RSS 2.0 FeedJune 24, 2011, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
Freeport village board discusses crime issues
Following the recent uptick in crime, violence is a main issue at Village Board meeting.
Following a recent series of tragic deaths and homicides in Freeport over the past week, Mayor Andrew Hardwick read a statement at Monday’s Village Board meeting addressing the issue and concerns of the public about law enforcement efforts in the village.
“On the surface, when things like this happen, it raises questions. It looks like there’s a lot of crime going on, but it’s not the case,” Mayor Hardwick said.
He noted that the shooting of a woman at Mill Pond was a “personal attack” and the woman whose body was found in a burning car “on June 10 was killed somewhere else, not Freeport.”
Another fatality was the victim of a hit-and-run accident, but Freeport police arrested two suspects in connection with the crime, including the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident.
“The people who committed these heinous crimes don’t even live here,” he said. The Freeport Police Department and Nassau County police “will take every measure to find these people that committed these acts.”
The mayor had high praise for the Police Department and noted some recent successes. “Our Police Department is doing everything they can to ensure that Freeport is one of safest communities.”
He cited statistics of a 26% drop in crime while the number of traffic summonses and quality-of-life summonses issued is up and recent arrests made for some serious crimes.
But he urged Freeport residents to “do better” in supporting the Police Department, especially if they witness a crime being committed. “If you see something, say something,” he said, echoing the familiar theme of Mayor Michael Bloomberg on the need to be vigilant about possible terrorist activity.
Later during public comment, Peggy Lester said the public perception is of rising crime in Freeport and the Police Department needs “a more visible public image,” such as a checkpoint at the entrances to the village. “A visual presence would go a long way in how public perceives Freeport,” she said. “The perception is very disturbing to me.”
But the mayor noted that the number of recent arrests “is phenomenal. They’re (the Police Department) are doing things we can’t imagine.”
Police Chief Miguel Bermudez said his department is “not only reactive, but proactive.” He cited an increase of 24% in the total number of arrests, with juvenile arrests rising by 56%.
He also said the situation at the Long Island Rail Road station has improved. “It used to be a big problem, but over a 120-day period we issued over 100 summonses to people who used to loiter there.”
He added, “We still have a way to go; but they’re out there working very, very hard and showing results.”
During public comment, former Deputy Village Attorney Stephen Malone used the law enforcement issue to call for the trustees to pressure the mayor to eliminate the two uniformed officers posted on either side of the entrance to the meeting room during the Village Board meeting.
“I believe the police can be better deployed Monday night,” Mr. Malone said. “The two police in back of the meeting room can better serve the public by being on the street.”
Mayor Hardwick replied, “We’ve gone through this before.” He said he has received various serious threats and the police presence is justified. “It’s not up to you, sir.”
Another speaker, Charles Hawkins, praised the Police Department for its “tremendous response time” in a recent situation. He added though that some criminals have the perception “that they can come here and dump bodies and commit a crime.” (See page 10 for the full text of the mayor’s statement.)
Armory acquisition?
Mr. Malone and other speakers, including Carol Martinez and Mark Davella, expressed opinions about the possibility of Freeport acquiring the former National Guard armory.
Mr. Malone asked if the building was inspected to determine the presence of asbestos, lead-based paint and the condition of the roof and the heating and air-conditioning system.
Mayor Hardwick said there is “no final answer with the armory. We’re still waiting to hear. I don’t know if we could receive it.” He also said that he did not know if the state agency that currently controls the armory “will let the building go.” He added, “It has to go through the state Senate and the Assembly.”
Ms. Martinez expressed concern about a bill in the state Assembly, introduced by Deputy Speaker Earlene Hooper, who represents part of Freeport, Roosevelt and Hempstead.
She said the bill would transfer the armory for $1 and that it would be used as a half-way house for troubled youth.
“I have some serious concerns about this,” said Ms. Martinez. “It’s creating a special place that will cause a decrease in property values. It seems very institutional. Who’s going to maintain order?”
“We didn’t write the bill,” said Mayor Hardwick, and that the bill contains provisions “I didn’t particularly care for. I’m not looking to have a home for troubled youth; it’s not something we need in that location. We don’t want to be involved with that.”
He added that “before we say yes, the public will have to weigh in. We don’t need it that bad. The mayor also repeated that he did not know when the building would become available, but that the village would want the proposed bill amended to negate any provision for an institution for troubled youth.
He said the building could be an asset to alleviate overcrowded conditions in other village government facilities, including the Police and Building Departments. It could also be used for after-school programs.
Regular agenda
Under the regular agenda, trustees approved a $21,664 grant application with the U.S. Department of Justice for enforcement of quality-of-life issues.
Anthony Miller praised the participation of the Police Department in a recent community workshop on its quality-of-life enforcement efforts.
Trustees accepted the completion of the Freeport Memorial Library Roof Replacement Project at a final cost of $117,000. The cost was shared between the village and the library, which had received a $58,000 bond.
Mayor Hardwick said the village saved about $350,000 in the project if it had undertaken the project in 2010. “We did the right thing,” he said.
Mr. Malone disputed the savings to the village, stating that the residents paid the entire project costs through library taxes.
