By Howard Koplowitz
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) called on the NYPD to assign more officers to the 106th Precinct to prepare for the planned September opening of Resorts World at Aqueduct Race Track.
Ulrich said the new project, which will include 4,500 video lottery terminals when it is completed, is expected to draw more than 8 million visitors a year.
The councilman said Community Board 10, whose boundaries include Aqueduct, has expressed concerns about the current staffing levels at the 106th Precinct, which covers Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Lindenwood and Richmond Hill.
“In order to keep our streets safe, we are going to need more cops at the 106th Precinct,” Ulrich said in a statement. “My constituents should not have to worry about any rise in crime that might emanate from Aqueduct. We need to do everything we can to guarantee a good quality of life for the neighborhoods surrounding the track. This request is more than reasonable.”
Ulrich said he spoke to Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and wrote to him, requesting that the new officers be assigned to the 106th Precinct in the beginning of the fiscal year — which starts July 1 — so they will have time to acclimate themselves to the area before the racino opens.
“While the new racino is scheduled to open later this summer, many of my constituents are still concerned about the level of police protection the community will receive from the NYPD. Despite the fact that vehicular and foot traffic will increase, it still remains unclear if and when the local precinct will receive additional police personnel,” Ulrich wrote.
“Undoubtedly, more police officers will be needed to patrol the residential neighborhoods surrounding the facility .… I believe this request is warranted given the size and scope of the new venue and the necessary planning that will go into maintaining a good quality of life for area residents,” he said.
Genting New York, the company developing Aqueduct, has started the process of employing more than 800 workers for permanent positions at the racino, which includes two signature restaurants, 4,500 VLTs, a buffet and an indoor water show.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
