Residents packed the American Legion Hall last week to learn more about Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano’s plan to turn the Police Department’s 5th Precinct, which serves Valley Stream, into a “community policing center.”
Many community members had questions about how this would affect public safety, while others disparaged the plan, which would merge the 5th Precinct in Elmont with the 4th in Hewlett. It would reduce the number of precincts in the county from eight to four, and is expected to save $20 million annually through the elimination of 100 administrative positions.
The Feb. 22 community forum, which lasted nearly two hours, was organized by Valley Stream resident Milagros Vicente along with Envision Valley Stream, a community interest group. Deputy Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter and Victor Politi, deputy county executive for public safety, represented the county. Statements were also made by Legislators Fran Becker and Carrié Solages, whose district includes the 5th Precinct, and Police Benevolent Association President James Carver.
Vicente, who opposes the plan, said that the community forum was a chance for people who work during the day to learn more and have their voices heard. “That was one of the things that really upset me,” she said, “that the administration did not take the time to have a forum like this.”
Carver, along with many residents, expressed concern about how fast county leaders were moving on Mangano’s plan, which was unveiled in late January. Initially, a vote by the full County Legislature was scheduled for Monday, but it was postponed.
Valley Stream resident Juarez Francis said that three to four weeks is not enough time to debate the issue. “When things move that quickly, it’s usually to hide something underneath it,” he said. “I think it does need to be slowed down; it does need to be examined.”
The effect on public safety appeared to be a major concern for residents. Marc Tenzer, president of the Mill Brook Civic Association, wanted to know if the three patrols that cover South Valley Stream would be affected, and what would become of the police substation at the Green Acres Mall.
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