PROGRAM:

Inspector Green addressed the gathering by welcoming 12 Police Academy recruits.

Part of their training is to attend Community Council Meetings. Crime was down 1.5% over the 28-day period. There was an increase in robberies, especially on lower Broadway 29^th to 32^nd St. and 8^th Ave from 35^th -39^th St. Eleven were reported, with six arrests made. Inspector Green gave details of two incidents in early October – a stabbing after a dispute and an altercation between vendors at a storage area. He advised all to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Inspector Green said he had met with disabled veteran vendors, and that police had resolved their issues. He said that after he toured the area near 36^th St. and Dyer Ave. following a businessman’s complaints about illegal parking, he observed that 50 cars were illegally parked. Temporary parking permits were issued, leading to a 50% reduction in illegal parking.

John Mudd asked those in attendance to email him with any issues they might have.

MEETING OPENS FOR COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Residential neighbors of Slake, 251 W. 30^th St., complained that sound emanating from the club’s new glass doors were keeping them awake on weekend nights. They said this was just the latest in a series of problems caused by the club, and expressed frustration that there has been no resolution despite frequent 311 calls. Inspector Green said the issue would be addressed, and Det. Paul Spano would facilitate a meeting with a committee of the club’s neighbors.

John Mudd introduced Sharon Jasprizza, who is helping the council with marketing and promotion.

The president of a block association discussed problems caused by homeless people from the Aladdin Hotel shelter, 317 W. 45^th St.: A business being broken into for liquor and prostitution; noise, drinking and daylight public urination; a stabbing on the street, a fight in front of a dance center.

The general manager of Beer Culture, a bar on 8^th Ave., said his customers are scared by the intimidating presence of some of the homeless people. Another member of the block association said that while there was a curfew, there isn’t one now, and some individuals have “set up camp” using lawn chairs

Inspector Green said he had spoken with Inspector John Hart, CO of Midtown North, about the block, which straddles the two precincts, and both will continue to monitor the situation.

Residents near the Gregory Hotel, 42 W. 35^th St., complained of homeless individuals using a scaffolding bridge on the block as a hangout and place to sleep. The manager of the hotel said the Department of Homeless Services had visited, but the problem, which he said is hurting business, persists.

Inspector Green said the police are limited as to what they can do, noting, “you can’t arrest your way out of this problem.” He said he would examine the encampment after the meeting.

John Clancy of Foley’s, 18 W. 33^rd,St., suggested that those in attendance go to the Oct. 27 meeting of the 34^th Street Partnership, 1065 Sixth Ave., Suite 2400, 212-719-3434, at which the surge in homelessness would be discussed.

Residents of the Clinton Housing Development Corp locations at 307 and 309 W43rd St expressed their concern for safety on their block.

Resident co-op owner on E32nd St brought the concern that No Parking sign were taped to spruce trees, endangering the bark if the tape is ripped off.

Officials in attendance: Inspector Russell Green, commanding officer,

Det Joe Bunster, Det. Det. George Manning, Paul Spano, MTS Community Affairs, P.O. John O’Reilly, MTS Crime Prevention, Capt. Bob O’Hare, Commanding Officer, Time Square Unit, PO Martin Reyes, NYPD coordinator MTS, Sergeant Michelle Martindale, NYPD Community Affairs, P.O. Laura Colwell, NYPD LGBT Outreach

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

Also attending:

Tom Ballenger and Gerard McNamee, SLAKE 251 W30th St

Kelly of West Garden Spa

Noelle Mooney, Stout,133 W33rd St., and Failla

David Rios of Rick’s Cabaret and Vivid

Craig Primus, Security CUNY Graduate Center

John Clancy, Foley’s, 18 W33rd St.

Representatives of Refinery Hotel, W38th St.

Ray Montgomery, Liberty Theater, 423 W 41st St

Twitter account handles:  @NYPDMTS, Transit Division @NYPDTRANSIT

The next MTS Community Council meeting will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2015, 7:00 p.m., at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel on 8th Avenue between 34th and 35th streets.