70TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2026
7:30PM
ZOOM
Ed Powell, President
Nathan Thompson, Vice President
Dovi Zeitlin, Treasurer
Florencia Chang-Ageda, Secretary
James Sanon, Assistant Secretary
Giselle Nakhid, Sergeant-of-Arms
President Mr. Ed Powell welcomed everyone and asked Pastor James Thornton, President of 70 PICC and Pastor of Salem Missionary Baptist Church for the opening prayer. He prayed that we remain united because there is strength in unity, and that in unity we can work together to make our communities safe. He then thanked President Powell for all he does for our community.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
District Manager Shawn Campbell of Community Board 14 wished meaningful days and reflections for Lent and Ramadan. She acknowledged the record setting cold and thanked the Sanitation department for the great job they do. She addressed the narrowness of the streets around the precinct and they way they limit navigation during this weather. She shared that there are residents within our community that are doing acts of grace by helping each other to shoveling snow and shopping for those who can’t. Shawn notified us of the Youth and Education Services Committee as well as the 19th Youth Resource Fair which would be on CB 14 March’s Calendar and is in memory of our beloved Dwayne Joseph. She thanked the sponsors of the Youth Fair – COPO, YMCA and Councilmembers Rita Joseph and Farah Lewis.
Tyesha Allen from Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermely’s brought greetings on behalf of the AM, and announced that the State of the District which would be livestreamed. She also announced the Women of Distinction for the month of March.
Nancy Lulu from Brooklyn DA’s Office brought greeting on behalf of DA Gonzales. She announced that the DA’s office was hosting a Black History Event on the same day as our meeting. She encouraged us to get resources by going to BrooklyDA.org or calling the Action Center at 718-250-2340. She thanked the precinct council for all we do.
Sean Gurl from Assemblymember Robert Carroll’s Office brought greetings from the AM. He notified us that Dept. of Finance would be at their office on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 10am to 2pm to help property owners. The Dept. of Aging will also be there. The location is 416 7th Ave. Office number: 718-788-7221.
Brian Grady from Councilmember Rita Joseph’s Office wished everyone is keeping safe and warm. He greeted those who celebrated Lunar New Year, Purim and Ramadan, then he announced that the councilmember was hosting a Black History event at the city council on Thursday at 5:30pm. On Friday 2/27/2026 her office was hosting a seminar for those who care for street trees, from 12 a.m. to 1 p.m., in partnership with NYC Parks. Those interested can sign up for that, by emailing stewardship@parks.nyc.gov. He announced that Project Halal Meal Share and Food Pantry, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 3rd at 3 p.m. That event will be held at PS 235, located at 525 Lenox Road. Councilmember Joseph, in collaboration with Progressive Community Center, invites clergy members to a clergy breakfast at 9:30am on Thursday, March 5th at Flatbush Central Market, located at 2123 Caton Avenue. RSVP by calling 718-287-8762.
He reminded everyone about the Youth Resource Fair that Shawn mentioned, that it would be on Wednesday, March 11th, from 3.30 to 6.30. On Sunday, March 29th, Councilmember Joseph will be hosting her State of the District at MS 890, located at 21 Hinkley Place. Doors open at 4.30, and the program starts at 5 p.m. RSVP by calling their office by March 20th , which is open Monday through Thursday, 10 to 5, to assist with any community concerns or any issues with city agencies. They are located at 930 Flatbush Avenue.
Meagan Flemming-White from Councilmember Farah Louis’ Office announced that their team is proud to celebrate the realization of the Shirley Chisholm Recreational Center that was opened. Councilmember Louis fought tirelessly to deliver this to the community and hopes we check out the facility. It's located at 3002 Foster Avenue. Councilmember Louis stood alongside Mayor Mamdani, Assemblymember Rodynese Bishotte-Hermelyn , and other elected officials to bring this state-of-the-art facility, and looks forwards to the center's full potential.
Councilmember Farah Louis met with the DOT Commissioner Michael Flynn to discuss the several active DOT cases that are needing immediate attention. Among those requests, were street lighting near hotspot top-lot. Due to the shooting that took place there, her office is committed to taking all necessary steps and measures to enhance public safety and reduce gun violence in the community.
Councilmember Louis’ office is hosting their final NOPV and tax exemption workshop on March 3rd at her office at 1434 Flatbush Avenue from 5 pm-7pm in partnership with the Department of Finance. The deadline to apply for tax exemptions is March 15th. They encourage property owners to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more and get assistance.
They thanked the 70th precinct for attending the One Kenilworth Cab Meeting. This shelter has experienced high turnover in leadership since its opening back in 2022. They look forward to working with community stakeholders such as CB-14 and the precinct to ensure the safety of the residents there, as we as residents of the community.
The member’s office engaged with local schools, and older adult residents, to ensure that snow removal was taking place and address any power outages or service disruptions that took place. Their office receive notification of food spoilage, traffic signal outages, and need for bus stop clearings. They worked closely with appropriate agencies to resolve all those concerns that was brought to their attention.
Councilmember Louis issued an official statement highlighting her opposition against 9.5 tax increase proposal and she will continue to advocate for balanced budgeting that will not be at the cost of our homeowners. Their office number is 718-629-2900.
Bob Moscowitz from Flatbush Shomrim wished all the Jewish community Happy Purim, and to his Muslim brothers, he wished Ramadan Mubarak/Ramadan Kareem. He then went on to say, “I'm being told that the snow will definitely melt by Memorial Day. So, just hang in there”. He reported that it has been a busy month for Flatbush Shomrim. The re was between 5-10 arrests in the 70th Precinct. He commended Inspector Wernersbach, the Community Affairs Officers, as well as Public Safety and all the cops that worked together to make the streets safer. He thanked President Powell as well.
Marie Antoine-Pierre of Carmel Depression and Anxiety Wellness Foundation introduced herself and wished everyone a good Lenten season and Ramadan. She shared their upcoming 5K Run/Walk at Prospect Park. The walk is scheduled for April 18th, and it's in collaboration with Councilmember Rita Joseph's office, as well as Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse. It’s still being planned and they are looking to have 450 participants. It's going to be more than just a run, as there will be other activities on that day as well. She invited everyone come out and participate.
Pinny Ringel greeted everyone and wished that everyone was staying safe in the current weather. He thanked the NYPD for doing a great job with the kind of weather we were having.
Faye Guskin of Beth Shalom V’Emeth Reform Synagogue shared her appreciation for support received from the patrol officers as well as Det. Nuzzi. She mentioned that they have a community fridge Church Avenue near the corner of the building. It's sponsored by the One Love Community Fridge who stocks it. There is also a little library box as a well as a little pantry that the congregation stocks when there's extra food from the Aim High Preschool that's in their building.
She then asked if there were many anti-Semitic incidents within the confines of the precinct, because they just want to know what goes on in the neighborhood.
Nina Sabghair of Community Board 14 stated that she doesn’t usually get to these meetings because of conflicts, so she was happy to be present. She stated that she is grateful that our community has remained peaceful and that there seems to be a strong effort toward coexistence. This is what makes communities work. This is what makes communities strong. She hopes this continues for all of us.
Malka Grossman of Our Tent shared that Our Tent is a space created by the community and truly for the community. Every program comes directly from the community leaders as well as community members, which includes the workshops, wellness events, family supports, and social gatherings. The voice of our community truly shapes everything Our Tent does. The building is located at 1821 Avenue P.
The following updates from their calendar:
Community Market on tomorrow Thursday between 2pm-4:30 pm. There will be free food for families to shop without money. At 5:30pm will be family movie night. Pilates are on Friday.
There will be a Purim extravaganza at Kingsway on Sunday. It's a huge carnival for everybody. Also Sunday, they’re hosting a dating workshop, which gives people support for dating.
Monday evening the Megillah reading and breaking the fast, as well as a magician at Kingsway. Wednesdays is FREE Laundry Day, where the community can get their laundry done for free.
This Wednesday will be a women's juicing event, a health and wellness event that will also have some sort of stretching.
On Sunday, 3/8/2026 be a Single-to-Mingle Mixer for ages 35-50. Every single week or every other week, we hit different age groups and different demographics throughout the community. We want to make sure that every single community is served. Pre-registration is required because our space is a little bit on the smaller side.
On 3/10/2026 there will be a self-love social workshop between 3-4:30pm.
3/11/2026 - On the 11th, there will be a perinatal support workshop for people that are postpartum or pregnant.
*You can go to their website to view their calendar for each month.
President Powell thanked Malka for their support for the yearly Church Avenue fair.
Lauren Collins of Church/Flatbush Alliance announced that the March 25th precinct council meeting will be hosted at Flatbush Central, 2123 Cayton Avenue, right off Flatbush. There will be two of the local eateries inside Flatbush Central, a Mint Porch Café, and Bunnan Plantain Restaurant that will provide treats for that meeting.
She also announced that the Church Avenue Street Fair, of which the 70th precinct council is a partner, will be on Sunday, May 3, 2026 on Church between Argyle and Coney Island Avenue. There are forms available for anyone interested in being a vendor. The Alliance received a public grant for public art and to do some lighting outside the Church Avenue B & Q station. They are collecting photographs of older family members growing up in Flatbush, when submitted they will be incorporated into a mural that will be installed on the actual subway station.
She also thanked Councilmember Rita Joseph and Assembly Member Bishotte-Hermelyn or funding that helped to hire extra people to clean and try to make sure that the walkway was clear enough for people to pass. Next, they are launching a campaign about dog poop. Anyone can email their ideas to the alliance.
Miss Dee of Nutmeg House located at 1215 Flatbush Avenue announced that be doing a lot of activities within the community starting with a town hall meeting, scheduled for March 14, 2026. She wants to expand their program the to include the youth and the community because of the numerous activities they have to offer.
Dovi Zeitlin Treasurer of 70 Precinct Council greeted everyone. He thanked the CO Inspector Wernersbach for his leadership and for running a beautiful operation. He also acknowledged Detective Nuzzi and Officer Jewet and the public safety team. He thanked Bob's crew for ensuring that criminals were apprehended, and kept off the streets. He thanked Shawn for her amazing, collaboration with the sanitation department, as challenging as it was, in getting roadways cleared. He thanked clergy members for their partnership with 70. He thanked Nancy from the DA's office for always helping whenever anything was needed. He said President Powell is the best.
Cecelia Cortez of NewKirk Gardens located at Newkirk and East 8th Street announced their spring opening on April 4,2026 from 11am to 2pm. They need volunteers.
President Ed Powell acknowledge his Board: Vice President Nathan Thompson, Secretary, Florencia Chang Ageda, Treasurer Dovi Zeitlin and Sergeant-at-arms Gizelle Nakhid. He thanked us for our service.
Councilmember Farah Louis greeted President Powell, The Executive Board, Inspector Wernersbach and everyone present. She thanked her staff Megan and everyone for working diligently with her office. She noted that she and her staff has been working hand in hand with the 70th Precinct as well as Detective Nuzzi for always keeping them up to date on everything, and for working in tandem with her office.
President Powell thanked and congratulated Councilmember Louis on the opening of the Shirley Chisholm Rec Center. Farah then announced that there would be hosting a community day on March 8th. That information will be shared with the precinct.
Inspector Wernersbach thanked and greeted everyone on the zoom. He noted that they have given coverage to the mosques for Ramadan to keep everyone safe. Cars with turret lights were dispatched for high visibility.
CRIME STATISTICS
Inspector Wernersbach said it’s not lost on him that they numbers represent people. Our community is down 30 crimes, that means 30 less victims. This equates to 17%.
We have decreases in all of our major crime categories: murder, rape, robbery, felony assault. 30% decrease in robbery, and 38% decrease felony assault. We have a slight decrease for burglary as well.
We are seeing is a small uptick in grand larceny, but not by a lot. It’s fifty-seven versus fifty-four, but that's three additional victims. Grand larceny crimes that are affecting the community are identity theft which is difficult for the precinct to combat.
An arrest was made at 971 Flatbush Avenue where an individual was messing with a card reader. He was trying to put a skimming device on the machine so that anybody who used their credit cards, it would copy the information, and then that individual would either sell the information or use it.
We haven’t had a tire and rim thefts for about 28 days due to the overnight shift.
We had some really good arrests. Our officers noticed a car and followed the car. They conducted an investigation, which led to the arrest of three or four individuals who were going into a bodega, pulling the owner out, threatening the owner for money, and then in some instances even temporarily kidnapping the owner of the store just to put fear in them, dropping them off a few blocks away but thankfully, our cops were able to arrest them, as well as help to identify the crew members that have been doing this and give that information to the squad. The overnight deployment has been working.
For car break-ins, perpetrators target a car with a wallet or a purse inside, then they break the window, obtain that item and remove the credit cards. They usually use those credit cards at the Apple stores. Our grand larceny units and detectives try to pull videos in order to trace the perpetrators. Please practice best practices, and do not leave items overnight in your car. Thanks again to Shomrim who are out there on those overnight hours, along with our officers. Their coordination and partnership with Sergeant Gonzalez and Sergeant Ashraf have proven to be successful.
In regard to antisemitism, Hate Crimes Task Force are phenomenal at those investigations. Thankfully in our precinct community, we have not seen antisemitism. Any type of antisemitism in the 70th precinct will be dealt with extremely seriously.
Injury collisions are down 9%, pedestrian collisions are down 27%, and bicycle collisions are down 66%. He commended our executive officer Captain Menino, who's running a very tight traffic program. Our precinct focuses on every major corridors like Flatbush Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Coney Island Avenue, to make sure that we keep people safe.
Three major retail locations that have been getting hit. Target in the Junction, Target at 2101 Church, and Walgreens at Newkirk Plaza. We've implemented a 7am to 11pm coverage at Newkirk Plaza because there's a lot of assaults in that area.
There's also a doctor's office in that area that reported some of their patients are being harassed. Deployment will be continuous because of the misdemeanors and felonies in that area as well.
QUESTIONS
Pastor James Thornton stated that at East 21st and Albermarle, where his church is located, there’s an issue with delivery bikes. They ride on the sidewalk. They don’t follow rules. He also said you can see them one your blind side. Secondly, he wondered if Officer Jewet and det. Nuzzi can secure a one-on-one with the CO at some point.
Inspector Wernersbach promised to take care of the matter, and that he will make himself available to meet with him and any member of the community. The Q-team sergeant duty can continually check that address. They will do enforcement specifically for two-wheel scooters. Are they registered? Are they operated correctly? If they’re not registered, they can be seized and invoiced.
Inspector Wernersbach asked Pastor Thornton if it was a specific time of day. He said it was all hours of the day. The CO then told the Q-team to address the matter. He asked an officer named Greg to give it to Sgt. Ashraf and the traffic team.
Faye asked about ICE raids all over the city. She wondered if there's been any activity in the precinct that the CO is aware of. His response was no.
Shawn invited Faye to call the Board office and speak with Sarah who has been working with Sister Celia from Our Lady of Refuge in putting together some know your rights and tips on how to navigate the space between knowing your rights vis-à-vis ICE, but also knowing the law vis-à-vis NYPD and making sure that she’s walking in that space properly.
Shawn also brought up the fact that the new 70th precinct house that has been a priority for thirty-five years, was missing from the citywide statement of needs. She asked the CO to help those who have been advocating for a new precinct house.
He encouraged Shawn to keep advocating.
Ms Dee asked about the accessibility for wheelchairs at Ditmas and Flatbush. The building takes up more than fifty percent of the sidewalk there, and it's a very narrow path, for a large number of people who use wheelchairs. She wanted to know if it was legal for them to take up all the space they currently do.
The CO said he didn’t know if that's something the NYPD can enforce. It's illegal in terms of Department of Buildings and suggested that another agency can best answer that question.
The CO praise his team for the good work they are doing.
President Ed Powell wished everyone good night.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50pm
