Sen. Klein and City Island Leaders Launch Anti-Vandalism Camera Project

15 Cameras to be Installed Throughout Community

CITY ISLAND, BRONX, N.Y.- State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), announced the long-awaited installation of crime-deterring cameras along City Island Avenue.  
 
The project, which is through the City Island Chamber of Commerce, was funded from a $100,000 capital grant secured by Klein in past years. 
 
Klein’s office worked with the Chamber and the 45th Precinct to identify hotspots for vandalism and then began to approach property owners in those areas to allow for a camera to be installed on their property free of charge.   The cameras will digitally record during evening hours onto a hard drive system, only to be accessed by the Police and Chamber merchants should a criminal incident occur.
 
City Island is a small community, but a major tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The community produces about $4.5 million each year in state and local sales tax, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

“I’m thrilled to be moving forward with this important project for the City Island community,” said Senator Klein “While City Island is a small community, they have suffered from vandalism, particularly on vacant properties. Before a vandal strikes again, they better think twice, or risk getting caught on film.”
 
The 15 cameras will be installed by SiSoft Communications, a vendor selected by the Chamber that  has extensive experience with exterior surveillance at other Bronx locations including the Third Avenue HUB.  SiSoft is also slated to begin work on the Westchester Square region in the coming months.
The Senator also acknowledged Skip Giacco, the President of the City Island Chamber of Commerce, as being the driving force behind getting this project to completion and Captain Russell Green, Commanding Officer of the 45th Precinct as being instrumentally helpful in assisting with selecting camera locations.
 
“A clean and safe environment is both tourist friendly and good for business.  Furthermore it benefits our neighbors, the residents of City Island.” from Skip Giacco of the City Island Chamber of Commerce.
 
“When it comes to crime or safety the Senator has always been extremely responsive” said Bill Stanton, President of the City Island Civic Association. “While we strongly believe these cameras will deter crime the strongest deterrent against crime will be the awareness and good will of City Islanders.”
 
The project is scheduled to be complete during the month of June and the start of the summer season.
 
Those with any questions are encouraged to call Senator Klein’s Office at (718) 822-2049. 

-30-