Double-Digit Increase in Clinton Hill Crime Rate

the car break-ins are a pain in the ass, and very predictable on certain blocks. One would think the cops could set up a night to catch the assholes who are doing it. Just lay low in a tinted car with out-of-state license plates. I guarantee someone will come along and break the glass at around 2:30am.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 10:14 AM

Assigning rookies to stand on corners and walk sidewalks absolutely deters this kind of crime, when people see things in cars through the windows and nobody is around so they bust in and grab it.

Having large areas of quiet residential streets without major commercial arteries nearby is tough. It's more picturesque but with less people and traffic going by people feel they can get away with more.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 10:15 AM

This is definitely a step in the right direction. I applaud whoever went out and was able to get this media coverage.

The CPOP cop needs to be at every Clinton Hill Association meeting - if there even is one in the 88th.

Next step should be to assemble at the precinct with media coverage and all. Worked when I lived in the 70th.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 10:20 AM

WORD!

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 10:46 AM

Is this a surprise?

Clinton Hill is not a safe neighborhood. My friend who lives on Clinton has been jumped twice now in the past year. And he's a big guy.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 10:48 AM

Crime is actually exploding across the city this year Murder (the only truly reliable stat) is up TWENTY-ONE PERCENT YTD citywide = Flat in Brooklyn North (Clinton Hill) and up 23% in Brooklyn South (Park Slope and Cobble Hill inc.)

Murder is up 42% in the Bronx; 33% on Staten Island; 48% in Queens and amazingly - down about 5% in Manhattan

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 10:54 AM

It's not the loss of 4 cops. The problem is that big bust in the fall of all those gang members from the projects. Now every little sh*t wannabe in the neighborhood is staking a claim. That bust created a vacuum.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 11:09 AM

Economy down. Crime up. It's that simple. After years of gentrification, the tide is reversing. Let's hope there won't be any sensational crime story that shocks the city or nation to break out from Brooklyn. Otherwise - watch out for your property value.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 11:13 AM

Actually morons.

Overall crime in the city is down.

Murder are up slightly, but STILL down over 35% from 2001.

You all do realize that the murder rate last year put NYC in the same category as Provo, Utah in terms of safety, right?

A couple extra murders this year is not a big deal. They go up and down. They really can't go much lower than they already are given that 90% of them are done by/to people who know one another.

Lots of really misinformed people on this thread today. 10:54 and 11:13 lead that pack.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 11:22 AM

Anyone who gets excited by an increase in crime like 11:13 does is a real sick fuck.

YOU, my friend are scarier to me than most criminals.

Go get some therapy.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 11:25 AM

Hahaha. Oddly, these sorts of things don't seems to happen in Park Slope. Interesting. I guess it must be all those scary strollers.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 11:30 AM

where do people get their facts from? murders in 78th precinct are 0 this year, which serves Park slope and parts of Prospect heights. 10:54 if you are going to make up facts at least don't have them be so easily proven incorrect. Now I'm going to verify you cobble hill comment.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_statistics/cs078pct.pdf

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 11:33 AM

Park Slope crime is down this year from 2007, which was already a record low.

Just talked to the guys at the station the other day. They said they don't remember it ever being this quiet.

Good news.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 11:37 AM

Sorry 11:22 not misinformed at all - it isnt "a couple" of extra murders it is 23 "extra" murders. and while yes it is still historically low (modern stats), the rate of increase is alarming (to anyone who works in this field) - especially when the city does not have the resources to address it and the Spitzer/Patterson administrations are paroling violent criminals at a much higher rate then in almost 2 decades.

Think of it like inflation - it is much harder to control inflation AFTER the trend is up - while it is only April, the trend in murder is decidedly up - and calls for immediate action.

BTW - all the other crime catagories (which are lower) are frankly so easily manipulated, re-classified or non-reported that they are of limited value.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 11:40 AM

We need the Mayor to stop focusing on approving luxury condos and increase police presence throughout the entire city. These piece of shyt teens are doing a lot of damage all over NYC.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 11:47 AM

10:54, So how exactly is it that murders are up 23% as you say in "Park Slope and Cobble Hill" this year, when there have been ZERO?

Please explain your math.

If you work in "the field" I'm guessing that means as a mechanic who works on cop cars.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 11:54 AM

I think that crime is down so much that any little thing that happens people flip out. try living in a surburban area in New jersey or Florida and see how much crime there is you would be very suprised. There is more crime there than big cities. The police in those areas have no clue how to combat crime. Here in the city we have and have had the greatest minds in combating crimes. (jack Maple) (Bill Bratton) (Rudy) (Ray Kelly).

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 12:00 PM

Crime in New York has increased by 10,000% in the last 500 years.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 12:06 PM

Crime in New York has increased by 10,000% in the last 500 years.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 12:07 PM

I said murders were up 23% in Brooklyn South - I parenthetically indicated that Cobble Hill and Park Slope are in Brooklyn South (which I mention b/c geographically - they are located in northern Brooklyn) -

I am not trying to mislead anyone - Park Slope has had ZERO murder YTD and Cobble Hill/Carrol Gardens/Red Hook - the 76th Precinct have had 2 YTD - last year there were ZERO for the year.

I also mentioned Brooklyn North numbers and parenthetically mentioned Clinton Hill (which is obviously just a small part of Brooklyn North)

Even in the worst year I dont think Park Slope (78th pct) ever had more than 5 homicides - the statistics I cite isnt about any one neighborhood - but to point out that Homicides (again the only really non-fudgeable crime statistic) are way up this year and I believe it is something the city needs to address immediately

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 12:16 PM

Yes, it looks as though, even at the height of the crack epidemic when NYC saw over 2000 murders, Park Slope still saw only 5 in its worst year.

I always thought it was more dangerous back then.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 12:32 PM

Hmmmmm. White folks with money move into a black neighborhood with no money. Petty crime rate rises.

Go figure.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 12:33 PM

Clinton Hill will be a war zone in a couple of years just like it use to be. I am not sure if the new people who moved in have any clue what it was like not so long ago. It is my opinion that property values will be hit the hardest here out of all other Brooklyn areas

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 12:43 PM

I posted on here before about the increasing crime in Brooklyn, and I was laughed at. "HURRRR< its safer than ever here!!!!"

If you actually walk around Brooklyn it seriously feels different compared to the last couple of years.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 12:48 PM

This has nothing to do with the economy. The losers who commit these crimes wouldn't work even if they were handed a $40/hour union job - it's that simple.

So, Letitia James finds this increase "very, very scary"? I have every faith that she will continue to spend the bulk of her time protesting any and every condo building rather than address this bread-and-butter issue.

This post reminds me of how wonderful it is to not own a car in NYC.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 12:49 PM

This assumption that crime rates are going to skyrocket seems to stem from a racist generalization that black people are dying to take things and hurt white people.

Get over yourselves, people!

In reality, cars get broken into when they are not seen, and this happens when the blocks have less mixed-use buildings.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 12:57 PM

People assume crime's going to go up because the economy is going to shit, poor and working class people are struggling to even afford food, and they're surrounded by some of the wealthiest people in the world. What do you think is going to happen?

You have a real sense of entitlement and a complete and utter lack of understanding how life works if you think people think it's because they're black.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 1:02 PM

To whoever thinks crime is worse in the New Jersey suburbs, here are some common stats:

Crime statistics for Rutherford, NJ:

Murders: 0
Rapes: 0
Robberies: 0

Crime rate: 86 (US Average: 388). Ridiculously below average crime rate in a huge town full of 19th century Victorians about 15 minutes to Manhattan.

deep suburbs

Blomingdale, NJ:

Murders: 0
Rapes: 0
Robberies: 0
Assaults: 0
Crime rate: 52 (US Average: 388)

There's a reason why everyone escaped to the suburbs, etc., when things in Brooklyn got bad. My tip: invest in Jersey real estate. The crime's only going to get worse in NYC because of the huge economic disparity that's absolutely crushing the "other half".

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 1:08 PM

Somehow the label 'Creep' just doesn't go with the thug tone of the warning. What exactly would "we" do if "we" got to him/her first? Just asking.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 1:08 PM

I dont put much stock into non-homicide crime stats especially over a short period of time (could simply be new Brass not willing to downgrade everything to a trespass or a petit larceny) BUT - Robbery is a very serious crime and quite scary and while who knows if these trends really mean anything - trying to make them out to be a bunch of white people scared for their cars is exactly the kind of purposeful indifference that allows crime to grow -

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 1:11 PM

"You have a real sense of entitlement and a complete and utter lack of understanding how life works if you think people think it's because they're black."

The problem is that the kids doing it, regardless of their race, have a sense of entitlement. They se someone has something and they want it. They don't recognize that the car owner who has something has it because they worked for it. That's a self-entitled attitude. It's not self-entitled to think that if you pay your mortgage and car payments you should get to keep you stuff and be safe on the streets.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 1:11 PM

7604 people live in Bloomingdale, New Jersey.

Are you REALLY comparing that to a borough of almost 2.5 million people?

Surely even YOU are not that ignorant.

Your post is ABSURD!!!

Invest in NJ real estate? Are you kidding? So I can pay 20K a year in taxes to fund a bankrupt state, or better yet...kill myself from boredom from the all of 7000 people in the town.

No thanks.

Prices in NJ are tumbling so fast, people are clearly getting REALLY desperate.

You work with the What?

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 1:13 PM

For all of you experts on crime:

1 800 RECRUIT

They are hiring.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 1:19 PM

Prices in New Jersey are tumbling some areas, rising in others, much like in NYC. Tumbling: beach front condos, which is similar to the condo prices tumbling at Rockaway Beach in Queens. Upper Montclair? Prices are rising, much like Park Slope.

Of course, what you get in Jersey are ridiculously safe neighborhoods, quicker commutes into Manhattan by train, free access to the best public schools in the nation, etc.

I don't own property or work in New Jersey, I just like showing people that the world isn't just Brooklyn (to those who moved here from the Midwest and know nothing about the NYC metro area).

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 1:30 PM

New Jersey is a cesspool.

EVERY person I know who moved there (many, coincidentally from Park Slope) all wish they could move back.

They miss living in a city, being able to be a part of a community, interracting with others, having every kind of restaurant imaginable within walking distance and in the case of Park Slope, one of the best schools in the city.

They all regret their decision to move. I don't know one family, who wouldn't move back if they could.

Are there brownstones in Upper Montclair? Why exactly are you posting here?

Sales down for the month and need to snatch a few city dwellers away.

BTW, 4000 sf McMansions are NOT the wave of the future, in case you missed that memo.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 1:36 PM

Newark, Trenton, Irvington - ridiculously safe. I don't think so. Like NY, NJ has good spots and bad. Probably more good considering the population density is much lower than NY. BTW, nobody from the midwest wants to write home from NJ. You may as well move back.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 1:39 PM

Somehow the label 'Creep' just doesn't go with the thug tone of the warning.

Thugs don't write"warning" notes.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 2:01 PM

March 25th....Sanjeev Seekoomar, 34, was found on Tuesday morning stabbed to death in his basement apartment at 326 Carroll Street in Carroll Gardens, the police said. The door to the apartment was pushed in and the apartment ransacked, indicating a possible burglary or robbery, but motive was being investigated, the police said.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 2:01 PM

1:11 most of the people who live in that hood and have cars got them from there mommies in more cases then buying them from hard earned money. Thats why this hood is so at risk. Most of the buyers are people who would not have had the downpayment without mom and dad and when they lose there low paying job and have a huge morgage in a downward market they are toast. No more Helocs for the slackers

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 2:05 PM

2:05 I think you're probably wrong, but even if you are right how does that give these little shyts the right to take someone else's stuff? It doesn't. These kids who cry about being oppressed because of their race ought to knock the chip off their own shoulder and go get a job to earn what they want. If your crack mother didn't buy you a car, that doesn't give you the right to take someone else's stuff.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 2:21 PM

"Thugs don't write 'warning' notes."

That too. "We", are you out there? What would you do?

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 2:42 PM

1:11 I agree they should get jobs and people should not steal. However this hood has been like that for years. They were there first and the newer people assumed the risk by buying in such an iffy hood. Anybody who moved there with a young family not think of saftey is foolish. This area is more suitable for a young male who can protect themselves. That is the ghetto

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 2:46 PM

If the cops wouldve been more occupied to controll the homeless criminals from the project buildings around the corner rather than give tickets for idiotic reasons, crime wouldve shot down.
This ticket surge made cops forget their purpose.
A Hurt Clinton Hiller

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 2:58 PM

2:46: Another ridiculous assessment of how racism works!

If any sweeping generalization is to be made about this topic in terms of race (codeword: safety, codeword: they were here first), it is that you're probably safer as a white person when you're surrounded by black people in a black neighborhood.

In these turnaround neighborhoods like CH and BS, there are a lot more cops around

And many black people perceive (both rightly and wrongly) that they can do damage to one another until the cows come home, BUT taking a white person's stuff or life or safety will lead to a strong police response.

Of course saying this leads to an assumption that black people are more violent than white people, which is something that you would really have to qualify. I have lived most of my (considerably long) adult life as a white person in a couple of black neighborhoods, and I don't see any evidence for black people being more violent, or more likely to want to take your stuff. That's just racist.

But I do see a lot of young black men hurting eachother. That is violence, and it is sad and scary to watch, but it doesn't impact me on anything more than an existential level--they are not out to get me.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 3:05 PM

I'm sorry but this is soooooo funny. When there is a report on crime in Bed-Stuy or Crown Heights it's because they're the ghetto; when it happens in Clinton Hill it's because of its "large areas of quiet residential streets" and being "more picturesque" (as per commenter #2). Thanks for a good chuckle!!!

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 3:23 PM

2:46

That's a backward assessment of how race (codeword: safety) (codeword: they-were-here-first) works!

If there is any sweeping generalization to make about crime in terms of race, it is that you are probably much safer as a white person in a crowd of black people in an "iffy" neighborhood than you would be anywhere else for these reasons:

1. There are more cops in these "hoods-to-nabes" than many other places in the city.

2. And many black people (both rightly and wrongly) perceive that the cops do not give a damn if they kill one another, but that they'll be in deep doo-doo if they touch one silky white hair on anyone's white head.

This is not to say that black people are inherently any more violent than white people are. But it is true (as true as a generalization can be) that black people are more afraid of cops than white people are, and for good reasons.

Crimes like this are crimes of opportunity and happen in every neighborhood where there are plenty of opportunities. Even white ones. To turn this into a conversation about who-was-here-first and what is "safe" is to air your own racism. Black people have no inherent desire to take your stuff or hurt you, even if they also have less than you do.

Think about it. You have less stuff than the average billionaire. But you don't go mugging the people on 5th avenue for their furs and whatnot, do you? Even if you covet these things, you do not just take them, and you don't do this because you have something to lose.

Why, then, would you assume that black people have so much less to lose than you do that they will just take your stuff because of some primal need to right the big wrong of slavery or to take care of their "entitlement" or whatever?

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 3:26 PM

3:05 you need to learn how to read. I never said anything about black people that is your little adjective. Did you go to school in the Clinton Hill school district?

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 3:37 PM

3:37/2:46:

Learn how to read? And the pot called the kettle what, again?

(ha!)

What I am saying is that this kind of talk about "those people" who "were here first" in that "unsafe neighborhood" is all about race. I am saying that you *didn't* say black people. I'm saying you didn't have to.

I read _you_ fine.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 3:59 PM

Check the crime stats for the hood lately... seems like they are on the way down again over the last 28 days. I think the Post is a day late and a dollar short on their story but who knows. I tend to find everything in there alarming and sensationalized because the media knows fear sells better than hope.

www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/precincts/precinct_088.shtml

If you are aware of your surroundings your, whether in Iraq or Brooklyn are likely to go down.. just remember that. Be alert... you'll be fine in Clinton, Greene, the Slope or Bed Stuy (which by the way is also on the up and up). Sure it might slow down because of the economy but it won't become a war zone overnight. Jeez... I'm a white dude and after reading these posts it's abundantly clear that Clinton Hill is the new Fort Greene, which is the new Slope.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 4:41 PM

i think it's too bad that everyone is calling one another names and diluting the issue. the real problem is that it's not safe to walk around our beautiful neighborhood. a lot of us, black and white, really love it here. it doesn't matter how we arrived - the point is, we live here now and the place we call home is becoming increasingly dangerous.

let's turn our energy away from the negativity on this blog and devote it to a neighborhood watch or a keep the streets safe campaign. isn't that more effective?

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 4:42 PM

i think it's too bad that everyone is calling one another names and diluting the issue. the real problem is that it's not safe to walk around our beautiful neighborhood. a lot of us, black and white, really love it here. it doesn't matter how we arrived - the point is, we live here now and the place we call home is becoming increasingly dangerous.

let's turn our energy away from the negativity on this blog and devote it to a neighborhood watch or a keep the streets safe campaign. isn't that more effective?

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 4:44 PM

Check the crime stats for the hood lately... seems like they are on the way down again over the last 28 days. I think the Post is a day late and a dollar short on their story but who knows. I tend to find everything in there alarming and sensationalized because the media knows fear sells better than hope.

www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/precincts/precinct_088.shtml

If you are aware of your surroundings your, whether in Iraq or Brooklyn are likely to go down.. just remember that. Be alert... you'll be fine in Clinton, Greene, the Slope or Bed Stuy (which by the way is also on the up and up). Sure it might slow down because of the economy but it won't become a war zone overnight. Jeez... I'm a white dude and after reading these posts it's abundantly clear that Clinton Hill is the new Fort Greene, which is the new Slope.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 4:44 PM

This neighborhood wasnt ever safe. Just because some new peeps move in doesnt make everything safer. 2 new condos arent going to clean up the neighborhood. funny to hear people talk about clinton hill, fort greene and bed stuy being "safe neighborhoods". Thats hilarious.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 4:55 PM

This neighborhood wasnt ever safe. Just because some new peeps move in doesnt make everything safer. 2 new condos arent going to clean up the neighborhood. funny to hear people talk about clinton hill, fort greene and bed stuy being "safe neighborhoods". Thats hilarious.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 4:56 PM

ok ive been living here for 6 months. my girlfriend has worked in the neighborhood for 2 years...in that time i have seen some slight improvements. and ive never been messed with nor has my girlfriend. if people think this is a completely unsafe neighborhood then they are out of touch. Im sorry but i feel completely safe and have no problems. ive come home piss drunk and walked a few blocks in the hood at 2am with no probs....aside from all of this...we do live in new york.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 5:20 PM

No hood is safe. I lived in Gramercy Park before moving to the Hill... some kid was murdered right in Union Square next to the subway stop I went to everyday. Saw the blood on the pavement. It's only because Clinton Hill is a mixed neighborhood that the issue of race comes up. Be better parents. Be better teachers. Your service is far greater served more cops.

Also the whole notion of Slope vs. Clinton vs whatever is hilarious. This is Brooklyn folks. Not some she-she I live on X Block Manhattan. I moved here to leave the pissing contest but it seems no matter were you go in New York, there's one to find.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 5:39 PM

Where is Clinton Hill?

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 5:45 PM

5:20 and 5:39

Your (limited) anecdotes are effectively meaningless.

"Safe" is a subjective term, the real issue is - what is the likelihood of being the victim of a (violent) crime. No matter how much people dislike statistics, it is the only way to come close to answer this question. Even then each person (potential victim) is different based on many many factors.

However, the idea that you are equally likely to be a victim of a crime in every neighborhood is frankly ridiculous. Even if you limit it to being hit by a stray bullet - some neighborhoods just have more bullets flying then others; nor does the fact that within a 6mo-2yr period you haven't been victimized give any real indication of an areas overall crime rate.

Being "aware" (and being 6'5 250lbs) helps, but unfortunately in some areas you are simply more likely to be a victim of crime - whether you are "safe" or not - is a personal decision.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 6:02 PM

Just went to get my radio out of my car. 15 years ago, there is NO WAY I would have left said radio in the car in the first place. So a little perspective is in order. This is, after all, the city.

But the opportunity point is well taken. Don't give the opportunity in the first place, and you'll in all likelihood be okay.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 6:21 PM

just writing in to report a shootout in the vic. of Madison or Monroe & Nostrand Ave. at approx. 9:30 p.m. tonight... first there were shots, then police cars arrived, then there were more shots...

sorry i have no more details, i was too scared to look out the window. i am too scared to walk the streets.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 10:17 PM

just writing in to report a shootout in the vic. of Madison or Monroe & Nostrand Ave. at approx. 9:30 p.m. tonight... first there were shots, then police cars arrived, then there were more shots...

sorry i have no more details, i was too scared to look out the window. i am too scared to walk the streets.

Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 10:17 PM

same poster at 10:17...there were more shots abt 45 mins after I wrote the first post... coming more from jefferson & nostrand this time.

very scary. each time I heard police sirens, but seems like there should have been MORE! i want to hear an army coming out here to stop the violence! (yes, i realize the irony of my statement)

Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:06 AM

50 yrs ago clinton hill was safe??? great, good thing im 24 yrs old and could care less. lets talk about the neighborhood in the past 15 yrs....WARZONE. and who is living out on jeff and nostrand and worried about gun shots? man you must not have been alive in the 90's

Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:02 AM

I cannot even muster the strength to comment here. This is just an absurd conversation. There's a spike in crime around Pratt. Everybody wants to explain it their way. People got jumped by wilding teenagers. It sucks. Really sucks. It should not happen and it is not OK.

Posted by: guest at June 13, 2008 4:31 PM

It is not a “white-black” thing as much as a “poor-not poor” thing

In parts of Long Island where it is all white (not Brentwood – mostly Central American or Wyndanch - mostly black), the poor white steal and beat up the not-poor white.

I say “not –poor” because I own a condo, I own a car (even though it is 10yrs old and on its last leg) and I have a 6 figure job, but you need a 6 figure job to keep up an even modest life-style with these property prices. I am also VERY far from middle class and rich…I am just comfortable.

It becomes a white-black issue because it so happens that in this area most of the poor are black and we have a lot of white people who have moved in that weren’t here during the less “picturesque” days.

At the heart of the issue it is always the same thing: education, parental involvement and opportunity. Few people (including their parents) care about these kids. They prefer to see them as future ex-cons than to invest the time and energy into helping them (big brothers/sisters, after school programs). You see most of these kids in elementary school and you can see they want to do well, want to help in school and you have to wonder, when does it change? It begins in the home. I come from a single parent home where my mom had to work 3 jobs and couldn’t be there for us, but I wanted more for myself so understood my mom did her best. My sister is a statistic. 25yrs old, HS drop out, 3 kids from 3 fathers. She was in serious need of my mom and my mom couldn’t be there.

You want to make a difference? Start an after school program. Join a BB/BS program in one of those neighborhoods and show kids people care about them. It won’t solve the problem as quickly as fighting for more police ( which could feed into “it’s the police against us” mentality) but in the long run it improves the quality of life for everyone and your soul.

I grew up in Far Rockaway from 1981-2000, WAY before it started getting “better” and trust me Clinton Hill is NOT a war zone. But we shouldn’t let it get like this. The point of this blog was to address an issue, not talk about why the people committing the crimes are doing it. Let’s focus on fixing the immediate problem, then work on fixing the root cause.

I wrote a lot of crap here, I know. I just wanted to share with you from someone who grew up like these kids or know too many people like them that you aren’t born a criminal. Hate my comment; write more comments bashing it or whatever, just make sure to also add how to address these issues.

I personally like the idea of going to the 88th to request more patrols and writing letters to the Commish. As long as you put in an hour a week to helping the kids too.
-Carlos
cruiz78@hotmail.com
(I won't hide behind the "guest" log on)

Posted by: guest at June 16, 2008 10:58 AM