considering and voting on resolutions. The resolution in question would have proposed restrictions solely on permitted events – and the individuals responsible for the events on Sunday, August 9, 2026, had no permit or authorization whatsoever. An advisory resolution, whether or not passed by this Board, could not have had any impact on an influx of young people from outside New York entering the Dyckman Street area with the intent of partying and destroying property.
“We look forward to continuing our work with City partners to keep Inwood safe for its residents – not just for tomorrow, but for the years to come.”