It's not that bad in the Italian Market because it's in South Philly -- miles away from the North Philly ghetto where most of the killings are happening-- and also because there has always been a "vigilante justice association" in the neighborhood. Most of the vendors are no one you would want to mess with, either.
The only way that market can operate is from foot traffic, which is very crowded most days, especially on the weekends. Whites outnumber blacks in that zip code two to one, and there are lots of Asians and Hispanics moving in who are also food entrepreneurs or shopkeepers.
That shot from Rocky where the street looks empty of foot traffic was done in the very early morning, like 5:00 AM, and digitally lightened.
Thanks for the details... Meet me on south street.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6q5KM5THAs&t=28s