(MSCC) Eileen Miller, Frank Kelly, January 19, 2017 — Midtown South Community Council’s November 17, 2016 Monthly Meeting Minutes

PROGRAM:

John Mudd opened the meeting by announcing that Inspector Russell Green, C.O., was on duty at Trump Towers and would not be attending the meeting.

John Mudd said a program advancing rooftop gardens is under way which will provide fresh vegetables and jobs. Joe Winter, gardener, is progressing with this mission. Also, MTSCC beautification director Eugene Sinigalliano will be meeting to set up a contest to redesign magazine /newspaper holders in Midtown. West 38^th St homeless

Encampment reduced through outreach.

Lt. Marines welcomed 6 new NYPD recruits in training attending the meeting.

Capt. Sputaro addressed the issue of garbage in the rear of MTS Precinct. Collection had been moved from the back of the precinct to the front and along the side, out of public view. He continued the discussion of the precinct’s concern for the homeless issue. Working with residents and businesses. Reminding that loitering is not a crime in New York State. He added that in the most recent 28-day period crime was down 12% and is down 2% year-to-date. The precinct has been targeting robberies, and they were down 20% over the 28-day period and 10% year-to-date.

Capt. Sputaro addressed the issue of illegal buses on West 31^st St. More that 30 summons have been issued. An operation is planned the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

P.O. Edward McDonald, crime prevention officer, gave crime prevention tips for the upcoming holidays: Keep an eye on your property at all times and do not leave bags unattended.

John Mudd introduced the meeting’s speaker – Giselle Routhier, policy director, Coalition For The Homeless. Ms. Routhier gave an overview of her organization, which was founded in 1981. In the early 1980s, a lawsuit supported by the coalition established the right to shelter for homeless adult men. Over the years this policy has been expanded to include women and families.

www.coalitionforthehomeless.org, 129 Fulton St, NY, NY 10038, 212 964 5900

MTSCC President John Mudd, Vice President Bill Otterson, Secretary Eileen Miller, Assistant Secretary Frank Kelly                   

Officials in attendance:

MTS, Capt. Stephen Sputaro, Executive Officer, MTS,

Det. Paul Spano, MTS Community Affairs, P.O. Thomas Byrnes, MTS Community Affairs, P.O. Edward McDonald, MTS Crime Prevention, Lt. Louis Marines, Special Operations Lieutenant, Sgt. Tim Wall, Field Training Officer MTS,P.O. Martin Reyes, MTS Auxiliary Coordinator.

Also attending:

Alfredo Marty, Blarney Stone, 410 8^th Ave

Lazaro Rodriguez and Mike Appel, 7-Eleven

Alicia Sheppard, Molly Wee Pub

Noelle Mooney, Stout, 133 W33rd St

John Clancy, Foley’s Restaurant,

Lt. Kevin Malloy-AMTRAK/Penn Station Police

Alan Antell, NJ Transit Penn Station

Gerard McNamee, representing American Beauty, Beer Bar & Concert Venue, 251 W30th St.

Twitter account handles:  @NYPDMTS, Transit Division @NYPDTRANSIT

The next MTS Community Council meeting will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2017, 7:00 p.m., at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel on 8th Avenue between 34th and 35th streets.