City Island Civic Association

Note: Michael Shanley is co-president of the PTA at PS 175.

From: Michael Shanley
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2009 11:23 AM
Subject: Meeting at the 45th

Dear friends and neighbors,

Many of you who were unable to attend last evenings meeting at the 45th precinct emailed me requesting an update. What follows is a brief summary of a very successful and encouraging meeting.

Notes

In a show of unity and cooperation, leaders and members of every major City Island organization and institution packed the meeting room of the 45th Police Precinct last evening, Thursday, June 4th for the final community outreach meeting before the summer recess.

Once the meeting was officially opened, Bill Stanton, president-City Island Civic Association, introduced the organizations representing the City Island community. They included the Civic Association, Chamber of Commerce, Garden Club, City Island Little League, PTA-PS 175, Parent Coordinator- PS175, Leonard Hawkins Post-American Legion and all four houses of worship among others. There was also an impressive force of retired NYPD as well as citizens not affiliated with any particular organization. Representing the press was News 12-The Bronx, The New York Post, The Bronx Times Reporter and our very own Island Current.

Stanton went on to outline some of our communities most pressing concerns including a questionable business on City Island Avenue, on-going traffic problems and the problem of most concern - drug sales and use in our neighborhood. The meeting continued with personal testimonies from those gathered about the deteriorating situation we are now facing. The 45th Precinct has assured us that their increased presence on City Island will continue but could not elaborate on, but alluded to, ongoing investigations. They were pleased with the assurance of complete cooperation we as a community will offer them. A detective from Bronx Narcotics gave a confidential tip line telephone number to be used for any useful information regarding any drug activity. The number to call is 718-653-7372.

As we are all aware, this is a very complicated issue that will require a multi pronged response. Law enforcement is only one aspect of it. It is imperative that we, as a community, are united behind every effort to eliminate this scourge from our community and help those most directly affected.

I am attaching a flyer about a teen alcohol forum on June 14th @ 5:00PM at Grace Church, the forum sponsor.

Regards,
Michael Shanley