The turnout was low for the 69th Precinct Sector A Build the Block meeting held on Thursday, January 30th, at Holy Family Church, 9719 Flatlands Avenue, but the few residents who attended sure had a lot to say.
The meeting was chaired by Neighborhood Coordination Officer (NCO) Courtney Williams, who was assisted by her NCO colleagues, Carlos Delgado, Melanie Lopez and Kyle McGoey. Williams began by giving a breakdown of crime that occurred in the area during the past four weeks. Sector A encompasses Ralph to Louisiana Avenues, from Avenue D to Flatlands Avenue.
She reported three robberies, one of which involved a stolen cell phone; another concerned a sale transaction between two individuals in the BJ’s parking lot. The “seller” relieved the buyer of his cash before slashing him. The officers stated that in both cases the perpetrators were known to the victims. In the last incident, the victim was robbed while making a deposit at the ATM of a Capital One bank. The perpetrator snatched the cash, then fled on foot.
Three grand larcenies were also reported. One involved a credit card that was stolen from a vehicle parked on Flatlands Avenue. The thief went on a shopping spree and racked up a sizeable bill. In another incident, bicycles that were left unattended outside a location on Foster Avenue were promptly stolen. In the third incident, the victim paid the perpetrator for a vehicle using Cash App. Unfortunately, he later found out he had purchased a stolen vehicle.
The officers stressed that in order to avoid becoming a victim or to minimize the risk, everyone should be vigilant about their surroundings in addition to being aware of the relentless scams that are wreaked daily on unsuspecting persons.
The attendees lodged a few quality-of-life complaints, mainly about illegally parked vehicles, blocked driveways and the burgeoning cannabis industry, which has resulted in many now holding their breath while walking outdoors.
The officers explained that because marijuana use is now legal in NYC, there isn’t much they could do about the problem, unless the perpetrators were indulging while in their vehicles. They reminded everyone that in addition to contacting the precinct, they should also call 311 with such complaints. However, they promised to look into the issues mentioned.
On another note, one resident raised the issue of water pollution in the area, caused by lead pipes. She said her water was tested and the lead levels were very high and provided two QR codes that could be scanned for more information. One gives access to a “lead pipe map,” which informs those who input their address if they have lead pipes. The second allows them to request a “lead test kit” to do their own (initial) testing.
Before the meeting adjourned, David Shaeffer, a representative from State Senator Roxanne Persaud’s office, gave an update of services provided by her office, as well as events held. He also handed out resource materials and said the senator’s office would look into the lead pipe issue.
