(MSCC)  Eileen Miller, Frank Kelly, 9/20/18 — Midtown South Community Council’s May 17th, 2018 Meeting Minutes

PROGRAM:

John Mudd  opened the meeting with updates on the council’s efforts to obtain laundry services for homeless schoolchildren, and its homeless and housing study.

SPEAKERS:

Sharon Jasprizza introduced the evening’s first speaker, Nilda Hoffman, NYPD chief of Community Affairs. Chief Hoffman, a 37-year NYPD veteran, discussed the department’s Neighborhood Coordination Officer program, which is to be fully phased in by November. She said it will be Implemented at city schools by the end of 2018. Also by yearend, all officers will be issued body cameras.

Sharon introduced Michael Mugan, law enforcement liaison for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He is one of four retired NYPD officers serving in that capacity in Manhattan under a 2014 memorandum of understanding between the ASPCA and  the city. Their team, which also includes two lawyers, investigates reported incidents of animal cruelty and abandonment. The animals are taken to the ASPCA’s forensic veterinarIans, who examine them to determine whether they have been abused.

Sharon introduced Thomas Vilorio, a bilingual actor and teacher who runs a “creative lab’ offering acting and playwriting instruction for young adults and others who can’t afford conventional classes.

MEETING OPENS FOR COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

  Resident of 440 W34th St complained about relentless noise, dirt and after hours construction at the nearby Manhattan West Development, which she said is not scheduled to be completed until 2022. She said she had brought her concerns to DOB and Council Speaker Corey Johnson’s office.

Residents complained of dangerous traffic situations at 2 intersections: 40th St. &

10th Ave and 30th St and 8th Ave- blocking the box and jaywalking. Inspector Timoney

explained that NYPD does not issue summonses for jaywalking.

Resident of 307 W 43rd St. credited increase police presence with improving the situation on her block, which had been plagued by drug sales and unsanitary conditions.

Resident complained of homeless situations on W30th St and 8th Ave. Precinct’s homeless unit is to respond.

Residents of  W36th St. complained of noise from Rooftop Bar/Restaurant in Crowne Plaza Hotel at 320 W36th St. Complaints include loud music and boisterous customers.

Owner Joe Schimmel and manager Kris Bakey represented TGA NYC LLC, which operates this establishment. They said that they would work with residents and police to rectify the situation. Inspector Timoney said that MTS would bring a sound meter to the site and would follow up.

 

MTS CC  President John Mudd, Vice President Bill Otterson, Community Service Director Sharon Jasprizza, Secretary Eileen Miller, Assistant Secretary  Frank Kelly,

Officials in attendance : Chief Nilda Hoffman, NYPD Community Affairs; Deputy Insp. Brendan Timoney, P.O. Thomas Byrnes, Community Affairs, P.O. Brian Kelly, Crime Prevention, P.O. Richard Fazio, NYPD Transit District 1, P.O. Sum, Sgt Juan Bastidas,

Also attending:

David Rios, Rick’s Cabaret and Vivid

Alfredo Marty, Blarney Stone,  410 8th Ave.

Alicia Sheppard, Molly Wee Pub,  402 8^th Ave

Allen Oster, Community Board 4

Kevin JeanBaptiste, Manhattan DA’s Office

Twilla Duncan, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer’s Office

Robert Metcalfe, Webster Apartments,  419 West 34^th Street.

Twitter account handles:  @NYPDMTS, Transit Division @NYPDTRANSIT

The next MTS Community Council meeting will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2018, 7:00 – 8:00pm MTS Precinct, 357 West 35th St, NY,NY