(MSCC) Eileen Miller, Frank Kelly, November 18, 2017 — Midtown South Community Council’s October 19, 2017 Monthly Meeting Minutes

PROGRAM:

Insp. Green opens meeting by reporting that there were no significant crimes or incidents since the previous meeting. He will be attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade meeting on Oct.20^th.

Noting that grand larceny is the major crime in MTS, which usually involves unattended property, he said people come to NYC this time of year just to lift unattended property.

Insp. Green said that American Beauty, nightclub, 251 W30th St, had been visited 3 times and passed noise tests. He said the two sides could meet with police following the meeting to discuss the issue.

Gabriel Lewenstein, Deputy Dir., Outreach, in Public Advocate Letitia James’s office, outlined the initiatives it is taking.

1. On October 31, 2017, the salary vetting ban will take effect. Employers cannot no longer ask perspective employee their salary from previous jobs
2. Push against forced arbitration, which limits workers rights.
3. A plan to absorb refugees from Puerto Rico. Be ready with assistance with schools. government benefits, housing and employment

Twilla Duncan from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer’s office announced:

1. Community Board Leadership Training Series session on October 23&24 on conflict of interest and Freedom of Information Law, One Centre Street. 19th Flr S.
2. On 3 Tuesdays (Oct 24, Nov21, Dec12) 2:00-5:00pm at Gale Brewer’s Northern Manhattan office 431 W125th St, NYC 10027, there will be a rent freeze housing registration event for seniors & people with disabilities.

John Mudd gave updates on a number of Council initiatives:

Newspaper dispensers, rooftop gardens, bike racks, sidewalk repair from 35^th to 40^th Streets on

8^th Ave. tree care along 40^th St w/ Port Authority and the cleanup effort including removing derelict bikes.

John Mudd spoke of creating a Think Tank on homeless issues, which would include representatives

Of the Council, Community Boards 4&5, 34^th St Partnership, and the Garment District BID, and Council Member Corey Johnson’s office and would meet once a month.

MEETING OPENS FOR COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Resident of 335 W38th St brought up issues of scaffolding and sidewalk sheds. Asked what is required for permits for such sheds.

Insp. Green outlined the scope of this issue quoting a May 2017 NY Times article stating that there are more that 280 miles of sidewalk sheds at 7,700 individual building locations. There is a measure

in the City Council addressing the length of the length of time sidewalk sheds can stay up.

Disabled veteran vendor said that DOT put a directional sign in his space on 44^th St & 7^th Ave.

Insp. Green would set up a meeting with Police Officers Edward McDonald and Thomas Byrnes and asked the vendor to give his contact information to PO McCadden.

Resident raised the issue of garbage and drug dealing on 31^st St between Broadway and 5^th Ave. Inspector Green mentioned that there are two patrol shifts, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and 3 p.m.-11 p.m.,. in the area. He suggested that increased lighting would help.

The manager of 14 Penn Plaza, between, 35^th St and 34^th St and 8^th Ave, complained that individuals were shooting up drugs in front of the building’s front door at 11 a.m. Inspector Green said he would take a walk through the next day.

Security from Holiday Inn, on 8^th Ave, between 38^th St & 39^th St, raised the issue of drug dealing, fights and prostitutes in front of his hotel. Insp. Green said that police presence would be increased

in that area.

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

Officials in attendance: Insp. Russell Green, Lt Louis Marines, Special Operations. MTS; P.O. Joseph McCadden, P.O. Sean Henry, Times Square unit

Also attending:

John Clancy, Foley’s Restaurant, 18 W. 33rd St,

David Rios, Rick’s Cabaret and Vivid

Alfredo Marty, Blarney Stone, 410 8th Ave.

Germaine Moorehead, Times Square Alliance, 1560 Broadway

Rich Pawelczy, American Beauty, 251 W30th St

Twitter account handles:  @NYPDMTS, Transit Division @NYPDTRANSIT

The next MTS Community Council meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, 7:00 p.m., Wyndham New Yorker Hotel on 8th Avenue between 34th and 35th streets.