Appreciations to Captain Yao and our local community officers PO Bozzo & PO Urena and for Community Policing.
All present reinforced the idea of forging an honest and real partnership between the community and police to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The goal seemed to be to create a place where no one gets targeted by racism, sexism, their age, their physical or mental abilities or status, not criminalized for poverty, etc. and no one is permitted to engage in destructive or threatening behavior towards anyone else nor permitted to persistently erode the quality of life for others.
A short introduction by Captain Yao on the concept of Community Policing:
Then officers Erena and Bozzo led the meeting:
PO Urena Enrique.Urena@nypd.org (929) 334-9607
PO Bozzo Joseph.Bozzo@nypd.org (917) 455-0917
Quarterly meetings with the neighborhood like this one are planned (there are also monthly Community Council meetings at the 5th precinct – typically the last Wednesday of each month at 7 PM 5th precinct – 19 Elizabeth Street near Canal Street).
Introductions by everyone with a short description of who we are why we came.
An array of issues were aired. Here are the issues we heard:
Speeding and idling cars.
Speeding bikes on the pathway without regard for pedestrians, wheelchairs, children, elders, etc especially on the Chrystie Street two-way bike lane.
Complaints (not without compassion) re: street homeless in need of mental health services [non-existant?]. Some present a danger of violence, some create an atmosphere of intimidation especially to those who are vulnerable due to size, strength, etc.
Many complaints about loud, drunk parties in various locations in Zone B (officers have those exact locations). Some due to bars letting out, some not.
Many complaints about drug dealing in various locations in Zone B. (officers have those exact locations).
Solutions proposed:
Police will come back having solved or addressed the issues raised.
Police will make policing entities in areas they don’t have jurisdiction aware of the difficulties (such as subway).
Officers will rotate meeting sites from northern section to middle section to Southern section.
Call 911 if it is an emergency – Don’t be afraid to call this number!
Call Officers Bozzo and Urena.
Call 311 if it is more of a nuisance issue – no life in immediate danger. The City responds to the issue that gets the most 311 calls. You can also do this on-line https://www1.nyc.gov/311/ or on Twitter @311
You will get a complaint #. Send the 311 complaint # to the Community Board 3 office – the office will follow-up.
LED lighting in troubled areas
Open 24/7 bathrooms in SDR Park – hire security to monitor them.
Asked by an attendee for the PO’s to go out and meet more of the small businesses.
Fund mental health options for those who are street homeless.
Acknowledge and support the homeless who are merely trying to survive and often are helping out in the park or elsewhere.
There is a block association forming on Stanton Street..
Map of “Sector B”
