By Sarina Trangle
State legislators and the city Parks Department have selected where they plan to install security cameras in Forest Park and are awaiting legislative approval to begin the project.
State Assemblyman Michael Miller (D-Woodhaven) and state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) allocated $250,000 for surveillance cameras after the NYPD said police had linked the rape of a 69-year-old woman in the park this September to five additional rapes or attempted rapes over the past 2 1/2 years.
The legislators hope the seven surveillance units, which come with two cameras apiece, deter sexual predators from targeting parkgoers.
Miller’s office said the equipment is slated to be installed near the corner of Park Lane South and Woodhaven Boulevard, the intersection of 80th Street and Myrtle Avenue, the junction of Forest Parkway and Park Lane South and the corner of Freedom Drive and Myrtle Avenue.
Cameras are also coming to the park’s visitor center on Woodhaven Boulevard, the Buddy Monument near Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South and the Forest Park Bandshell, according to Miller’s staff.
The NYPD said it had not identified any suspects or made any arrests related to the attacks, which police said targeted women between 13 and 69.
The project has been submitted to the state Assembly Ways and Means Committee and, once approved, must get the OK from the state Dormitory Authority, according to Miller’s office.
Reach reporter Sarina Trangle at 718-260-4546 or by e-mail at strangle@cnglocal.com.
