March 2010 Meeting

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 7:30 PM in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.

January 2010 Meeting Minutes

70th Precinct Community Council
January 2010 Meeting Minutes

E-mail: 70PctCC@gmail.com
Blog: http://70PctCC.blogspot.com
________________________________________
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
7:30 PM
United Cerebral Palsy New York
175 Lawrence Street, Brooklyn, New York
________________________________________


Officers Present

Ed Powell, President
Beverley Kilpatrick, Vice President
Mary McRae, Secretary
Nathan Thompson, Assistant Secretary
Mavis Theodore, Sergeant-at-Arms


NYPD, Elected Officials & Other Guests

Inspector Ralph Monteforte, Commanding Officer
Captain Peter Venice, Executive Officer
Captain Michael Giovanelli, Executive Officer
Det. Dominick Scotto, Community Affairs
P.O. Kim Walker, Community Affairs
Lt. Jacqueline Bourne, Community Affairs
Jonathan Judge, Community Board 14
Roz Sokol for Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz
Eli Slavin for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Ed Powell for Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs
Pinny Ringel for Council Member Simcha Felder
Chaim Deutsch for Council Member Mike Nelson
Ernest Skinner for Council Member Jumanne Williams


________________________________________

The regular monthly meeting of the 70th Precinct Community Council was called to order at 7:47 p.m. President Ed Powell greeted all and invited everyone to join him in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. President Powell announced that the December meeting was a treat with an amazing performance by Nathan Thompson who amazed the kids. President Powell then acknowledged the various representatives of elected officials and other distinguished guests present at the meeting (see above).

1. Message from Council Member Simcha Felder – Pinny Ringel
Council Member Simcha Felder wanted everyone to know that he will be taking office on February 1st as Deputy Controller. There will be a special election to replace his seat. He wanted to thank everyone for their support throughout the eight years he served in the community. He gave a special thanks to the Inspector and Captain for their support. When people called their office to complain about a police issue, people thanked them for resolving the issues however, for the past eight years, there were three people from the precinct supporting them in resolving issues. On behalf of Council Member Felder, Mr. Ringel presented awards to P.O. Kim Walker, Detective Dominick Scotto and Lt. Jacqueline Bourne.

2. Message from Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs – Ed Powell
On behalf of Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs, Ed Powell announced Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs is co-sponsoring an event with Council Member Mathieu Eugene: a gathering in solidarity in support of the Haitian community. The event will take place Thursday, February 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The doors will open and 5:00 p.m. President Powell suggested that everyone come early. The location is the Walt Whitman theatre at Brooklyn College. There are many people that wanted to help with the situation in Haiti but don’t know the best way to help. On February 4th, you will be able to make donations i.e. food, clothing, medical supplies, money etc. This is an opportunity to find out the best way you can help out as an individual. If you have loved ones in Haiti or know of someone that has, please bring their names. Every name will be mentioned at the ceremony. You will also be able to bring non-perishable items for the Haitian Relief Effort and they will be collected on the Brooklyn College campus at Campus Road. You will need ticket to enter the school yard which is free. Tickets are available at Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs’s office, you can call her office at 718. 434. 0446 or you can go on line at the college and you will receive a ticket. The capacity is 2200 people.

President Powell also announced that he had a meeting with Chief Fox of Brooklyn South regarding something that they use to do years ago, a talent show. Every precinct in Brooklyn South will have at least one representative that will perform. The event is on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Brooklyn College. Tickets are $5.00 per person. He stated that he had tickets and if anyone was interested, they should see him after the meeting. Also, if anyone is interested in performing let him know. Auditions are held Wednesday, January 20th, Tuesday, February 2nd, Thursday, February 4th, Monday, February 8th, and Wednesday, February 10th. Please let him or Detective Scotto know if you would like to come.

3. Rabbi Perlstein presented Commander Monteforte with a birthday cake as a token of appreciation followed by a birthday cheer.

4. Message from Senator Eric Adams Office. He wanted to remind everyone that the Census is coming up and everyone will receive a mailer. Everyone should fill out the census mailer. Every person who is listed on that mailer represents $3,000 in federal money that will be coming into our neighborhood. For every person who is not counted, we will lose $3,000 for next 10 years. He also announced that Time Warner Cable is giving free phone calls to Haiti to their customers.

5. President Powell introduced P.O. Tim Mercer from One Police Plaza. Officer Mercer greeted everyone and announced they will be starting a Mentorship program. They are focusing on kids that may need help and asked if we knew of any kids to submit their names to the youth officer. He also announced that his territory has expanded to all of Brooklyn.

6. Report from the Commanding Officer. Commander Monteforte announced the Community makes him feel that he is part of the community and part of the family. Crime has been dropping and our relationships have been getting better and he owes it to the people in the community council. We are down 300 crimes compared to this period last year. It means there are 300 less victims of crime, which is a 12% reduction in crime. The difference between last year and this year is last year there were over 2300 victims of crimes and this year a little over 2000. Commander Monteforte asked if anyone heard about the story on WPIX and in the Daily News about a blue van on Webster Avenue in Brooklyn trying to pick up children. He clarified that the incident was not happening in Brooklyn, it was happening in the Bronx.

Commander Monteforte announced the two new graduates from the 70th Precinct, from the Citizens Police Academy, Tamika and Maureen Williamson.

Detective Scotto announced that the new classes for the Citizens Police Academy will start again in March and if anyone is interested please let him know. It is a 15 week program that covers topics such as police science, law and police strategies. Classes are one day a week. The Brooklyn South Task Force provides the transportation. Anyone who is interested should contact Detective Scotto at 718-851-5557.

Commander Monteforte introduced Captain Tom Pascal. If you have any information or questions regarding illegal drugs or drug sales, please talk to him because he is doing an unbelievable job for our community. He next introduced Captain Peter Venice. He is in charge of all the IMPACT cops in the IMPACT zones. The Commander spoke about his expertise and how he makes sure that crime is reduced in that area and he is doing a great job. Captain Mike Giovanelli is involved in several areas of the precinct’s work; but the two main issues that he is involved with is identifying and tracking bad criminals in the precinct, the guys that carry firearms, and those who are dealing drugs and doing robberies. He tracks them down and makes sure all the cops in the precinct know who they are. They make visits to them and keep in contact with them to let them know they are always being watched. Secondly, he is in charge of traffic stats within the precinct. He goes over all the accidents, where the accidents are happening, as well as where the summonses are issued, in order to help reduce the number of people involved in car accidents.

Cops of the Month

Officer Jay Richiez
Officer Gregory Gordon
On January 4th, 2010 at 1:00 a.m. Officers Richiez and Gordon observed a gray Nissan Maxima heading east bound on Avenue D changing lanes without signaling and a plate that was covered, which is unauthorized and a violation. As police officers they are trained to look for other things. When they conducted their car stop they noticed the dashboard area surrounding the air vent which was loose and hanging. They looked around in the car and found two loaded magazines on the floor. Both men were arrested. The precinct called the District Attorney’s office to get a search warrant for the car. Behind the loose air vent was a loaded 9 millimeter gun. The guy was charged. Shortly after the arrest, Homeland Security called the precinct and found out that the suspect was wanted for a 1999 shooting of a police officer in Florida. Both Officers Richiez and Gordon work in the Conditions Unit. This unit made 96 arrests last year. They are doing a great job.

7. Open Forum with Inspector Monteforte.

There was a question about whether it is legal to feed a parking meter on behalf of someone else. Commander Monteforte stated he did not know the nature of the summons that was issued which could be the time frame in which the car was there or if it was in a no standing zone.

It was noted that on Newkirk and 17th Street (Newkirk Plaza) the lights have been out where the cameras are located.

Several members reported that they are having problems with graffiti. The Commander suggested they give their complaints to the graffiti officers; Officer McMullen and Officer Dabosco and they would look into it.

It was asked if it was illegal to ride bikes on the sidewalk. Commander Monteforte answered yes and stated bikes have to follow the same laws as vehicles. They issue summonses for it, but they also use discretion. If there is a ten year old kid riding on the sidewalk and getting bread for his mother we will not bring him into the station. If there is a guy riding on the sidewalk and its drug related that guy will at least get a summons.

Some residents complained about the new traffic installation at Fort Hamilton Parkway and Prospect Park S/W circle, saying that they felt it made the circle less safe. Commander Monteforte stated that he will monitor the accidents. He also stated that the circle covers the 70th, 66th, 72nd, and 78th Precincts.

A member of the public complained about people not cleaning up after their dogs. Commander Monteforte suggested that if you give the Sanitation Department specific times and locations, they will have a Sanitation Enforcement Officer around to check for this. Commander Monteforte stated that someone can receive a summons for dogs not being on a leash and defecating on the sidewalk. He also brought up people talking on their cell phones while driving. Commander Monteforte mentioned that there were a 100 summons given out in one day in the 70th Precinct for this offense.

Someone asked what areas the precinct covered. Commander Monteforte pointed out the boundaries of the 70th Precinct.

Someone asked for an update about a shooting on the block. Commander Monteforte stated that the day after Christmas there were two homicides in the precinct. One was on Regent Place and the other one was on Flatbush, the northern part of the precinct closer to Woodruff Avenue. He stated that they are still doing an investigation on it and did not want to talk about it in public. It is a very serious incidence and please if you hear of any information on crimes in the precinct please let them know. If you don’t feel comfortable calling the detective squad, call Det. Scotto, Lt. Bourne, himself or President Powell because these are very serious crimes.

The Commander advised the Council that two females in the precinct were killed due to domestic violence this year and that we are down 25%. If you observe a domestic argument where people are getting really enraged wherein they could possibly hurt somebody, notify the authorities because we have a wonderful domestic violence team. They conducted over 1,000 home visits last year and that is why we have a very large reduction in domestic violence.

Last year Officer Shafidiyya conducted over 250 home visits for all of our young people that have been arrested for crimes (serious and minor offenses). Because of that, we were down 133 robberies last year.

There was information regarding Crips in our area. It is important to understand that you should have private conversations with the officers about such issues when you come to the meeting, in order to remain anonymous.

A representative of Prospect South Association complimented Officer Monck for his extraordinary work. Also Commander Monteforte acknowledged Sgt. Kramer for doing a great job managing the CPOP operations.

One member of the public complimented Officer Tommy Yang for doing an excellent job.

8. Council Member Jumaane Williams – Ernest Skinner. On behalf of Council Member Jumanne Williams, Mr. Skinner announced Jumanne William’s Inauguration and invited everyone to attend on:
Saturday, January 30th, 2010
6:00 p.m.
Midwood High School
2839 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

Their office is located:
4517 Avenue D
Between 45th and 46th Streets

A member made the following announcement:

January 30th, 2010
The West Indian American Carnival Association will be having a march in support of the Haitians. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. and starts at Church Avenue and Rogers Avenue. For further information please call 718.467.1797.

Detective Scotto announced that terrorism is still out there. Please keep an eye open. The number for terrorism is 1.888.NYC.SAFE.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary McRae
Nathan Thompson

February 2010 Meeting

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 7:30 PM in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.

January 2010 Meeting

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 7:30 PM in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.

November 2009 Meeting Minutes

70th Precinct Community Council
November 2009 Meeting Minutes

E-mail: 70PctCC@gmail.com
Blog: http://70PctCC.blogspot.com
________________________________________
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
7:30 PM
United Cerebral Palsy New York
175 Lawrence Street, Brooklyn, New York
________________________________________


Officers Present

Ed Powell, President
Beverley Kilpatrick, Vice President
Rosanne Boland, Treasurer
Mary McRae, Secretary
Nathan Thompson, Assistant Secretary
Mavis Theodore, Sergeant-at-Arms


NYPD, Elected Officials & Other Guests

Inspector Ralph Monteforte, Commanding Officer
Captain Giovanelli, Executive Officer
Det. Dominick Scotto, Community Affairs
P.O. Kim Walker, Community Affairs
Lt. Jacqueline Bourne, Community Affairs
Doris Ortíz, District Manager, Community Board 14
Chaim Deutsch for Council Member Mike Nelson
Harvey Rosenholtz for Council Member Kendall Stewart
Shawn Campbell for Assembly Member Jim Brennan
Roz Sokol for Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz
Eli Slavin for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Wendy Ann Powell for Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs
Pinny Ringel for Council Member Simca Felder
Asghar Choudry, Pakistan American Merchants
Elaine Beal, District Attorney’s Office
David Kleistick, District Attorney’s Office
Fr. Michael Perry, 70th Precinct Clergy Liaison
Rev. Jean Beaulieu, 70th Precinct Clergy Liaison
Maria Hazelwood, East 21st Street Block Association
Bob Moskowitz, Flatbush Shomrim


________________________________________

The regular meeting of the 70th Precinct Community Council was called to order at 7:50 p.m. President Ed Powell greeted all and invited everyone to join him in the Presentation of Colors by the 70th Precinct Explorers followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. President Powell then acknowledged the various representatives of elected officials and other distinguished guests present at the meeting (see above).

1. Message from Council Member Kendall Stewart – Harvey Rosenholtz
Council Member Kendall Stewart wanted to thank everyone for their support throughout the years; he also spoke to Council Member-elect Jumaane Williams and asked him to support the 70th Precinct. As a resident of the 70th precinct he understands and respects the difficult job the 70th Precinct does every day.

2. Message from Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz – Roz Sokol
On behalf of Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz, Roz Sokol expressed deep appreciation for all that the 70th Precinct does and wished everyone a healthy and happy Thanksgiving.

3. Pakistanian Merchants Association – Asgher Choudri represents the Pakistanian community for Brooklyn South and the 70th precinct. He commended Commander Monteforte for his concerns about their community. He also acknowledged his appreciation for Officer Shawn Lipstein and expressed that he will miss him very much.

4. Message from Doris Ortiz. C.B. 14 District Manager Doris Ortiz greeted everyone and assured the council that she is always there to support the council, Inspector Monteforte and 70th precinct. She acknowledge Sgt. Jovita Richardson as a great person to work with and a wonderful community affairs officer and wished her well on her promotion and many more years of happiness in the police department. She also acknowledged her special friend P.O. Shawn Lipstein whom she knows on a personal and professional level. She said that she will miss officer Lipstein tremendously. He has always been there when she needed him. May his retirement bring him many more years of happiness and good health.

5. President Powell took a moment to thank Flatbush Shomrim for their continuing support of the council.

6. Report from the Commanding Officer. Commander Monteforte acknowledged our clergy liaisons in the community. He also announced that awards will be presented for; graffiti clean-up, getting guns off the streets, running into a burning building and taking out children, retirement and promotions. He stated that he was lucky to be working with this group of cops in the precinct and lucky to be working with this community.

Awards:

SergeantTom Kennedy, Anti Crime
Officer William Fields
Officer Jason Rosciano
Officer Irene Guevara
On Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 4:20 p.m. the officers were on patrol when they heard shots being fired on Flatbush Avenue and Albemarle Road. They saw a group and a male with a firearm was running from the group. Sgt. Kennedy and Officer Fields joined in on foot pursuit. The chase went on for three blocks. He made a U turn and Officer Rosciano and Officer Guevara were able to corner the individual. After an intense heated standoff the individual complied with the officers’ commands and dropped a loaded .380 caliber firearm. Because of the professionalism of the officers involved, there were no injuries.

Officer Robert Clark
Sergeant Walter Roberts, Anti-Crime
Officer Leonard Clarke
On Thursday, September 10th, 2009 at 10:30 p.m. Sergeant Roberts and Officer Clark were traveling northbound on Ocean Avenue when they observed two suspicious males coming out of 485 Ocean Avenue carrying a large knapsack. Observing what appeared to be the barrel of a rifle protruding out of the knapsack, they notified the anti crime unit for back up. Once the officers were there they took quick action and apprehended both perpetrators who were in possession of a .22 caliber assault rifle and a Tech 9 machine gun.

Officer Noor Mizbah
Officer Sheldon Lessey
At the end of the summer on a Saturday night after midnight while most people were sleeping a call comes over that someone was shot near East 14th Street and Avenue H. Without a description, these officers were driving around in the perimeter where they felt the bad guy might try to escape. They were on Coney Island Avenue and saw the perpetrator and his friend trying to get into a cab and then trying to get onto a bus. They realized that these two guys looked suspicious trying to get into a cab then onto a bus. They stopped them before they got on the bus and detained them as suspects in the shooting.

Sergeant Eddie Kraemer
Officer Timothy Stines
Last week at 3:00 p.m. the officers were in a pizzeria and observed smoke coming from a third floor window. Officer Stines escorted a woman and an infant out of the building while Sgt. Kraemer went to each floor to evacuate people who might have been trapped or overcome by smoke. After exiting the building both officers went back in with fire extinguishers attempting to put out the fire which was out of control. Sgt. Kraemer was treated for an injury to the face. In severe panic a parent ran into building thinking his child was inside. However, the child was not inside and the officers had to go back into the building to get the father out. Everyone got out of the building with only minor injuries to Sgt. Kraemer.

Officer John Labosco
Officer Damon McMillon
These are our graffiti officers in the precinct. Not only do they combat graffiti and lock up guys that commit graffiti, they are in our Conditions Unit. They lock up people for crimes ranging from the simplest offenses to gun collars. Since they have been in charge, they have doubled the number of arrests. They made about 77 arrests this year of graffiti artist. When they investigate graffiti, they have to identify the graffiti and find out the person that drew it, find out the signature or tag, go to the kids house and interview the parents, get the kids to come in and get confessions. He thanked them for taking the graffiti artists off the streets but also for helping the community look better. If you have any graffiti near your house or notice it on any property please notify the 70th Precinct. They will investigate and hopefully catch the individuals.

Maritza Barnett
Maritza works as a civilian employee of the 70th Precinct in charge of one of the most demanding units, the Crime Analyst Unit. The 70th Precinct raised and donated over $8,000 for this year’s Cancer Walk, held on October 18th. Maritza was one of the leaders and collected over $3,000 for the event.

Sergeant Jovita Richardson
Fifteen years as a police officer, she came on in 1994. She has been assigned to the 70th precinct since September 12th, 1994. She does not have one CCRB (Civilian Complaint Review Board) complaint, which is incredible. She has worked patrol as well as SNEU (Street Narcotics Enforcement Unit,) a unit that has been instrumental in taking drug dealers off the streets. She also worked in arrest processing, community policing and as a youth officer. She has been assigned as a community affairs officer since October of 2002. She has been instrumental is assisting the community with donations, family bereavements, holiday parties, and countless other community based activities. She was honored by her bosses, her peers, and the community as she takes her next step in her career in becoming a Sergeant. Commander Monteforte stated she will be truly missed. Commander Monteforte also acknowledged Leslyn Stewart, wife of slain officer, Dillon Stewart and thanked her for coming. Mrs. Stewart wanted to thank Sgt. Richardson for being a great support for her and thanked her for all that she has done.

P.O. Shawn Lipstein
Appointed to the police department October 15th, 1990 and assigned to the 70th Precinct on April 15th, 1991. He patrolled the streets of the 70th Precinct for many years and was unexpectedly drafted into the task force. After two months he was able to find his way back to the 70th Precinct where his heart belonged. Shawn was instrumental in the design and construction of the crime information center. It is a unit within the precinct that identifies the bad guys within the precinct’s boundaries. Instead of the cops going out blindly they know where to go and who to look for. Due to his managerial qualities, strong organizational skills and his ability to work together with others, he was assigned to supervise the command’s auxiliary police unit. Commander Monteforte stated that he will be missed tremendously; he is a great person, a great father, a great friend, he has a great family. Everyone at the 70th precinct wishes all the best to him and his family.

On behalf of Congresswoman Yvette Clark, Eli Slavin presented P.O. Shawn Lipstein with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding and valuable service to the community.

Council Member Elect Jumanne Williams thanked everyone for their support. He is excited to get started and working for the entire community. He stated that we are one community and we have to come together to make sure that it is the best community it could possibly be. He met with Council Member Stewart and believes that the transition will go smoothly. He congratulated Officer Jovita Richardson for her promotion and Officer Shawn Lipstein on his retirement.

Commander Monteforte acknowledged Father Perry and thanked him for his support. He also acknowledged David Kleistick from the DA’s office and explained his role in the DA’s office. He thanked him for his support because the bad guys are getting the proper sentences and this is another reason why crimes are down. Commander Monteforte acknowledged Captain Giovanelli and Captain Pascal of Brooklyn South and thanked them for their support.

7. Open Forum with Inspector Monteforte and Responses.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary McRae
Nathan Thompson

December 2009 Meeting

Due to the upcoming holidays, our next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 at 7:30 PM in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.

October 2009 Meeting Minutes

70th Precinct Community Council
October 2009 Meeting Minutes

E-mail: 70PctCC@gmail.com
Blog: http://70PctCC.blogspot.com
________________________________________

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
7:30 PM
United Cerebral Palsy of New York
175 Lawrence Avenue, Brooklyn, New York
________________________________________

Officers Present

Ed Powell, President
Mary McRae, Secretary
Nathan Thompson, Asst. Secretary


NYPD, Elected Officials & Other Guests

Inspector Ralph Monteforte, Commanding Officer
Captain Peter Venice, Executive Officer
Lt. Jacqueline Bourne, Community Affairs
Det. Dominick Scotto, Community Affairs
Captain Tom Pascal, Brooklyn South Narcotics Unit
Tim Mercer, Community Affairs
David Z. Klestick, District Attorney’s Office
Elaine Beal, District Attorney’s Office
John Reef for Assembly Member Jim Brennan
Roz Sokol for Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz
Reuven Lipkind for Senator Eric Adams
Pinny Ringel, Council Member Simca Felder
Glen Wolin, CERT
________________________________________

The regular meeting of the 70th Precinct Community Council was called to order at 7:50 p.m. President Ed Powell greeted all and invited everyone to join him in the Presentation of Colors by the 70th Precinct Explorers followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. President Powell then acknowledged the various representatives of elected officials and other distinguished guests present at the meeting (see above).


1. Report from President Ed Powell. The minutes of September 30th, 2009 were distributed and accepted on a motion made by President Powell and seconded by Roz Sokol with the necessary corrections should there be any. Motion carried. President Powell received a letter from Councilman Simca Felder and stated that Councilman Felder has been a long time supporter of the Community Council. In the letter Councilman Felder stated that in spite of all the fiscal challenges the city has been through he was able to allocate $3,500 to the 70th Precinct Community Council. He also expressed his deepest gratitude for what the Community Council does for the community.

2. Report from the Commanding Officer. Commander Monteforte asked if anyone remembered the horrific crime on Parkside Avenue three weeks before whereas three people were shot and there was a video of the three people getting shot in which a 19 year old kid died from that incident. The Mayor’s office has approved along with the police department a $12,000.00 reward for the arrest of the individual. Hopefully, they would be able to use the video to identify the individual so that they can get him off the streets as quickly as possible.

Commander Monteforte stated that if you know anyone with a firearm call 1-866-GUN-STOP because they offer rewards of $1,000 for anonymous information that leads to the arrest of individuals in possession of illegal firearms. He assured everyone that it is confidential and you don’t have to go to court. He announced that there were cards available in the back if anyone needed or speak to Detective Molloy.

Commander Monteforte asked everyone to be careful with their children on Halloween. He stated there are several websites you can go on to know where the sexual predators live in the community so that children know whose doors they are knocking on to avoid parents from filing a missing report. If the children have nothing to do that day, there are several walks in the precinct. Nathan Thompson will be doing a walk at Albemarle and Westminister Road at 5:00 p.m. and at 6:30 he and other officers were doing a walk on Glenwood Road and Coney Island Avenue. The precinct handed out leaflets to all the storeowners to not sell eggs and shaving cream to kids so that they don’t mess up the neighborhoods. He also stressed that they will be treating Friday like Halloween as well and they all will be working both days.

Commander Monteforte stated they had flyers in the back for holiday safety tips so that you can avoid becoming a victim of a crime. He commended a resident from Strafford Road for putting a block association together. The more people that can form block associations, the better for the police department so that they will be better able to help with the problems in the community.

Commander Monteforte made an important announcement; Community Affairs Officer Jovita Richardson was promoted to Sergeant and would be leaving the precinct. She has been in the precinct for 16 years and has served the community well. He stated regardless of the numerous times anyone called including himself, she was always there. She started as a patrol officer and in 2001 she joined Community Affairs. He commended her on doing a great job and she would be surely missed.

Commander Monteforte acknowledged Captain Peter Venice his partner in the precinct who helps him run it and Captain Tom Pascal from narcotics.

3. Cops of the Month: Sgt. Joseph Durante, P.O. Higgins, P.O.Vlad Green, P.O. Joseph Imperatrice. The Conditions Team received an award. It is comprised of two sergeants and about 17 officers. This year alone they locked up over 600 people and 40% of those people were dealing narcotics. This month, this team did a terrific job on two incidents. On Tuesday, the 20th of the month at approximately 9:25 on Farragut and Bedford Sgt. Durante and Higgins were on routine patrol when they observed two individuals on the corner on Bedford Avenue and after investigation apprehended both individuals for robbing an elderly woman at gunpoint for $4.00. About a week after that incident at approximately 8:45 p.m. Sgt. Durante Officers Imperatrice and Green responded to another gunpoint robbery. Upon arrival, officers interviewed the victim and were given detailed description of the two suspects who had robbed him of his iPhone. Later the suspects were identified in a line up.

4. Open forum with Commander Monteforte and Responses.

President Powell announced that due to the Thanksgiving holiday, our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2009.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Mary McRae, Secretary
Nathan Thompson, Assistant Secretary

November 2009 Meeting

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, our next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 7:30 PM in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.

September 2009 Meeting Minutes

70th Precinct Community Council
September 2009 Meeting Minutes

E-mail: 70PctCC@gmail.com
Blog: http://70PctCC.blogspot.com
________________________________________
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
7:30 PM

140 Lawrence Street, Brooklyn, New York
________________________________________


Officers Present

Ed Powell, President
Beverley Kilpatrick, Vice President
Rosanne Boland, Treasurer
Mary McRae, Recording Secretary
Nathan Thompson, Corresponding Secretary
Mavis Theodore, Sergeant-at-Arms


NYPD, Elected Officials & Other Guests

Inspector Ralph Monteforte, Commanding Officer
Captain Peter Venice, Executive Officer
Lt. Jacqueline Bourne, Community Affairs
Doris Ortíz, District Manager, Community Board 14
Harvey Rosenholtz, Council Member Kendall Stewart
Shaun Campbell, Assembly Member Jim Brennan
Roz Sokol for Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz
Eli Slavin for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Wendy Ann Powell for Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs
Mark Dicos, Church Avenue Business Improvement District


________________________________________

The regular meeting of the 70th Precinct Community Council was called to order at 7:45 p.m. President Ed Powell greeted all and invited everyone to join him in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. President Powell sadly announced that over the summer we lost our former corresponding secretary and long standing community activist Laura James. Commander Monteforte spoke of Laura James commitment to the community and asked for a moment of silence in her memory. Mr. Powell then acknowledged the various representatives of elected officials and other distinguished guests present at the meeting (see above).

1. Message from Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs – Wendy Ann Powell
Rhoda Jacobs wanted to give an important message; she has a intergenerational program called Jacob’s Ladder in which she take seniors on trips and cultural events. Also, on Sunday, October 18th there will be a Cancer Walk, and if anyone would like to join them please contact their office. Mrs. Powell also took up a donation for the Cancer Walk.

2. Report from President Ed Powell. President Powell introduced Gus Caracappa and James Denofrio of Blair Mazzabella Funeral Home on Coney Island Avenue and commended them for on covering the cost of two funerals for families that lost their child in a tragedy. He also praised them for the beautiful job they had done for Laura James. The two men received a Memorial Thank You Award from the 70th Precinct Community Council.

3. Message from Doris Ortiz. Community Board 14 next meeting wd be October 19th at PS 249 on Caton Avenue – Public Hearing on the Budget. She stated she was happy to support the precinct and to hear all the issues and if there is anything Community Board 14 can help with please contact their office.

4. East 10th Street Block Association presented the Community Council with a decorative plate in appreciation of their services and asked for their continued support.

5. Report from the Commanding Officer. Commander Monteforte stated that anytime you want to see how the precinct is doing you can go online www.nyc.gov/nypd. Commander Monteforte went over the recent crime statistics which indicate that we are doing triple the reduction pace of last year. Last year we were down 5%. This year, we are down 15%. These are current numbers for the whole year to date. The only crime that the precinct is up on is stolen cars (GLA) which is up by 11 stolen cars for the year. He stated that there are a lot less victims in this precinct than last year.

Note: Percentage of Crimes down in the 70th Precinct (Jan. 1st. to Sept. 27, 2009)

Robberies 27%
Rape 64%
Murders 5%
Felony Assault 10%
Grand Larceny 14%

Commander Monteforte stated one of the reasons crime is down is because of Captain Pascal of Brooklyn South Narcotics and commended Captain Pascal for their work in getting drug dealers and drug buyers off the streets. He stated Captain Pascal takes all of our complaints very seriously. The problems sometimes stem from drug dealing. Captain Pascal and his officers and supervisors conducted an operation called Operational Spinal Tap for the past 25 months and investigated two drug organizations on 21st Street and bought over $10,000 worth of crack off of these dealers. They made 75 arrests. These drug dealers will be charged with multiple sales. We owe our gratitude to Brooklyn South Narcotics.

Commander Monteforte gave special recognition to Detective Agapito ‘Junior’ Soler, Detective Hector Rodriguez and an undercover cop for the role they played in the 25 month long investigation of Operational Spinal Tap.

6. Cops of the Month: P.O. Matthew Collyer and P.O. Christopher Niemeyer
Officers Collyer and Niemeyer were on routine patrol when they responded to a call from central to rescue a two year old baby that fell out of a third story window. They were commended for their valiant attempts to save the life of the infant. They also attended the funeral and spent the day with the family.

Commander Monteforte stated that for the first time in many years, there were not shootings in the 3 day period of the Jouvert Celebration. There were six crimes for the three (3) day weekend, domestic violence and two (2) police officers got hurt.

Commander Monteforte gave a citation to Lt. Ferber, Sgt. Kocher and several officers of the Anti Crime Unit for taking another gun collar off the streets.

The Commander also recognized Joe "The Chef" Basso for selflessly committing his time and being there for events when the PCC needed him.

Commander Monteforte prepared a Power Point presentation to show after the general meeting so that those that lived on Cortelyou Road can know what’s going on within their area.

7. Open Forum with Inspector Monteforte.

Members of Ditmas Park West and Prospect Park South made a complaint about garbage cans being stolen.

Members of one Temple asked why there was a lack of police presence on holidays. Monteforte explained that we have 80 Temples in the 70th and that if there is not a dedicated Officer on a given day, then there are cars going back and forth between the remaining Temples all day.

From Prospect Park South, someone asked, how many officers do we have today compared to last year. Commander Monteforte said, “We have around 300 which is roughly the same number as last year. We still have the impact officers and we will be keeping them for the future as far as we can tell.”

There were complaints about some associations not getting notified of PCC activities. The site address was given out as well as a request that those that have complaints take on the role of representatives. One example revolved around a half way house in Caton Park which police have been to on occasion and are working with Community Board 14 to address. Doris Ortiz from Community Board 14 was there to speak on the issue.

Representatives from Beverly Square West brought up that the PS 139 Schoolyard is open at night and has been the site of youth gatherings and making noise.

Mark Dicus from the Church Avenue B.I.D. brought up recent crime activity around the corner of East 18th and Church Avenue. This site has been discussed as a possible spot to place a camera.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Mary McRae
Secretary

Nathan Thompson
Assistant Secretary

October 2009 Meeting

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