Forest Park, and the surrounding communities of Glendale and Woodhaven, are now a little safer thanks to efforts from the NYPD and a local elected official.
Last week, brand-new NYPD security cameras were installed at designated locations throughout Forest Park, thanks to a state grant of $250,000 allocated by Assemblyman Mike Miller.
“This process took two and a half years since we first allocated $250,000 towards security cameras. Today the park and surrounding areas will be safer because of these security cameras,” Miller said. “My goal is to preserve the quality of life within my district. There were a few attempted rapes within Forest Park which led to conversations with the Parks Commissioner and The New York Police Department about how to improve the safety of the park. From Dry Harbor Playground to the Buddy Monument these cameras were strategically installed. Local residents can rest easy knowing there is an eye in the sky.”
Community members and leaders from organizations such as the Woodhaven Residents Block Association (WRBA), Glendale Civic Association, and the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation have been pushing for security cameras across Forest Park to better protect the many parkgoers on a daily basis.
“I would like to thank Assemblyman Mike Miller for funding the security cameras and for staying on top of the installation process,” said Martin Colberg, president of the WRBA. “The residents of Woodhaven have waited a long time to see this done and are happy to see we are moving forward with the new NYPD security cameras in our area.”
Community Board 5 (CB 5) and Community Board 9 (CB 9), which both encompass Forest Park, were happy with the distribution of the cameras within their respective community boards.
“Thanks to Assemblyman Mike Miller for securing critically needed funding for security cameras in Forest Park,” said Gary Giordano, district manager of CB 5. “Considering that Forest Park is such a large park, containing secluded areas, cameras should enable our dedicated police officers to better safeguard those using this beautiful park.”
“On behalf of Community Board 9 and its constituent,s we would like to extend our gratitude to Assemblyman Mike Miller for his efforts in securing funding for security cameras in the Community Board 9 area,” said Raj Rampershad, chairman of CB 9, and Lisa Gomes, district manager of CB 9, in a joint statement. “The residents of Community Board 9 have waited a long time for this and are happy to see we are moving forward with the new NYPD security cameras in our area.”
The instillation of the cameras, which community stakeholders hope will assist in deterring crime within the park and surrounding neighborhoods, was applauded by the Parks Department as well.
“The safety of park patrons is always our primary concern. Forest Park is one of our city’s largest and most popular parks, and we want everyone to feel at ease when they visit,” said Dorothy Lewandoski, Queens Parks Commissioner. “We were happy to work with community members, Assembly Member Miller and the NYPD to install these additional security measures, and we look forward to hosting everyone in the park for a safe and fun summer.”
