The Community Council welcomed new attendees. The head of Community Affairs, Chief Philip Banks III was introduced and welcome

 Inspector Lehr gave everybody a Thank You, for coming to these meetings and being a bridge between the community and the police.” For the month of January Index Crimes are down 3% so far and down 11% for the past 2 years. Overall, crime is down 72% in the last 18 years.  Presently residential burglaries are up. This is mostly concentrated in the area of 10, 11, 12, 13 Streets. This is due to the fact of the milder weather we have been having. Windows are open; apartments are not as closed up and therefore   not as secure. People are asked to call and report things that do not seem normal such as strange people hanging on fire escapes and roofs. With more construction and renovation going on in buildings, be aware of workers and construction crews on rooftops and on premises and keep a watchful eye and call if something does not seem right.

 On Friday January 27, there will be a Remembrance and Ceremony observing the 40th. Anniversary of the murder of Officers Foster and Laurie on 11th Street and Avenue B.All are invited to attend. It will be at the 9th Precinct. There will be a re dedication of the plaques.

 Inspector Lehr introduced Chief Banks. Chief Banks thanked everybody for being there and inviting him. “1unselfish soul in a community can change the world” was quoted by Chief Banks. Community Council is there to connect with the community The Police cannot police the community by itself. It needs the help of the community. The fact that people come to these community council meetings is what helps the police and the community connect and work together. Police need more support from the community. More people need to get involved.

Chief Banks has worked at Central Park Precinct, then Borough Commander of Manhattan North. He also worked in Bed Sty and Brownsville before being appointed as Chief of Community Affairs by Commissioner Kelly. 

Chief Banks came here to ask people to use the NYPD Community Affairs Website. He asked that people visit it 1-2 times a month, not only for updates on crime stats, but also to help people to be aware and prevent themselves and minimize the chances of being a victim to a crime. This can help stop violent crimes, burglaries, robberies and other violations. Another reason to visit site is to offer suggestions to the police. As he said before, the Chief needs people to be involved and interact with the police. These suggestions can shape police policies. The Police need this input. Chief Banks speaks often with Commissioner Kelly. The commissioner wants input. Chief Banks thanked everybody for coming.

 Resident who used to have a bike repair shop at 165 Avenue A is from the Coalition against Road Riding. The mission is to curtail and enforce and educate rogue bike riding. Things have gotten better. Resident thanked the police for hard work, but asked about more enforcement in evening and night time. Inspector Lehr is aware of problems at night and evening. What the police have done was first concentrate on educating riders. Instead of issuing summonses, first time they are warned and given pamphlets. Reduction of injuries has happened since the education program was enacted. People need to be taught how to ride and obey the rules. In 2011 there were 95 accidents; in 2011 there were 78 accidents, an 18% reduction. In 2010 450 summonses were issued, in 2011 with 67 accidents.

 District Manger Seltzer spoke about how much the Bike Lanes have made improvements. There has been a huge difference.

On a sad note Mary Spink, Community Board Member, and Executive Director of Lower Eastside Mutual Housing passed away last week as a result of a long illness. Funeral and memorial arrangements have as yet to be made. For years Mary has been a tireless advocate for the people of the Lower Eastside/ East Village. 

Mrs. Seltzer said that CB3 has the most 311 noise complaints in the city. She asked that people should utilize and attend CB3 meetings on this matter. It is a government agency that helps advice on Liquor Licenses, renewals and many other issues that affect the community. New liquor licenses applications are increasing with the fact that landlords are raising rents that results in losing a large variety of different retail establishments. Letters to landlords are being sent urging them to consider having a variety of retail establishments.

 Resident on Avenue B between 6 and 7 Street that lives on top of restaurants for years, now has a loud club that has burlesque. There seem to be a lack of sound proofing that contributes to unbearable noise from the club downstairs. Inspector Novella went with sound meter but, it showed just barely within the legal limit. Resident also complained that landlord is siding with the club and will not give him a new lease. Inspector Lehr said he will follow up on the noise and he asked resident to speak with him after meeting to try and help him deal with his landlord.

 Resident who lives on 2nd Street and 1st. Avenue said that there appears to be suspicious activity at 33 East 2nd Street. Resident thinks illegal massage parlor is there. Establishment has unusual hours. Inspector said he is aware of the situation.

 Resident complained about Ryan’s Pub and 13 Steps. Lots of noise at both establishments. Fights break out at 13 Steps. Resident asked if there could be more policing on that part of the street. EPA has come and issued summonses. Resident also complained about beer delivery. On a no standing zone between 7- 10am, beer is delivered at 8:30 am and standing there with lots of noise from the beer being delivered. Resident was told there is a 30 minute grace period on a delivery.  Inspector Lehr said there is no such thing as a 30 minute grace period. Inspector Lehr will follow up. That area is one of the hot spots in the area. He did say there is a bus lane there and he said he does not see or has noticed a beer delivery there. Inspector Lehr has said morning commute is enforced on 2nd. Avenue. It was noted by Inspector that manager at 13 Steps has helped police apprehend perpetrators.

 District Manger Seltzer told the resident to go to Community Board meetings and complain. While it may not be able to revoke a license, some problems can be resolved with stipulations.

 Linda Jannet from District Attorneys office came to talk about a youth program that was enacted by the DA’s office that was started in West Harlem and is now being enacted here. It focuses on Basketball Programs for youth. This is an 8 week program at The Boys and Girls Republic 888 East 6th Street. Program is on the weekends. For Boys and Girls ages range from 12- 19 years of age. Capacity is for 160 Youth. With 77 enrolled now. There is hope to expand the program to include theater and arts and to set up in other areas of this neighborhood. Linda is asking for help with the police in this endeavor. Linda left flyers for people to post in their buildings. Fridays 5-7 pm ages 12-14,  7-9pm ages15-19  on Saturdays 5-7 Girls only 12-19   7-9 ages 15-19  Call Leona Colon at 212-686-8888 Ext 10

 Another resident complained about unruly bike riding. His wife recently got hit bicyclists are increasingly riding on sidewalk. Some have motorized bikes on sidewalk. Many bike riders that are not abiding by rules are delivery people. Inspector Lehr assured resident that aggressive enforcement on riding on sidewalks, riding wrong way and riding against red lights will not be tolerated. People need to be mindful and respectful. “Longest journey starts with a single step” said Inspector Lehr.

Resident inquired about numbers on roofs for Aviation Division. Inspector Lehr has not heard about it here but will inquire about it.

 Next Meeting will be held on February 21, 2012