(MSCC) Secretary Eileen Miller, Assistant Secretary Frank Kelly, February 19, 2016 —
PROGRAM:
Inspector Green opened the meeting by wishing everyone a Happy New Year. 2016’s goal is to reduce crime in every category, and he mentioned that grand larceny accounts for 75% of crime in the precinct. He introduced two speakers.
The first was Lisa Lombardi, Urban Pathways, (212 736 7385,575 8th Ave, NY, NY 10018 llombardi@urbanpathways.org). This is a not-for-profit community based human services agency founded in 1975. Its Olivieri Drop In Center, 257 W30th St, NY, NY 10001, can be the first stop for those seeking assistance. Ms. Lombardi described her organization’s efforts to get people off the streets, noting that they cannot be forced be get help as long as they are not harming themselves or others. The organization places125 clients in permanent housing a year. Agency staff members walk the streets and dialogue with homeless population. The area they cover includes the Path Terminal, Port Authority Bus Terminal, and Newark Airport. Ms. Lombardi advised people not to give money to panhandlers, noting that many are not homeless. Ms. Lombardi advised people to call #311 to report a homeless person in need, providing a description and location.
The second speaker, Brian McCullough, Community Outreach Coordinator, NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), 100 Church St, 10th Flr, NY, NY 10007, www.nyc.gov/ccrb outlined his organization: Founded in 1993 as a all-civilian agency; it has 13 members 5 each chosen by the mayor and City Council and 3 chosen by the police commissioner. Mr. McCullough described the 4 types of complaints that his organization investigates: Excessive or unnecessary force; Abuse of authority; Discourtesy; Offensive language. Call #311 or 800 341 2272 hotline.
MEETING OPENS FOR COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
A resident brought up drug activity at Times Square Hotel, 255 W43rd St, NY, NY. Inspector Green said he visited the area and spoke with officials at the Local1199 SEIU Bldg., 310 W43rd St, NY, NY 10036. Inspector Green reiterated his concern about recidivism among drug offenders in the Times Square area.
A businessman mentioned that illegally parked cars remain a problem in the vicinity of the MTS Precinct Headquarters. He and Inspector Green expressed the hope that temporary parking placards could alleviate the problem.
A resident of Herald Towers (former McAlpin Hotel), 50 W34th St., brought up the issue of excess noise caused by a street performer pounding on buckets. Lt. Marines is to address the situation
A resident reported receiving recorded phone messages from “Internal Revenue Services†threatening repercussions if the phone call was not returned. Inspector Green and P.O. Thomas Byrnes, the new crime prevention officer, stressed that the IRS does not demand payment over the phone. NYPD Community Affairs and Crime Prevention had a handout listing the current top 10 Scams Targeting Seniors.
Officials in attendance: Inspector Russell Green, commanding officer, MTS,
MTS CC President John Mudd, VP Bill Otterson, Secretary Eileen Miller, Assistant Secretary Frank Kelly
Capt. Paul Lanot, executive officer, MTS, Lt. Louis Marines, special operations, MTS, Det. George Manning, MTS community affairs, P.O. Thomas Byrnes, MTS crime prevention, Sgt. Michelle Martindale and P.O. Laura Colwell, NYPD LGBT outreach, P.O. Richard Fazio, NYPD Transit District 1
Also attending:
Gerard McNamee, representing SLAKE, 251 W30th St
Kelly of West Garden Spa
Alfredo Marty, Blarney Stone, 410 8th Ave
David Rios of Rick’s Cabaret and Vivid
John Clancy, Foley’s, 18 W33rd St.
Andy Dwyer/ Parker & Quinn Restaurant / Refinery Hotel, 63 W38th St.
Representatives of Macy’s security
Jeffrey Yi, Korean-American Association
Edgar Yu, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
Twitter account handles:Â @NYPDMTS, Transit Division @NYPDTRANSIT
The next MTS Community Council meeting will be held on Thursday, February 18 2016, 7:00 p.m., at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel on 8th Avenue between 34th and 35th streets.