Safety Tips Shared At 83rd Precinct
Pedestrian safety was the hot topic at the 83rd Precinct Community Council’s first meeting of 2012, held last Tuesday, Jan. 17 at the precinct’s Bushwick stationhouse.
While the 83rd Precinct has not seen any pedestrian fatalities this year, P.O. Stacy Cubells of the precinct’s Highway Safety patrol noted that the adjoining 90th Precinct has seen two residents killed by cars over the past three weeks.
However, the 83rd Precinct has seen a “huge spike” in non-fatal pedestrian injuries, with the average age of the victim being 29 years old.
“Years ago, it was about children,” she said. “It’s not the kids anymore.”
According to Cubells, “Technology is our biggest foe right now,” with many accidents are caused by residents using their smartphones or iPods while crossing intersections, often weaving through cars while doing so.
She reminded the crowd that “the crosswalk is made for you.”
Turning to Eastern Parkway, which Cubells called “our Queens Boulevard,” the addition of pylons and other safety measures where the street intersects Bushwick Avenue has led to a 47-percent decrease in accidents in that area.
“They’re here to stay, love them or hate them,” she stated.
Finally, Cubells noted that the area is “on the cusp” of receiving a bicycle rental station. She urged all cyclists to get bicycle helmets, especially those under the age of 13, for whom the headwear is required.
Nadine Whitted, the district manager of Brooklyn Community Board 4, noted that the city is working on making pedestrian improvements at area schools, including P.S. 106 (see the story on Page 2 for more info).
Crime update
In his report to the crowd, Deputy Inspector Stephen Capasso, the precinct’s commander called 2011 a successful year. Going forward, he announced the precinct will be the home of two IMPACT zones, at the northern and southern edges of the precinct.
He reminded residents not to leave their valuables in their vehicles, as “there are people that are opportunistic” who look to steal those items, “so we need to keep ourselves safe from that.”
In addition, Capasso stated that the precinct has dealt with 15 nuisance abatement cases from local bars and establishments last year, with three closed permanently due to various infractions. These efforts, according to the commander, will continue in 2012.
Finally, Capasso revealed that 10 men have been apprehended so far in 2012 for soliciting prostitutes. Three of those caught were parolees.
“It might seem like a quality-oflife issue, but there is underlying aspects,” he said. “We will stay vigilant on that.”
Holiday report
Barbara Smith, the precinct council president, noted that the council’s holiday collection efforts were a success, with 75 baskets of food given to area families for Thanksgiving. In addition, $1,165 was spent for a December fund-raiser for the council, the proceeds of which went toward 350 toys for area children as well as for a breakfast for area youths.
The 83rd Precinct Community Council will next meet on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the 83rd Precinct stationhouse, located at 480 Knickerbocker Ave. in Bushwick.
