Pols Want Street Signs To Find Cops
New legislation requiring the Department of Transportation (DOT) to install signs pointing travelers to local police precincts was announced by City Council Members Elizabeth Crowley and Diana Reyna during a press conference in Ridgewood last Thursday, Mar. 15.
The bill, which was formally introduced during the City Council’s stated meeting last Wednesday, Mar. 14, aims to help residents who need to visit police precincts find their way to each command.
Also in attendance at the press conference, held at the corner of Fresh Pond Road and Catalpa Avenue, two blocks west of the 104th Precinct’s stationhouse, were Ridgewood residents along with representatives of State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Assemblyman Mike Miller and Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan.
The 104th Precinct, like many others across the city, serves a large area with numerous diverse neighborhoods making it difficult for some residents to find, according to Crowley. Ridgewood residents and leaders have made repeated requests for the DOT to install signage to help mediate solve this problem but were denied.
“Every resident should be able to easily find their local police precinct, and being unable to do so poses a serious public safety risk,” said Crowley. “The DOT already installs many directional signs. Adding signage for police precincts should be a no brainer.”
“Just as we indicate to the public where local hospitals are located, so should we inform the public where their local police precincts are lo- cated,” said Reyna. “This legislation addresses an essential public safety issue by providing greater access to information about law enforcement.”
“Such signage is essential to everyone’s safety and well-being,” Addabbo stated. “It’s important that all members of the community are aware of the police precinct’s location, just as they can follow the signs to locate their local hospitals.”
“By requiring the DOT to post signage for police precincts, we take an important step towards increasing public safety for our community,” stated Miller. “We already provide signs for local hospitals, parks, schools, and landmarks, requiring signage for police precincts is a logical next step. I am proud to support this effort.”
Currently, the DOT installs “trailblazer” signs at the request of the community and local elected officials directing motorists to various public areas. However, according to Crowley’s office, the DOT has not honored the community’s request for police precinct signage, citing that the signs do not meet their policies for signs.
