Noise complaints rise in 106th Precinct

The weather on Wednesday, May 12 may not have been spring-like, but those assembled at the 106th Precinct Community Council meeting had one major thing on their minds: the warm weather – and the higher decibels that accompany hotter temperatures.
When asked what the plan to combat noise complaints would be this year, Deputy Inspector Joseph G. Courtesis, Commanding Officer, said it would be much like last year.
“Everything we’ve been doing,” he said, including sending out letters to those with multiple complaints, telling people there will be no warnings, and, most importantly, urging those affected to call 3-1-1.
“3-1-1 is very important,” he said. “It’s essential we get jobs out efficiently.”
Working with Community Board (CB) 10, the precinct has also revamped its permits for block parties.
Like last year, officers will be assigned to each, and will have partygoers shut music by 7 p.m. (with festivities wrapping up by 9).
Additionally, the number of permits will be reduced by “half the amount,” according to CB 10 District Manager Karyn Petersen; parties will only be allowed on Saturdays between June 15 and September 15; and there will be no rain dates.
CB 10 Chair Betty Braton pointed out that, “Noise is really related to how many people live in our area.” Noting that a recent break-down found 75 to 80 people per acre, she said, “We have to be ambassadors in our own communities.”
Other community complaints included blocked traffic and alleged illegal parking around Centerville Park; and dangerous drivers in Lindenwood.
One man claims people blow stop signs, especially at 79th and 81st Streets and 149th Avenue.
“I think a lot of it is mothers picking up their kids,” he said.
In response, Courtesis informed him that the precinct is up nine percent in issuing hazard summonses – in the past 28 days, said the commander, over 1,000 were given out.
“It is being enforced, even with less personnel,” he said.
One member of the force that was recognized as “Cop of the Month” was Officer Matthew Peters, who, along with his partner, responded to a large dispute at 105-50 134th Street on Saturday, April 17.
Courtesis noted that they observed a large group of males around a Toyota Camry, which started to drive away.
The cops stopped the car and saw four “very nervous” males, ages 15 to 20, inside. When they ordered them out of the car, Peters and his partner discovered a .9 MM handgun in the back.
All four were arrested.
Because of their actions, said Courtesis, “not only did they take a semi-automatic off the streets, but they prevented a shooting, and probably a homicide, at the location.”