Question of the Day: Private Security?
On the same day last week, we heard in the morning from a policeman that the 88th Precinct (Fort Greene and Clinton Hill) had finally gotten a boost in manpower and in the afternoon that our neighbor across the street had been robbed the night before. We’re wondering what people think about the idea of…
On the same day last week, we heard in the morning from a policeman that the 88th Precinct (Fort Greene and Clinton Hill) had finally gotten a boost in manpower and in the afternoon that our neighbor across the street had been robbed the night before. We’re wondering what people think about the idea of supplementing the local police force with some private security. Our GC told us he thinks the local “bad guys” won’t be put off by rent-a-cops. Other people have said that bringing in private security would only antagonize relations between gentrifiers and old-timers. We’re sure other people’s response will be “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” But if you’ve already committed to being in a neighborhood, should political correctness stop you from doing everything you can to ensure the safety of your family? Is passing the hat to your neighbors to raise money for a night-time patrol realistic?
I am Brownstoner’s AFRICAN AMERICAN neighbor and friend who was robbed. I see the diversity lasting indeed in our fantastic Clinton Hill neighborhood. We bought our house four years ago, have two young kids and don’t plan on leaving any time soon. Some of my African American as well as white neighbors have lived on the block for years and have no intention of selling either. U
I love most of my neighbors and do not look at them with any suspecion except for the a few in a nearby house. They only took about $325 dollars and left behind all electronics, we believe they were junkies looking for a fix. We were not injured and isn’t that what matters?
Wow, you own a plasma TV??? You must be rich. I can’t even afford one.
Lefferts place poster-can you post your email as well? I’d be interested in talking with you.
By the way, since the fact that we have a plasma tv seems to have become a symbol of our unending riches, let it be known that we inherited it from our boss when our company moved last. You’d never catch us dropping $5K on tv, that’s for sure!
Lefferts Place commenter, can you email us at brownstoner@brownstoner.com? Thanks.
whoa, that’s blasphemy.
I agree with BigBubba. Originally, I was priced out of Manhattan, but I’ve come to really love Brooklyn. I don’t think I’m kidding myself, but if I won Lotto and money were no object, I’d still want to live in Brooklyn. Maybe I’d buy a bigger, nicer place here, but I honestly don’t think I’d move back to Manhattan.
Matt, I beg to differ. Not everyone is in Bklyn because they were forced to leave Manhattan. I have never had much of a desire to live in Manhattan. I have a net worth well into the seven figures and and I make over 10 times the median household income for NY. I don’t know if that qualifies me as “rich”, but I sure ain’t poor and it sure as heck qualifies me to afford Manhattan.
I happen to like Brooklyn. And there are a lot of people buying in places like Park Slope who have similar “credentials”. They too could afford Manhattan or Westchester or Connecticut or whatever. We could afford to live virtually anywhere (except for certain gazillion dollar co-ops on Park Ave). We’re in Bklyn because we like the style of living and we can get more for our money. And yes, even when you have a lot of money, you still want to maximize what your hard-earned dollars get you. Some of us just think Manhattan is a big rip-off. Why live there, when you can get so much more in Bklyn!
Don’t misunderstand me, I really like living in Brooklyn, but let’s face reality, if we were rich, we’d all be living in Manhattan, instead of any of the outer boroughs. I’m sure some won’t admit it, but it’s the truth.