It's most likely not an illegal marijuana plantation now...considering they've legalized it. The death plank is definitely out as well - of course it is in China, and I'm unlikely to get there in this lifetime.

NYC had the highest crime rate allegedly in the 1970s. But it got bad again during the pandemic. And is now getting better. Why? Crack downs, stronger gun restrictions (NYC and NY has the strictest gun restrictions in the US), more police on the streets and in the subways and trains. Security cameras. Pulling homeless off the streets.

But there has been a resurgence in crime in recent years - due to income disparities, increase in immigrants seeking asylum, etc.