The
Red Hook StarªRevue
MAY 2017
76 PRECINCT ROLLS OUT NCO PROGRAM, NEW SECTORS by Noah Phillips
SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
FREE
ROCKY’S IS BACK!
A
round one hundred Red Hook luminaries and several dozen police officers braved miserable weather the night of April 25 to celebrate the introduction of NYPD’s new Neighborhood Coordination Officer (NCO) program in the 76 precinct, which covers Red Hook, the Columbia Waterfront District, and Carroll Gardens. The Neighborhood Coordination Program aims to bridge the often wide gap between community members and the NYPD. NCO’s receive special training in conflict resolution and mediation, attend neighborhood events and meetings, and distribute their cell phone numbers. “We wanted cops that could handle it all,” said NYPD Chief of Patrol Terence Monahan at the event. “We want to come out to you, instead of you coming out to us. Sector by sector, block by block.” The NCO program was piloted in Washington Heights and the Rockaways two years ago but has now expanded to 43 of NYC’s 77 police precincts. All commands in NYPD’s Housing Bureau (Police Service Areas) have NCOs as well. “A lot of people thought [the NCO program] would be a failure,” continued Monahan. “That crime would go up, that we couldn’t trust our cops to get things done, and that the city would be unmanageable…. but last year was the safest this city has ever had.” Monahan says that the NCO program has been a roaring success, responsible in part for 2016’s record low in shootings. “It was the first time ever under one thousand shootings in the city,” said Monahan. “In 1990, there were over five thousand shootings. It’s a remarkable change.” The NCO program has accompanied other changes in the NYPD. Sectors (inter-precinct subdivisions) have been consolidated and redrawn, and many specialized officers have returned to patrol. In addition, the practice of initiating new officers by sending them into areas with especially high crime has been ended in favor of (continued on page 3)
After a six month hiatus, Rocky Sullivan’s has re-opened in a new location which is really an old location, the former Lillie’s at Beard and Dwight Streets, proving that not only can some things actually stay the same, but actually even get better! (photo by George Fiala)
Atlantic Basin ferry to start June 1
T
he New York Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced on April 18 that the South Brooklyn ferry route which connects Red Hook to other spots along the waterfront, will begin service June 1. Weekend service to Governors Island will begin two days later and last through the summer. These new ferries are in addition to the NY Water Taxi, which has connected both IKEA and Fairway to lower Manhattan for a number of years, and which will be continuing operations. The new service is operated by Hornblower, a west
Beriah’s Red Hook show pages 10, 11 Red Hook Star-Revue
by Noah Phillips
coast company. Red Hookers have long sought more transportation options. After a community fight, it was decided to place the terminal at the foot of Pioneer Street. A ride will cost $2.75, and free transfers for other ferries within the system are available. EDC also announced the a “NYC Ferry” app where one can buy tickets and check the schedule. The new service will connect Bay Ridge, Brooklyn Army Terminal, Red Hook, Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 and Pier 6, and Wall Street. For an
Hornblowers rendering of the ferry terminal
extra dollar you can bring your bicycle. “Seasonal ferry service from Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, and Red Hook to Governors Island will enhance the quality of life for thousands of Brooklynites, proving once again the power of our waterways to connect and improve our city,” said Brooklyn Borough
President Eric Adams. The city is subsidizing the NYC ferry service to the tune of $55 million - in effect subsidizing the fare as well as paying for the new terminals. The city is also providing $30 million in operating support per year, for six years, and $10 million for additional startup costs.
Table of Contents Happenings..........................................2,7 Editorial...........................................14,15 Religious News.....................................4,5 Five Years Ago......................................17 Local Schools........................................12 Classifieds..............................................19 www.star-revue.com
May 2017, Page 1