By John Tozzi
Both greeted Community Board 11's monthly meeting Tuesday–with Pilkington making a rare appearance in civilian clothes-to mark the change of command, one of four to take place in the borough.Pilkington thanked the civic leaders and community members gathered for their help in reducing crime in the 111th Precinct over his tenure. The precinct has led the city in crime reduction for three years running.”I can't do it without you and the inspector isn't going to be able to do it without you either,” he said. “Deep in my heart, I really want to say thank you. It's been a pleasure to serve you.”In a reshuffle instituted with little warning, Pilkington became commanding officer of the 110th Precinct, which covers Corona and Elmhurst. Several other Queens command posts were changed on precinct Web sites, but a police spokesman Tuesday night could not confirm which precincts received new commanding officers.Hanover was most recently commanding officer of the NYPD Communication Section, which runs the 911 call and dispatch system. In that capacity, Hanover oversaw more than 1,200 civilian employeesA Middle Village resident and Queens native, Hanover was a sergeant in Flushing's 109th Precinct from 1989 to 1996. He said Wednesday would mark 22 years to the day since he joined the force. Joining the 111th Precinct, Hanover said, will be his first post as commanding officer of a precinct.He told the community board that he hoped to continue the low-crime rates at the 111th Precinct.In what seemed like law-and-order night, CB 11 was also visited by Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, who praised the area for its sustained drop in crime and a murder-free 2005 in the 111th Precinct.In other community board news, the board voted to oppose any change in how members are selected and appointed. The recommendation was in response to a City Council bill being promoted by Manhattan Democrat Gale Brewer that would require board members to fill out extensive 32-page financial disclosure forms to avoid conflicts of interest. The bill is also sponsored by Queens Councilmen Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and Allan Jennings (D-Jamaica).CB 11 Vice Chairman James Rodgers opposed the bill, saying “there's already a policy in place that addresses conflicts of interest.”Board member Frank Skala said the extensive disclosures “will discourage people from joining the board.”With three abstentions and two no votes, the measure easily passed, but whether that will have any sway over the City Council's action on the bill is an open question. Board member Mel Meer said as much when he questioned the need for such disclosure rules: “We have no power. We can't do anything but recommend.”Reach reporter John Tozzi by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300 Ext. 188.
