November 2007 Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 28, 2007 MEETING
UCP COMMUNITY ROOM - 175 LAWRENCE AVENUE
7:30 PM

Officers Present

Ed Powell, President
Jonathan Judge, Recording Secretary
Laura James, Corresponding Secretary
Mavis Theodore, Sergeant-at-Arms

Elected Officials & Other Representatives

State Senator Eric Adams
Eli Slavin for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Roz Sokol for Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz
Wendy Ann Powell for Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs
Pinni Ringle for Council Member Simcha Felder

The regular meeting of the 70^th Precinct Community Council was called to order at 8:00 PM. President Powell invited everyone to join him in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The President then acknowledged the various representatives of elected officials present at the meeting (see above).

1. Cops of the Month & Other Awards – Inspector Thomas J. Harris, Commanding Officer

November 28, 2007 is the second anniversary of the murder of Detective Dillon Stewart. The officers assigned to his case swiftly arrested the murderer and worked closely with the Kings County District Attorney’s office to investigate and secure a conviction. On November 8, 2007, Allan Cameron was convicted of Det. Stewart’s murder and sentenced to life without parole. For their outstanding contributions to this case, the following were recognized and were presented awards by Patrol Borough Brooklyn South Assistant Chief Joseph Fox:

Detective First Grade James McCafferty, Brooklyn South Homicide, NYPD

Detective First Grade Charles Platt, 70^th Precinct, NYPD

Assistant District Attorney Mark Hale, Chief Counsel, Homicide Bureau, Kings County District Attorney’s Office

Assistant District Attorney Tom Ridges, Senior Trial Attorney, Homicide Bureau, Kings County District Attorney’s Office

Deputy Inspector Vincent DiDonato, Detective Bureau, Brooklyn South

The Officers and Detectives of the 70^th Precinct

2. Statement about Det. Dillon Stewart’s Case – Assistant Chief Joseph Fox, Brooklyn South

Chief Fox praised the detectives, the Assistant DAs and officers of the 70^th Precinct for solving the case of Det. Stewart’s murder and securing the conviction of his murderer. He praised the exceptionally commendable and admirable way in which the officers worked together to bring justice to Det. Stewart, his family, and the residents of the 70^th Precinct.

3. Statement about Det. Stewart – State Senator Eric Adams

Senator Adams acknowledged that, during his service to the NYPD, he lost his partner and understands how difficult a situation it is for Det. Stewart’s partner, his family, and his fellow officers. He then pledged his continued support for the officers of the NYPD.

4. Announcements – Ed Powell, President

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Community Council will be Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 7:30 PM in the Community Room of United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, 175 Lawrence Avenue, Brooklyn.

Assistance with Incorporation of the 70^th Precinct Community Council

The Community Council is also interested in incorporating itself into a not-for-profit corporation under New York State. It is looking for lawyers who might be interested in assisting the Council with the process pro bono.

Joseph Silverman

The Council mourns the passing of Joseph “Papa Yussie” Silverman, a dear friend of the community, on November 19, 2007. President Powell remembers him as a dedicated fighter for human rights and always fighting for justice for everyone.

5. Open Forum with Officers of the 70^th Precinct & Other Remarks – Inspector Harris

Community Forum with Commissioner Kelly

New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly is holding a community forum at SUNY Downstate, 450 Clarkson Avenue, on Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 6 PM. All are invited.

Precinct Map & Community Involvement

The 70^th Precinct Community Council has members from across the precinct, but there are certain locations where membership is sparse. Therefore, for members who live in those particular sections of the district, they should encourage neighbors and members of local community organizations to attend meetings.

The following public safety issues were brought up by residents:

(a) There are problems with illegal school bus parking around Public School 249;

(b) A resident thanked the precinct for helping to fight the drug problem on East 29^th Street;

(c) A resident from Clarkson Avenue thanked the precinct for its efforts in fighting drugs by the Parade Grounds

After hearing their concerns, Inspector Harris directed officers to assist residents with resolving their issues.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:54 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Jonathan Judge

Recording Secretary

NY Post: "True-Blue Grads, Rookie Already a Rail Hero"

By Alana Casanova-Burgess and Perry Chiaramonte

More than 900 new cops graduated from the Police Academy yesterday in a Madison Square Garden ceremony - but at least one rookie got an early taste of the action.

Shaheed Ahmad told classmates how, a little more than two weeks ago, he helped pull a woman from the subway tracks at the Union Square station.

"At first it was scary, but it was just something inside me that made me react," he said. "It gave me an idea of what's expected of me out there - to react for the better good."

On Dec. 11, Ahmad was on his way to the academy when a woman fell onto the tracks.

Ahmad was lowered to the tracks and, with the help of a good Samaritan, was able to lift the victim out just before a northbound train rumbled into the station.

Ahmad, who will work at the 70th Precinct covering Flatbush, was a graduate of the most diverse class of recruits in NYPD history.

Twenty percent of the 914 graduates were born overseas, according to the NYPD, and the class had natives of 52 nations.

Among the foreign-born graduates was class valedictorian Karolina Wierzchowska, 27, who came to the United States in 1999. She said being a police officer has been a lifelong dream but "in Poland we didn't have such opportunities."

Many of the new cops will start their careers policing troubled areas, in a program known as Operation Impact.

Originally printed in the New York Post on December 28, 2007.

Flatbush Life: "They become detective’s champions" by Stephen Witt

In a bittersweet event, two police detectives and two attorneys from the Kings County District Attorneys office were given special awards for bringing the killer of Detective Dillon Stewart to justice.

Receiving the awards from Patrol Borough Brooklyn South and the 70th Police Precinct were Detective Charles Platt from the precinct and Detective James McCafferty from Brooklyn South homicide.

Read the rest of the article here. Originally printed December 13, 2007.

December 2007 Holiday Party/Meeting

The 70th Precinct Community Council cordially invites you to our annual Holiday Party at its final meeting of the year on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 7:30 PM.

It will be held in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.

Flatbush Life: "Guardians of the Parade - 70th Precinct Cops Hailed for Safeguarding Labor Day Revelers" by Stephen Witt

The thousands of revelers at September’s West Indian Labor Day Parade had no idea that a perpetrator with a fully loaded Tech-9 semi-automatic handgun was among them.

Fortunately however, 70th Precinct Officers Michael Katinas and John Petrie were also on duty and their quick action nabbed both the perpetrator and the gun.

Read the rest of the article here. Originally printed November 8, 2007.

Flatbush Life: "70th Precinct Profile in Courage" by Stephen Witt

People looking for a living inspiration would do well to take a look at 70th Precinct Community Affairs officer Lt. Jacqueline Bourne.

The well-toned and always smiling Bourne has overcome several physical obstacles, which is the reason why Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly recently presented her with the prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Award.

Read the rest of the article here. Originally printed November 8, 2007.

Minutes of October 24, 2007 Meeting

Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 7:30 PM

United Cerebral Palsy of New York
175 Lawrence Avenue, Brooklyn, New York

Officers Present
Ed Powell, President
Beverley Kilpatrick, Vice President
Roseanne Boland, Treasurer
Jonathan Judge, Recording Secretary
Laura James, Corresponding Secretary
Mavis Theodore, Sergeant-at-Arms

Elected Officials & Other Representatives
Elliot Schreiber for Borough President Marty Markowitz
Daniel Murphy for District Attorney Charles Hynes
Eli Slavin for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Roz Sokol for Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz
Wendy Ann Powell for Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs
Pinni Ringle for Council Member Simcha Felder

The regular meeting of the 70th Precinct Community Council was called to order at 7:45 PM. President Powell invited everyone to join him in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The President then acknowledged the various representatives of elected officials present at the meeting (see above). He then invited officers and guest speakers to give their reports and presentations to the council.

1. New 70th Precinct Community Council Blog – Jonathan Judge, Recording Secretary

The 70th Precinct Community Council now has a web presence at http://70PctCC.blogspot.com. Updates and other useful information concerning the council, the NYPD and public safety will be periodically posted on the blog. Everyone is encouraged to visit it, offer any comments or suggestions on how to improve it, and, most importantly, utilize it to stay informed.

2. Presentation Regarding Barrier Free Justice Program – Dan Murphy & Catherine Reed, Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes’ Office

Barrier Free Justice is a program at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office that assists women from the Disabled or Deaf community who are victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. A collaboration of the District Attorney’s office, Barrier Free Living and South Brooklyn Legal Services, Barrier Free Justice is run by social workers, case managers and attorneys who understand disability and abuse. The aim of Barrier Free Justice is to ensure that women are heard, informed and provided the opportunity to participate. They support women throughout the criminal prosecution and beyond.

The D.A.’s office also provides translation and other support services for immigrants who have been victims of crimes. For more information, contact the Kings County District Attorney’s Office Barrier Free Justice Coordinator, Heidi Pascuiti, at (718) 250-3609.

3. Det. Dillon Stewart Playground Dedication Ceremony Planning Meeting – Jonathan Judge

Brooklyn Community Board 14 District Manager Doris Ortíz invited everyone to attend the Board’s Joint Public Safety, Community Environment, and Youth Services Committee meeting on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 7 PM, to be held at Brooklyn Community Board 14’s District Office, 810 East 16th Street, Brooklyn, NY between Avenue H and the Dead End. The committees will be finalizing the preparations for the dedication ceremony that will memorialize Det. Dillon Stewart, who was killed in the line of duty in November 2005, by renaming the Parade Ground Playground after him. Anyone who would like to assist with the ceremony should attend this meeting. For more information, contact the Board office at (718) 859-6357.

4. Cops of the Month & Remarks – Inspector Thomas J. Harris, Commanding Officer

June 2007: Police Officer Gerald Gucchiara & Police Officer William Codero
The officers spotted a car that was driving recklessly. In the course of investigating the situation, the driver of the car ran out, and when the suspect was nabbed, he tried to take hold of Officer Gucchiara’s gun. Nevertheless, the officer retained his firearm and the suspect was arrested. The car itself was, in fact, reported stolen from within the confines of the 63rd Precinct.

August 2007: Police Officer Joseph Imperatrice & Police Officer Vlad Green
A robbery was reported on Rugby Road near Cortelyou Road. The two officers heard the report come over the radio and, based on the descriptions given, immediately spotted individuals fitting the description, one of whom was armed, trying to get onto the Cortelyou Road “Q” Train Station. The officers made the arrests.

September 2007: Police Officer Michael Katinas & Police Officer John Petrie
During the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn, officers spotted a man carrying around an AK-47 assault rifle. The suspect attempted to flee, but was heroically captured by Officers Katinas and Petrie and was put under arrest.

Theodore Roosevelt Award for Lieutenant Jacqueline Bourne
Lieutenant Jacqueline Bourne was recently awarded the prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Award by Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly for her perseverance in overcoming several physical obstacles while demonstrating excellent performance on the job during her career.

State of the 70th Precinct Report
Crime is down in all major crime categories except for felonious assaults. The hardworking officers of this precinct are continuing to bring crime down overall for the community’s residents.

Sentencing for Convicted Murderer of Det. Dillon Stewart
Allan Cameron was convicted for the murder of Det. Dillon Stewart and will be sentenced on November 8, 2007. For more information about the sentencing, please contact the 70th Precinct at (718) 851-5511.

Halloween Preparations
The 70th Precinct will be out in full force on Halloween and will be working to ensure that all the community’s children have a safe and fun evening.

5. Open Forum with Officers of the 70th Precinct – Inspector Harris

The following public safety issues were brought up by residents:

(a) 25 Parade Place – Continued problems with guns and drugs in front of the apartment building.

(b) A Ditmas Avenue apartment building has problems with individuals making drug deals in the building.

(c) Mr. Elliot Schreiber commented on how dramatically crime has gone down since when he grew up in the area. He commended the officers for a continued job well done.

(d) 353 Ocean Avenue – A resident commended the actions taken by officers who responded to noise complaints about a party that was continuing into the early morning during the summer. Police officers arrived and responded by confiscating the speakers.

After hearing their concerns, Inspector Harris directed officers to assist residents with resolving their issues.

6. Announcements

Halloween Party at the 70th Precinct – Lt. Jacqueline Bourne
The 70th Precinct is hosting a Halloween Party for children on Friday, October 26, 2007 at 4 PM in the 70th Precinct, located at 154 Lawrence Avenue, between Ocean Parkway and Seton Place. There will be raffles, giveaways, treats and games. All are invited to attend.

Used Cell Phone & Charger Drive for Victims of Domestic Violence – Shawn Riback, Boy Scout
In order to fulfill his community service requirements to become an Eagle Scout, he is holding a used cell phone and charger recycling drive, which will be used to raise money for victims of domestic violence. For more information on how to participate, contact Assembly Member Rhoda Jacob’s office at (718) 434-0446 or (718) 940-0428.

President Powell reminded all that the next meeting of the Council will be held at United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (175 Lawrence Avenue) on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at 7:30 PM.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Jonathan Judge, Recording Secretary

November 2007 Meeting

Join us at our November meeting on Wednesday, November 28th at 7:30 PM in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.

Det. Dillon Stewart Playground Dedication Ceremony

NYC Parks & Recreation Commissioner, Adrian Benepe

The Prospect Park Alliance

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke

Invite you to the Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

of the Detective Dillon Stewart Playground

at the Prospect Park Parade Ground

Monday, November 26, 2007

11 a.m.

Detective Stewart of Brooklyn’s 70th Precinct, was killed in the line of duty on November 28, 2005. The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, the Prospect Park Alliance, and Representative Clarke join Detective Stewart’s family, Community Board 14, the New York City Police Department, and the community in commemorating Detective Stewart by naming this newly renovated playground in his honor.

Funding for the new play equipment, safety surfaces, pavement, fencing, benches, water features, and landscaping was provided by former NYC Council Member and current U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke.

Detective Dillon Stewart Playground is located near the corner of Parade Place and Caton Avenue; the entrance for the dedication event is closest to Crooke Avenue and Parade Place.

Following the ceremony, please join Community Board 14 for refreshments across the street at Public School 249.

Please RVSP to (718) 965 - 8986 or via email: epatron@prospectpark.org

For more information call (718) 965 - 8954

Det. Dillon Stewart Playground Dedication Ceremony Planning Meeting

Brooklyn Community Board 14 invites everyone to participate in the Detective Dillon Stewart Playground Dedication Ceremony on Monday, November 26, 2007 at 11 AM at the Parade Ground Playground (Caton Avenue & Parade Place).

For those who would like to volunteer to help out with planning and setting up for the ceremony, please come to the Community Board's Joint Community Environment, Public Safety and Youth Committee Meeting on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 7 PM in the Community Board 14 Office (810 East 16th Street bet. Avenue H & the Dead End).

If you cannot attend, but would still like to assist the Board with the ceremony, please call the District Manager's office at (718) 859-6357.

GOOD JOB JON

For those who didn't know, this blog was created and composed by the Council's Recording Secretary, Jonathan Judge. Please add your comments and suggestions.

October 2007 Meeting

Join us at our October meeting on Wednesday, October 24th at 7:30 PM in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.