New York, NY – Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Council Member Debi Rose today announced new security measures for the Port Richmond area of Staten Island. New lights and cameras will be installed throughout the Port Richmond Business Corridor as well as safety zones to be established at specific locations in the area. This comes on the six month anniversary of the I AM SI coalition’s launch of the 10-point safety plan for Staten Island announced last summer after a string of hate crimes occurred in the area. They were joined by Make the Road, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Richmond County Savings Foundation and members of the I AM SI coalition including Project Hospitality, Make the Road NY, El Centro, Northfield LDC, civic and community leaders for today’s announcement.
“The Council is proud to have worked with the Port Richmond community and the Department of Transportation over the past six months, and to be able to announce these valuable tools in keeping our streets safe,” said Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Six months ago we witnessed painful and harmful bias attacks. Together, we have worked to move beyond those hateful acts and today we join in announcing this important step in securing safer streets. I thank everyone who was a part of this effort.”
“I commend Speaker Quinn and Commissioner Sadik-Khan for their efforts to improve the safety along the Port Richmond Business Corridor,” said Councilwoman Debi Rose (49th District/Staten Island). “The safety of patrons who want to support local merchants in the Port Richmond area is imperative.”
After a string of hate crimes over the summer of 2010 in Staten Island, the I AM SI coalition plan for the area to combat such crimes and increase safety. Announced in August of 2010, the aggressive plan has brought about multiple safety outreach initiatives including interfaith community involvement, increased funding for local school anti-bias curriculum among other initiatives. Today’s announcement focused on the Port Richmond Business Corridor.
The plan created critical partnerships with Staten Island elected officials, local business leaders, neighborhood associations and citizen groups and includes the following measures:
MORE STREET LIGHTS
The Council along with DOT have partnered to install more lighting in the area where most of the hate crimes happened. After a review of the area, DOT made the recommendation to add new lights to over a dozen areas (see attached map for installation locations). The 1st installation included replacing already existing lights with newer, brighter bulbs along Port Richmond Avenue. Improving the lighting and safety of the Port Richmond area was one of the top priorities coming out of the 10 point plan last summer.
“While the catalyst for these lighting improvements was a dark moment for all New Yorkers, it’s a great example of government working together to make our streets safer for everyone,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.
SECURITY CAMERAS
Throughout the Business Corridor, the Council identified areas that would need security cameras for increased monitoring. The Council spearheaded an effort to raise public-private funds that will go towards providing the cameras for the area. The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation as well as the Richmond County Savings Foundation joined in the efforts to ensure funds were raised for the installation of the cameras.
“The Chamber’s is pleased to be working with City Council Speaker Christine Quinn to bring added security measures to the Port Richmond Area,” said Linda Baran, President and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “A safe environment is an essential component to a thriving business district. I would like to thank the Richmond County Foundation and our local security companies for their support of this important surveillance camera initiative.”
“Richmond County Savings Foundation is proud to support this initiative that will bring much needed services to the Port Richmond community,” said Cesar Claro from the Richmond County Savings Foundation.
“SAFE ZONES” THROUGHOUT PORT RICHMOND
Select local businesses in the area have agreed to identify their location as a safe zone. Launched in November after a neighborhood safety program, businesses opened their doors for anyone who may feel threatened in any way, can go in and seek refuge. They will then be assisted in finding help from the appropriate authorities.
“I thank Speaker Christine Quinn and Council Member Debi Rose for moving forward on steps to improve the safety and therefore the quality of life of Port Richmond and helping to ensure the vitality of this neighborhood,” said Assemblyman Matthew Titone.
“I applaud the joint efforts of Speaker Quinn, Councilwomen Rose, civic leaders and business owners; due to the I am Staten Island campaign, we will have a safer Port Richmond Avenue shopping corridor, and a special note to any ner do wells out there…smile and consider your actions, cause your on camera,” said State Senator Diane Savino.
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