Senator Stavisky, Assemblymember Braunstein and Assemblymember Rosenthal call on NYPD Commissioner to create a new precinct in Northeast Queens

QUEENS- Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Assemblymember Edward Braunstein and Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal sent a letter to NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell requesting the creation of a new police precinct to oversee the College Point, Whitestone and Bay Terrace neighborhoods. These communities currently fall within the 109^th police precinct, which is based in downtown Flushing. Because of the large area covered by the precinct and the growing population, residents in these communities have described being neglected and insufficient oversight by the department. These concerns have been magnified by an increase in crime.

“We take the safety of our constituents very seriously, says Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D- Queens). “The officers stationed in the 109^th precinct do an admirable job with the resources they have. Population growth in the area, especially in downtown Flushing, has stretched them too thin. I believe we can establish a new precinct for the College Point, Whitestone and Bay Terrace communities at reduced cost to the taxpayers. Residents in these neighborhoods deserve the peace of mind that an increased police presence will provide.”

"The 81% year to date increase in crime within the confines of the 109th Precinct is extremely alarming" says Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal (D-Whitestone). "This crime epidemic continues to be exacerbated by the loss of officers to adjacent jurisdictions from a precinct that is already spread to its operational limits. I earnestly join my colleagues and Whitestone residents in requesting this vital allocation of an additional precinct for our communities."

"I join my colleagues in calling on the Adams Administration to consider the request for a new Northeast Queens police precinct,” says Assemblyman Edward Braunstein (D- Bayside). “The 109th Precinct is one of the largest in the City and its officers work hard in spite of being overstrained. A new police precinct would not only alleviate this existing pressure but help improve response time, expand police coverage and be an asset to the Northeast Queens community.”

In their letter, the lawmakers suggest that the newly created precinct be based at the Police Academy in College Point. They believe this to be a convenient, cost effective solution that would save on land acquisition and construction costs for a new headquarters.