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PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Benjamin Engel, Program Manager of Third Avenue Business Improvement District

9:47:31

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Benjamin Engel, representing the Third Avenue Business Improvement District in The Bronx, advocated for prioritizing public safety in The Hub area. He outlined several specific recommendations for the City Council to consider, focusing on NYPD presence, community relationships, and support for local businesses and youth.

Proposed strategic NYPD foot patrols, community affairs funding, and security cameras in the commercial corridor
Suggested addressing retail theft through security assessments and proper training for officers dealing with mental health challenges
Advocated for coordination between NYPD, DOT, and Parks Department for public safety in pedestrian areas, and expansion of Police Athletic League programming for youth

Benjamin Engel

9:47:31

Hello.

9:47:32

Thank you.

9:47:34

Good evening, chair Salam and council members of the public safety committee.

9:47:40

I'm a program manager with the Third Avenue Business Improvement District in The Hub.

9:47:46

We are the oldest bid in The Bronx founded in 1990, and we serve the communities of Mott Haven and Melrose.

9:47:54

The Hub sees hundreds of thousands of shoppers daily, and the bid represents over 200 businesses.

9:48:01

I would like to advocate that the City Council prioritize public safety in the hub in the following ways: Have a strategic NYPD presence that prioritizes foot patrols over vehicular patrols.

9:48:14

Strengthen community relationships by funding the community affairs program for the Fortieth Precinct and ensure that the community room at the Fortieth Precinct is active for youth programming.

9:48:26

Ensure that security cameras are placed throughout the commercial corridor.

9:48:31

Address retail theft of small businesses by allocating additional officers to hold security assessments with business owners.

9:48:41

Ensure that officers who confront persons with mental health challenges receive proper training.

9:48:47

Make sure

Darcel Clark

9:48:47

that the

Benjamin Engel

9:48:47

NYPD coordinates with DOT and the Parks Department to ensure public safety and pedestrian plazas and parks.

9:48:55

And finally, expansion of the police athletic league programming to provide after school options for youth in the district.

9:49:03

We understand that public safety is larger than just having a police presence, and we advocate that Bronx residents have pathways to good jobs.

9:49:12

Additionally there needs to be proper support for people suffering from addiction.

9:49:17

Thank you for your time and we look forward to working with you.

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