(MSCC) Eileen Miller, Frank Kelly, September 18, 2019

John Mudd introduced Capt. Bekim Kalikovic,  who gave an update on crime statistics-year to date major crime down 5%. For the 28 day period, there was an uptick in felony assaults.  Arrests were made in 12 of 13 incidents. Highest rate of crime increase is in grand larceny;  a big part of this increase is due to ID theft, IRS phone scams, Green Dot card scams and skimming devices at ATMs. NCO(Neighborhood Coordination) Officers continue to deter crime. Times Square unit is dealing with costume characters who do not stay in their designated areas. Food deliveries and messengers continue to use illegal electric bikes. This is a work in progress.

John Mudd reported on “Sacred Shelter” book party held at Metro Baptist Church,410 W40th St on June 18. At least 20 books were sold and over 40 people attended. Many people journeyed to Albany to support legislation establishing strongerhousing security and rent protection. The Community Council is looking for volunteers and sponsors for The Urban Farm at Midtown Community Court. Street sheets to help the homeless are still being worked on. 

John reminded attendees about the Homeless & Housing meeting which is held at Urban Pathways, 575 Eighth Ave, 9:30am on the first Tuesday of each month. The coalition is looking for locations for automatic public toilets. The Laundry for kids program has raised $3,860; 165 families served so far. The council continues to work with NYCHA to find a laundry facility location.

PROGRAM:John Mudd introduced the first speaker Lesley-Ann Hix Tommey, Coordinator of the Living Well  life skills empowerment program at Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries, a secular non-profit at 410 W 40th St, NY, NY 10018, 212 594 4464, www.rmmnyc.org. She described her 14 week, 28-session program to assist women who have experienced the joint traumas of domestic abuse and homelessness.

John Mudd’ introduced the next speaker: Paul Davis, co-founder of the environmental non-profit White Roof Project, which coats rooftops with solar reflective white coating to keep buildings cooler, reduce energy consumption and mitigate climate change. This non-profit relaunched in 2019 as Roof Project, adding an educational component.

MEETING OPENS FOR COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
Gale Brewer e-bags were given out to attendees.
Residents complain of congregation of homeless west of Madison Square Garden,8th & 9th Ave. NYPD will investigate. 

MSCC in attendance President John Mudd, Vice President Bill Otterson,  Secretary Eileen Miller, Assistant Secretary  Frank Kelly, Community Services Director Sharon Jasprizza

Officials in attendance Capt. Bekim Kalikovic , Executive Officer MTS,  Detective Thomas Byrnes, Community Affairs

Also attending: Alfredo Marty and Jason Bresky,  Blarney StoneDavid Rios, Rick’s Cabaret and VividJulie Jeay   West Garden SpaNick Urban, Breaking GroundCharisma White, Borough President  Gale Brewer’s OfficeBuster Caggiano, WSC Security, McDonalds

Twitter account handles:  @NYPDMTS, Transit Division @NYPDTRANSIT
 The next MTS Community Council meeting will be held  on Thursday, September 19, 2019, 7:00 p.m., Wyndham New  Yorker Hotel on 8th Avenue between 34th and 35th streets.