Spotted On North 14 Street: Drones

This reminds me of one of the items I failed to capture at this week’s Community Council meeting. It was asked by a fellow present if the topmost piece of signage was NYPD issue. He was assured by Deputy Inspector Hurson that it most assuredly was not. Mr. Hurson went on the to add that the 94th Precinct does not have drones. So there!

New York Shitty Day Ender: Live From The 94th Precinct Community Council Meeting

(Or: All Thumbs* version).

 

So last month I relapsed. Or as I explained to the ladies of the 94th Precinct Community Council (the only authority to whom yours truly answers) tonight: Ma Heather was in town last month. They understood. Mom prevails.

In any case I captured tonight’s proceedings in their entirety (including a reading of the minutes from last month’s meeting which I missed). Those of you who want to learn how to register your bikes with the 94th; how to report noisy/disorderly bars and learn about the current crime trends hereabouts (NOTE: bicycle theft and burglaries are the big ones) read/ listen on!

94th Community Council Meeting Part I: Introduction, A Recitation of Last Month’s Minutes

Most interesting point to yours truly: a resident of 66 Clay Street, a “three quarter house”, was caught dealing drugs (cut to 1:37 for this gem). Otherwise…

  • National Night Out will come to pass August 7th, 2012. You can get the deets via the above-posted flier or the Greenpoint Gazette.
  • The next meeting of the 94th Precinct Community Council will come to pass September 5th.
  • The joint 90th/94th Precinct Harmony Picnic will come to pass July 19th, 2012 at Cooper Park.

Part II: Officers of the Month

  • Officers Osbourne and Small broke a tire rim theft ring via a 911 call from 1 Richardson Street.
  • We have five new police officers with 7 more to come.
  • Burglaries are still a problem.
  • Catalytic converters from Honda CR-Vs are being stolen because they contain platinum and sold for scrap metal.
  • Bike thefts have doubled, but two arrests were made this month. (And yours truly gets props!)
  • Traffic issues:
  1. Nassau Avenue (due to the recent reconstruction) then D. I. Hurson hands it over to his crime prevention officer…
  2. Regarding Kent Avenue: there are no crosswalks for pedestrians thus the 94th met with Transportation Alternatives and lights have been installed at North 5th, North 6th and North 7th Street. No crosswalks have been installed; but complaints are being received about bicyclists not minding stop lights which have installed. NOTE: while vehicular traffic to Kent Avenue is confined to being one way; bicyclists are entitled to travel north and south on this thoroughfare. Lights have been put in place for bicyclists and the 94th plans on enforcing them.
  3. This upcoming Friday, June 8th the 94th will be co-hosting an event with Transportation Alternatives which will bring to light what I call “clipping”: bicyclists being hit/seriously injred by an opening car door.
  4. A question about bicycle accidents is raised: to date we’re at 30 (versus 18)
  5. A complaint about parking on Leonard Street (as a result of the Nassau Avenue Reconstruction).
  6. D. I. Hurson mentions the bicycle registration service will be available at the next 94th Community Council Meeting:
  • September 5th, 2012 at the Church of the Ascension (122 Java Street) at 7:00 p.m.
  • Bicycle registration will also be available at the joint 94th Precinct.Transportation Alternatives event on June 8th starting 6:30 p.m.

Part III: There’s a Huge Speedbump On Manhattan Avenue at Engert Street; etc.

  • There’s a huge speedbump at Manhattan Avenue and Engert Street.
  • You asked, so I asked: how do I register bikes with the 94th Precinct? Not only will you be able to do so starting at the next Community Council meeting (September 5th) but you can make an appoint by contacting:
    PO Jerry Seletski
    94th Precinct Crime Prevention Officer
    100 Meserole Ave
    Brooklyn, NY 11222
    (718)383-9746 (Tel)
    Once again: this service is totally free!
  • To recap:
  1. August 7th is National Night Out.
  2. July 19th is the Harmony Picnic
  3. The first “concert of the year” is June 15th/16th which will come to pass at the softball courts at McCarren Park and
  4. the OSA concert series follows shortly thereafter
  5. the feast of Mount Carmel kicks off July 5, 2012
  6. Williamsburg Walks.**

Part IV: Tom Burrows, instigator of the so-calledĀ  “War On Brunch” speaks, Q & A Session Continues

  • A local mosque is posing a parking issue for residents on Fridays.
  • The 94th is not sending officers to Coney Island so as to control the peeps at the pool.
  • The Parks Department has no “PEP” officers in Community Board 1. Thus any/all police matters are at the discretion of our police department and Open Space Alliance North Brooklyn.

Part V: Lincoln Restler Speaks!

And that’s all she wrote!

*What I failed to capture with my Flipcam is as follows:

  • “No Name Bar” at 597 Manhattan Avenue is not making any friends with the neighbors. People “screaming” in the backyard at all hours was noted. I found this rather interesting given it is my understanding that this is where the Greenpoint Gazette’s office is (ostensibly) located.
  • Nights & Weekends, which is owned by the same fellows as 5 Leaves, was cited by the 94th for a noise violation two weeks ago.

**Which seems to have reneged on their promise to inform residents on Bedford Avenue a week ahead of time that they need to make arrangements for the disruption in vehicular traffic due to their event(s).

From The New York Shitty Inbox: Revised 94th Precinct Community Council Calendar

As I have noted previously, there have been some issues with 94th Precinct Community Council meetings conflicting with those of our local Community Board. Thus, I am pleased to announce the previous have amended their schedule for the remaining year to remedy this problem. Henceforth meetings of the Community Council will be on the first Wednesday of every month— to take note!

From The New York Shitty Inbox: Closed!

February 3, 2012 ·
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

This news (which will undoubtedly make a number of this establishment’s neighbors very happy) comes from the head of the 94th Precinct himself! D. I. Hurson (who forwarded me the above photograph) writes:

FYI we closed Club Europa last night. After numerous incidents, that included Assaults, underage drinking, and a shooting.

 

 

New York Shitty Day Ender: From The Joint 90th/94th Precinct Meeting

I attended this evening’s gathering and am currently in the process of uploading footage. It goes without saying I will be sharing this— along with a general outline of said proceedings— on this site. In the interim, however, I want to pass along this flier they have created of the suspect wanted regarding the sexual assault which came to pass on Maspeth Avenue in the wee hours of New Year’s Day. Those of you who wish to do so can download a printable version of this for distribution and/or posting by clicking here.

From The New York Shitty Inbox: A Message From Deputy Inspector Hurson of the 94th Precinct

As many of you are aware, a sexual assault came to pass on Maspeth Avenue on New Year’s Day. I have many questions about this incredibly upsetting turn of events. I imagine many of you, dear readers, do as well. Well, I have just been informed a public forum will be held on the subject of recent criminal trends— including this incident. D.I. Hurson writes:

Heather if you could get the word out we are having this meeting to clear up misconception about someĀ  issues.

The 94th Precinct along with the 90th Precinct will be holding a joint public safety meeting on Wednesday January 18th at 7:00pm. This meeting will take place at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 275 North 8th Street C/O Havemeyer Street. At this event we will also discuss recent crime trends that are affecting the neighborhoods that are covered by the two Precincts. Including the Sexual Assault that occurred on January 1, 2012.

Done!

Joint Public Meeting of the 90th & 94th Precinct
January 18, 2012 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
275 North 8th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11211

Mark your calendars, north Brooklynites.

 

Live From The 94th Precinct Community Council Meeting

As some of you are undoubtedly aware last night both the month meeting of our Community Board and that of the 94th Precinct Community Council came to pass. I opted to attend the Community Council meeting. I’m glad I did: not only did Deputy Inspector Hurson give a presentation of 2011’s crime statistics (which featured a sobering number of vehicular/pedestrian accidents, as you will see) but after a slow start the question & Answer session got downright contentious. The fly in the audience’s proverbial ointment was (among other things) loud/unruly bars. Without further ado here is footage (which as of 4:14 p.m. is WORKING!!!) of the proceedings. Enjoy!

Part I: General Announcements, D.I. Hurson Announces the “Cop of the Month”

1. Minutes are waived.
2. Deputy Inspector Hurson notes that while Bedford Avenue was rather festive on New Year’s Eve (and some of the merrymakers were perhaps a little too merry) matters did not get out of hand.
3. D.I. Hurson announces the “Cop of the Month”: Officer Wikira. Officer Wikira detained a man stuffing a woman’s purse into a mailbox. Shortly thereafter a robbery was reported involving the man in question. He, having just served twelve years for similar such offenses, was arrested and sentenced to five years.

Part II: D.I. Hurson Gives a Presentation Regarding the 94th Precinct’s Crime Statistics For 2011

1. The 94th is the 9th best precinct in the city.
2. While most crimes were down (for example, burglaries were down 35%), felony assaults were up 26%.
3. Overall crime was down 10%
4. D.I. Hurson makes note of an auto theft ring the 94th recently busted. Apparently this outfit was shipping automobiles to the Middle East. Wow.
5. Arguably the most disturbing statistic offered were vehicular/pedestrian accidents. 77 of these came to pass last year. This is a 63% increase over 2010 (which had 47). Bicyclist/motorist accidents, conversely, were down. Albeit slightly: 67 in 2011 versus 79 in 2010. This is a 15% decrease.

Part III: Deputy Inspector Hurson Gives a Rundown of Recent Criminal Activity

1. D.I. Hurson gives an overview of recent crimes among them:

  • Another MARCH operating came to pass January 6th. The establishments “visited” were The Cove, Veronica Peoples Club and The Place. While the Department of Health did serve some violations, nothing major was found.
  • There were two shootings. One came to pass at 255 Nassau Avenue December 4th; the other was a self-inflicted gun shot wound in front of the White Castle on Metropolitan Avenue. The lattermost individual, having arrived at Woodhull Hospital for treatment, was arrested.

Part IV: The Q & A Session Commences

1. The matter of the The Production Lounge (which is located at 113 Franklin Street)— or more specifically the noise emanating from it on “Polish Hip Hop Night” (which came to pass January 7th)— is brought to the table. A local landlord kicks off this discussion. This gets rather contentious quickly.

Part V: Q & A Session Continues, The Production Lounge and Noise Issues in General are Discussed

1. A neighbor of Veronica Peoples Club speaks about noise issues.

2. Attendees are advised to tender any and all noise complaints to our local Community Board.

Part VI: Q & A Session Continues

1. Complaints about zoning (and lack of planning as being a facilitator for the proliferation of bars) are raised. Greenpoint is likened to a “frat party” and the East Village by one citizen.

2. Questions are raised about how noise complaints are handled. D.I. Hurson cites Coco66 as example as how noise complaints were used as the pretext for a MARCH operation which resulted in this establishment’s closure.

Part VII: Q & A Session Continues

1. The owner/operator of a local music studio complains about the noise emanating from 113 Franklin Street.

2. A resident of the Cooper Park Houses tenders the most fascinating (and disturbing) item of the meeting: apparently an Access-a-ride driver is purchasing drugs at said complex several times a day. Usually frequently while driving said vehicle.

3. More noise concerns are posited, specifically about the air conditioning unit gracing Mrs. Kim’s.

4. The issue of “vacation rentals” is raised.

Part VIII: Q & A Session Continues

1. Discussion continues regarding “vacation rentals”

2. Questions about how to report stolen vehicles are raised.

Part IX: Q & A Session Concludes

1. A Leonard Street residents raises concerns about traffic enforcement. Specifically in regards to speeding motorists.

Until next month…

UPDATE, 5:22 p.m.: On a related note, there was a pedestrian fatality on Borinquen Place this morning. You get the full story by clicking here.

New York Shitty Day Ender: Live From The 94th Precinct Community Council Meeting

This evening’s meeting— the last one for 2011— was short and sweet. However, there were items of (sadly, distressing) interest. Without further ado, here we go!

Part I: Marie introduces herself, calls the meeting to order, minutes from the previous meeting are read, etc.

Part II: Deputy Inspector Hurson gives a rundown of the month’s “activity”. Regrettably, the Cooper Park Houses receive a great deal of attention.

  • D.I. Hurson notes that this year has been, overall, a very good one. Still there are problems. Primarily around/in the Cooper Park Houses.
  • Two shootings have come to pass. One was perpetrated by a 15 year old youth; the other arose from a domestic situation and came to pass at 20 Debevoise Street. After 1 1/2 hours of negotiation, he gave himself up to the police.
  • The party responsible for robbery at knife point at the Graham Avenue stop of the L train has been apprehended and is likely to have been responsible for a number of similar crimes in the area. The “perp” is a 60 year old male who hails from the Cooper Park Houses.
  • The DWI fatality on Meserole Avenue is recounted. D.I. Hurson informs us that the pedestrian hit at Calyer Street and McGuinness Boulevard later died as a result of his injuries. The person responsible for the latter was caught thanks to surveillance cameras and a Mercedes Benz hood ornament found at the scene.
  • Deputy Inspector Hurson notes traffic issues, namely those involving Kent Avenue and bicycle lanes have come to his attention. He notes that at North 6th Street alone there have been four accidents. This amongst the worst to be found in our fair city. As a result, the Department of Transportation is conducting a study with the 94th’s full cooperation.
  • Club enforcement: a “social club” selling alcoholic beverages which was operating out of a private residence on Lombardy Street has been shut down.
  • Both Halloween and the New York City Marathon came to pass peaceably.

Part III: The Q & A Session begins.

  • A resident of the apparently troubled intersection of North 3rd Street and Berry Street speaks about confronting a rather belligerent fellow urinating on his stoop. As some of may recall, this same behavior and location were brought up at last month’s meeting. The difference this time: apparently The Levee (whose previous incarnation was Kokies— a club which will live in Williamsburg infamy) is the culprit, not Radegast.
  • The matter of food trucks, namely “Endless Summer”, is brought forth. The customers of said truck are dumping their refuse/half-eaten foodstuffs on the street and this has resulted resulted in an increased presence of rats. You get the idea. A member of our local Community Board’s Public Safety Committee, Tom Burrows, inquires about the one hour parking rule. He is told by D.I. Hurson that they have to feed the meter like everyone else.

Part IV: The Q & A Session concludes.

  • The new tenant leader of the Cooper Park Houses introduces herself, commends D.I. Hurson for the work the 94th has been doing and states her utmost wish to meet the office assigned to police her community (because she has yet to see him/meet him). Tomorrow.

An equally brief New York Shitty analysis/Op. Ed.: As some of you might recall, earlier today yours truly met a very lovely young woman on the premises of the Cooper Houses. A very young kitten had walked up to her and instead of simply walking away she took her into her arms— and heart. Not being in the position to keep her, she allowed me— a total stranger promising this kitten would find a loving home— to take her. For this she, her sister and grandmother thanked me.

The real thanks should go out to Kaileigh— and her family. Thanks to them this kitten will have undoubtedly have a safe place to call home and grow into “cat-hood”. Why shouldn’t Kaileigh— a human, and a very sweet one at that— get the same? Just a thought.

Until next year, folks…

Tomorrow: 94th Precinct Community Council Meeting

Just a quick reminder that the last meeting of the 94th Precinct Community Council for the year will come to pass tomorrow starting at 7:00 p.m. at the meeting hall/theater at the Church of the Ascension.

94th Precinct Community Council Meeting
November 8, 2011 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Church of the Ascension, rear entrance
122 Java Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222

LAST GASP: Fatality At Meserole Avenue & Leonard Street

October 10, 2011 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

This item comes from the NYPD via an anonymous tipster:

On October 10, 2011 at approx 1900 hours police responded to a 911 call of a vehicle accident at Meserole Avenue and Leonard Street in the confines of the 94 Pct. Upon arrival police determined that a scooter driven by a M/A/41 was traveling eastbound on Leonard Street and stopped at a stop sign when he was struck from behind by a 2002 Buick also traveling eastbound on Leonard. The operator of the scooter was taken to Bellevue where he was pronounced DOA. The driver of the Buick M/W/29 was taken into custody at the scene. Investigation ongoing

UPDATE: I have received confirmation from D.I. Hurson that the driver of the scooter did pass away and that the driver of the automobile was arrested for D.W.I. He hopes to give more details at tomorrow’s 94th Precinct Community Council meeting.

UPDATE, October 11: You can read more about what happened (among other things, apparently the victim was a deliveryman for Chinese Musician Restaurant) by pointing and clicking your way to Gothamist.

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