81st Precinct Meets

New 81st Precinct Captain Cecil Wade and Council Lady Darlene Mealy were just some of the notable names on hand for the monthly 81st Precinct Community Council meeting.

The meeting was called to order and an opening prayer took place. The minutes from the May 11 meeting were read out.

New 81st Precinct Captain Cecil Wade

Wade announced that crime is up in the area, primarily in the realm of grand larceny. Auto thefts are down, but unattended property and identity thefts are up.

There was one shooting at 50 Stuyvesant Ave., involving a dispute about money between two men. The two perps who shot the victim were both arrested.

Some of the topics raised by audience members included:

• What took place specifically during the shooting last weekend on Bedford Ave. and Herkimer St., when an officer fired a round into a perpetrator's leg?.

• Does the 81st Precinct still provide a civilian program academy? The answer is yes.
• Where is the impact zone located? The answer is by Lafayette Ave. and Monroe St., and Malcolm X Blvd. and Marcus Garvey Blvd.
• Is there sensitivity training provided to police officers on how to interact with youth in the community? The answer is that while there isn't Bed-Stuy specific training, all NYPD officers undergo this training to deal with a variety of groups throughout the city.

Executive Board Report from Catherine Arline

Arline announced that this would be the last official community council meeting until September, and they would adjourn for the summer.

The council's bank account was closed due to high service fees. A banker confirmed that their account was labeled as a business account and not a non-profit, resulting in the high service fees. If they are able to get a waiver for the $120 owed in service fees, they will continue to use their current bank. Otherwise, they will look for a new bank in the neighborhood. 

The 81st Precinct Community Council Summer Program will once again take place this year, at a fee of $170 for the summer. Children in the program will participate in both educational and recreational activities.

Condolences were offered to Mrs. Hunter, who recently lost her daughter, and Mrs. Clarke, who recently lost her husband.

Special Appearance by Council Lady Darlene Mealy

Meeley announced that the 81st Precinct will receive city funds to continue their outreach programs within the community.

Legislation was recently passed regarding domestic violence, where if the spouse or female has a gun in their home when police are called to the scene, it must be removed.

Legislation was also passed regarding to contracts.  The city now cannot lay off workers without first going through the union.

Advisory board meetings will take place at Meeley's office every first Saturday of the month, from 10:00am-12:00pm, at 1757 Union St.

No firehouses or senior centers have been closed in the 41st Council District.

Announcements

The 9th Annual "Bless My Ride" Car Show will take place at M.S. 35 from 9:00am-6:30pm

A closing prayer took place and the meeting was adjourned.