84 Precinct Council Meeting in Dumbo (Tue, March 18, 2008)

Yesterday’s crime post touched a nerve with Dumbo residents (66 comments and counting). Some of the comments have turned into a “yuppie/gentrifier” vs “old-timer” thread. Some fault the new residents for not being street aware (i.e. a real New Yorker) and need to fight back and others say that the thugs don’t care who you are and will target anyone. Whatever your view is, we need to look out for eachother and take steps to make our community a better place for everyone.

The 84 Precinct will hold a community council meeting next Tuesday (Tuesday, March 18, 7pm) in Dumbo and will address the recent crimes in Dumbo and North Brooklyn.

The meeting will be held at Phoenix House, 50 Jay Street, between Plymouth and Water. Refreshments will be served and transportation will be provided. (Call Community Affairs, 718-875-6850, to arrange transportation within the 84th Precinct.)”

As one commenter put it, “if we want increased police presence in this neighborhood then we have to work together to make our safety issues known. As I was told this morning, one call isn’t going to do it. If you have time, please make an effort to contact our municipal officials to let them know that this is an issue that we are all very concerned about.

{84th Precinct Community Council Meeting Flyer (pdf)}
{Increased Crime in Dumbo at Night, 11Mar2008}

62 Comment

  • I was the victim of the mugging Friday night at Front and Washington streets. After reading all the comments from the previous post, I’m appalled at all the accusations and hate being flung around.

    Whether I have lived in Dumbo 2 days of 20 years, whether I’m poor or rich, whether I lack all street sense or am a real-life Rambo doesn’t matter. The proximity of the Farragut Houses is irrelevant. There’s nothing elitist about the simple expectation of crossing the street from one’s home to buy some pet food, and being able to return without suffering a fractured face and multiple other injuries.

    Look, self-defense is a great idea. But nothing would have changed if I had had a gun or knife or karate training or anything. You see, these three didn’t surround me, threaten me and then strike. There was no fight. I never saw it coming. According to witnesses, one of them whacked me in the head with a pipe and I was out cold, then the others pounced on. No words were ever exchanged, no threatening gestures ever made. Just violence.

    I do take heart from the kindness of neighbors though. Particularly the passer-by who intervened and saved me from perhaps further injury, and got punched in the face by one of the thugs for his trouble. Other neighbors helped locate my wife, call the police and an ambulance and stood by to offer help. I’m most indebted to all of them.

    That’s the spirit we need to kindle in the neighborhood.

  • I was the victim of the mugging Friday night at Front and Washington streets. After reading all the comments from the previous post, I’m appalled at all the accusations and hate being flung around.

    Whether I have lived in Dumbo 2 days of 20 years, whether I’m poor or rich, whether I lack all street sense or am a real-life Rambo doesn’t matter. The proximity of the Farragut Houses is irrelevant. There’s nothing elitist about the simple expectation of crossing the street from one’s home to buy some pet food, and being able to return without suffering a fractured face and multiple other injuries.

    Look, self-defense is a great idea. But nothing would have changed if I had had a gun or knife or karate training or anything. You see, these three didn’t surround me, threaten me and then strike. There was no fight. I never saw it coming. According to witnesses, one of them whacked me in the head with a pipe and I was out cold, then the others pounced on. No words were ever exchanged, no threatening gestures ever made. Just violence.

    I do take heart from the kindness of neighbors though. Particularly the passer-by who intervened and saved me from perhaps further injury, and got punched in the face by one of the thugs for his trouble. Other neighbors helped locate my wife, call the police and an ambulance and stood by to offer help. I’m most indebted to all of them.

    That’s the spirit we need to kindle in the neighborhood.

  • thank you for posting this. i wish you a quick full recovery.

  • thank you for posting this. i wish you a quick full recovery.

  • HyeFye- Damn. So, so sorry you went through that. Hope you are feeling better and I hope these thugs get caught! Thanks for posting about what happened and kudos to the neighbors who helped you out.

  • HyeFye- Damn. So, so sorry you went through that. Hope you are feeling better and I hope these thugs get caught! Thanks for posting about what happened and kudos to the neighbors who helped you out.

  • You sound like a strong dude and I wish you the best in your recovery. Those assholes will eventually get caught.

  • You sound like a strong dude and I wish you the best in your recovery. Those assholes will eventually get caught.

  • Dear HyeFye,

    I am so sorry this happened to you. Thank you for your post. You have incredible self-restraint to have been able to write so gracefully in the light of some of the comments that were sent in yesterday.

    Last night I heard from my friend who was jumped this week and he was furious and absolutely disgusted by some of the statements posted here. My friend had an experience similar to yours, in that the kids surprised him by striking first then talking. Although he did see them in advance and figured they might say something to him or get in his face a little, but no, they’re opening line was to punch him in the temple and then surround him. If you’d like to speak to my friend, who is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, I will email Hide my contact information and if you send him yours too perhaps he can help us get in touch.

    My husband and I have you and your wife in our thoughts.
    -Tracy

  • Dear HyeFye,

    I am so sorry this happened to you. Thank you for your post. You have incredible self-restraint to have been able to write so gracefully in the light of some of the comments that were sent in yesterday.

    Last night I heard from my friend who was jumped this week and he was furious and absolutely disgusted by some of the statements posted here. My friend had an experience similar to yours, in that the kids surprised him by striking first then talking. Although he did see them in advance and figured they might say something to him or get in his face a little, but no, they’re opening line was to punch him in the temple and then surround him. If you’d like to speak to my friend, who is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, I will email Hide my contact information and if you send him yours too perhaps he can help us get in touch.

    My husband and I have you and your wife in our thoughts.
    -Tracy

  • HyeFye:

    I am so sorry to hear that you were victim of those ruthless thugs. I hope you have a speedy recovery. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

  • HyeFye:

    I am so sorry to hear that you were victim of those ruthless thugs. I hope you have a speedy recovery. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Just called Councilman Yassky’s office again. They are getting tons of calls, so thank you to those of you who have picked up the phone.

    If we want more police in the neighborhood then WE ALL MUST ATTEND the 84th precinct meeting next Tuesday. VOTE WITH YOUR FEET EVERYONE and leave work early if you have to. The only way we are going to get a response is by showing up to this meeting in numbers.

  • Just called Councilman Yassky’s office again. They are getting tons of calls, so thank you to those of you who have picked up the phone.

    If we want more police in the neighborhood then WE ALL MUST ATTEND the 84th precinct meeting next Tuesday. VOTE WITH YOUR FEET EVERYONE and leave work early if you have to. The only way we are going to get a response is by showing up to this meeting in numbers.

  • Hyefye,

    Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

  • Hyefye,

    Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

  • My husband and I are moving to an apartment in DUMBO on Monday, and when I first read about these attacks , I got very nervous about our new neighborhood. But, with the exception of the posts from omni-present internet trolls, I am glad to be moving to an area where so many of you care about the safety and well-being of your fellow citizens. As for some people saying it’s a lack of community that contributes to these problems, I think these posts prove the opposite is true. I look forward to being part of the community under the bridges and to meeting some of you around the area.

  • My husband and I are moving to an apartment in DUMBO on Monday, and when I first read about these attacks , I got very nervous about our new neighborhood. But, with the exception of the posts from omni-present internet trolls, I am glad to be moving to an area where so many of you care about the safety and well-being of your fellow citizens. As for some people saying it’s a lack of community that contributes to these problems, I think these posts prove the opposite is true. I look forward to being part of the community under the bridges and to meeting some of you around the area.

  • HyeFye, I’m so sorry you had to go through that experience. Thank you for sharing your story. I heard from someone on our building about it and am spreading the word to our councilman. Do you know or remember what the description of the attackers?

    JD, welcome to Dumbo. Don’t mind the jerks who act tough behind their computers on a blog.

  • HyeFye, I’m so sorry you had to go through that experience. Thank you for sharing your story. I heard from someone on our building about it and am spreading the word to our councilman. Do you know or remember what the description of the attackers?

    JD, welcome to Dumbo. Don’t mind the jerks who act tough behind their computers on a blog.

  • HyeFye, word has spread in my building and many of us are calling Yassky’s office. It’s so unfortunate this had to happen to you and the others, but rest assured that your fellow neighbors are not taking this lightly and we will demand a safer neighborhood.

    On another note, about 3 years ago, before moving to dumbo, I was the victim of a mugging in what would be considered a safe neighborhood. A neighborhood, I’d lived in for over 20 years without incident. I was so shaken up by it that I was almost paranoid about walking down any street after that. I wouldn’t come outside late night, I’d cross the street if I saw someone “suspicious” looking. After a while I realized that these thugs stole my wallet and my spirit. I couldn’t get the wallet back, but I’d be damned if I let them take my confidence and freedom. Please don’t let those thugs take away the freedom of walking your dog, taking a late night summer stroll, or running out for a carton of eggs. It takes time, but soon you’ll feel like your old self again… just more aware. Best of luck to you and your family and I wish you a speedy recovery!

  • HyeFye, word has spread in my building and many of us are calling Yassky’s office. It’s so unfortunate this had to happen to you and the others, but rest assured that your fellow neighbors are not taking this lightly and we will demand a safer neighborhood.

    On another note, about 3 years ago, before moving to dumbo, I was the victim of a mugging in what would be considered a safe neighborhood. A neighborhood, I’d lived in for over 20 years without incident. I was so shaken up by it that I was almost paranoid about walking down any street after that. I wouldn’t come outside late night, I’d cross the street if I saw someone “suspicious” looking. After a while I realized that these thugs stole my wallet and my spirit. I couldn’t get the wallet back, but I’d be damned if I let them take my confidence and freedom. Please don’t let those thugs take away the freedom of walking your dog, taking a late night summer stroll, or running out for a carton of eggs. It takes time, but soon you’ll feel like your old self again… just more aware. Best of luck to you and your family and I wish you a speedy recovery!

  • Again, please call David Yassky’s Office at:

    718-875-5200

  • Again, please call David Yassky’s Office at:

    718-875-5200

  • Why do we have so much grand larceny in our neighborhood. Has there been that many places robbed?

  • Why do we have so much grand larceny in our neighborhood. Has there been that many places robbed?

  • Please keep up the telephone calls to David Yassky’s office. I was out tonight around 9pm and there two cops on foot patrol on Front and Washington Street. I usually do not see cops at this hour.

  • Please keep up the telephone calls to David Yassky’s office. I was out tonight around 9pm and there two cops on foot patrol on Front and Washington Street. I usually do not see cops at this hour.

  • There’s certainly an uptick in police patrols in the last 36 hours. There are two uniformed PO’s walking along Front St. from Washington to Gold since last night.

  • There’s certainly an uptick in police patrols in the last 36 hours. There are two uniformed PO’s walking along Front St. from Washington to Gold since last night.

  • So after all our calls, yes, there are two officers stationed on Bridge and Front st from 2 to 10 pm.

    However, all they do is walk up and down the streets checking car registrations. A real F U from the 84th: “Yeah, we’ll give you more cops, but you’re going to pay for it with parking tickets.”

  • So after all our calls, yes, there are two officers stationed on Bridge and Front st from 2 to 10 pm.

    However, all they do is walk up and down the streets checking car registrations. A real F U from the 84th: “Yeah, we’ll give you more cops, but you’re going to pay for it with parking tickets.”

  • PB, your information is not accurate. The officers stationed on the corner of Bridge and Front Streets are not from the 84th precinct — our precinct doesn’t have enough officers to spare a few extra for Dumbo and Vinegar Hill. These men were pulled over from another precinct and are stationed at the corner until later than 10pm at night. They are great guys and we are very lucky to have them.

    Our neighborhood is NOT adequately covered by the police. This has been acknowledged by both the 84th precinct and Yassky’s office. The 84th makes just about every other part of its district a priority over our Dumbo and Vinegar Hill. The only way this will change is if we all continue to make our concerns heard.

    There is a worry that the people who have been committing assault and robbery in the neighborhood are the same ones who have been aggressively targeting the China Mansion lately. They may have decided to wander down to Front Street now that there are more police watching over this building. http://dumbonyc.com/2007/08/28/china-mansion-167-sands/

    I urge everyone to continue to call the 84th along with David Yassky’s office. And PLEASE ATTEND the 84th precinct meeting tomorrow.

    The meeting will be held at Phoenix House, 50 Jay Street, between Plymouth and Water.

    84th Precinct:
    Precinct: (718) 875-6811
    Community Affairs: (718) 875-6850
    Crime Prevention: (718) 875-6363

    Councilman David Yassky:
    718-875-5200

  • PB, your information is not accurate. The officers stationed on the corner of Bridge and Front Streets are not from the 84th precinct — our precinct doesn’t have enough officers to spare a few extra for Dumbo and Vinegar Hill. These men were pulled over from another precinct and are stationed at the corner until later than 10pm at night. They are great guys and we are very lucky to have them.

    Our neighborhood is NOT adequately covered by the police. This has been acknowledged by both the 84th precinct and Yassky’s office. The 84th makes just about every other part of its district a priority over our Dumbo and Vinegar Hill. The only way this will change is if we all continue to make our concerns heard.

    There is a worry that the people who have been committing assault and robbery in the neighborhood are the same ones who have been aggressively targeting the China Mansion lately. They may have decided to wander down to Front Street now that there are more police watching over this building. http://dumbonyc.com/2007/08/28/china-mansion-167-sands/

    I urge everyone to continue to call the 84th along with David Yassky’s office. And PLEASE ATTEND the 84th precinct meeting tomorrow.

    The meeting will be held at Phoenix House, 50 Jay Street, between Plymouth and Water.

    84th Precinct:
    Precinct: (718) 875-6811
    Community Affairs: (718) 875-6850
    Crime Prevention: (718) 875-6363

    Councilman David Yassky:
    718-875-5200

  • TJ, I’m in total agreement with you about increasing safety in the neighborhood, and I was not aware the new presence wasn’t from the 84th. That’s interesting.

    However for your comment:
    “Our neighborhood is NOT adequately covered by the police.”

    My point was: when it comes to our safety, maybe not. But when it comes to towing cars at 8:05 in the morning or writing tickets for blocking a crosswalk, trust me; this neighborhood is VERY WELL covered by the police.

  • TJ, I’m in total agreement with you about increasing safety in the neighborhood, and I was not aware the new presence wasn’t from the 84th. That’s interesting.

    However for your comment:
    “Our neighborhood is NOT adequately covered by the police.”

    My point was: when it comes to our safety, maybe not. But when it comes to towing cars at 8:05 in the morning or writing tickets for blocking a crosswalk, trust me; this neighborhood is VERY WELL covered by the police.

  • It’s true, sometimes it feels like you can get a ticket on your car before you’ve even come to a full stop. But I’m fine with that if it can help fund at least an adequate police — crime prevention — presence in the neighborhood.

    The officers on the corner of Bridge and Front commented that they found it strange that there are few beat cops in the neighborhood.

    It seems totally irresponsible on the part of city officials to have allowed the conversion of existing buildings and the creation of two high-rises when they can not, or maybe will not bring in enough officers to cover the neighborhood’s steadily increasing population.

  • It’s true, sometimes it feels like you can get a ticket on your car before you’ve even come to a full stop. But I’m fine with that if it can help fund at least an adequate police — crime prevention — presence in the neighborhood.

    The officers on the corner of Bridge and Front commented that they found it strange that there are few beat cops in the neighborhood.

    It seems totally irresponsible on the part of city officials to have allowed the conversion of existing buildings and the creation of two high-rises when they can not, or maybe will not bring in enough officers to cover the neighborhood’s steadily increasing population.

  • We got your back

    Peace,
    Linc

  • We got your back

    Peace,
    Linc

  • I’m all for questioning authority, but let’s quit dissing the cops. I’m always glad to see them around.

  • I’m all for questioning authority, but let’s quit dissing the cops. I’m always glad to see them around.

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  • HyeFye,
    Thanks for sharing your story. I’ve been fortunate, having lived here for over a decade without incident, but your story certainly gives me pause. Just called Yassky’s office. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

  • HyeFye,
    Thanks for sharing your story. I’ve been fortunate, having lived here for over a decade without incident, but your story certainly gives me pause. Just called Yassky’s office. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

  • I attended the meeting and was disappointed by the police’s business-as-usual mindset toward the recent violent crimes in DUMBO. There was little recognition of the seriousness of these crimes and little straight talk about tangible responses.

    Instead, the attitude projected by the police the entire evening was “We are the police. We do our jobs superbly well. We’ve got everything under control.” There were many platitudes spoken about the importance of good community relations, heightened awareness, crime prevention, etc. etc.

    Unfortunately attempts by attendees to recognize the recent violent crimes as a special problem needing special attention seemed to instead be taken by the police as an impugnment of their efficacy which they busied themselves asserting and defending.

    Oddly, the meeting started off with various speeches and formalities including a round of self-congratulation as policemen were given “officers of the month” awards by other policemen and other policemen praised and recognized for their important roles while bewildered attendees politely applauded.

    Statistics were provided on how crime is down in the precinct and lower than other parts of New York (this is the metric by which the police are evaluated, apparently). Comments were made and evidence given of how cooperative, effective, and thorough the department is.

    Finally, the issue of the recent attacks was addressed. The Captain of the precinct, Captain Abel, did acknowledge they formed a pattern. But he then immediately played down their violent nature and significance and gave many vague, bold assurances to the effect that “Your department will keep you safe.”

    He shared that what has been done is a strategic reallocation of officers to DUMBO including some plainclothes ones to the more trafficked areas including the routes out of the subways.

    When pressed for things we could do, we were told 1) call 911 when suspicious groups are observed so that police can question/track such groups as part of information gathering, 2) put cameras outside of buildings to capture evidence for street crimes, 3) have doorman man the front door to serve double duty as watchmen, not just sit inside at desks.

    The above steps seemed not satisfying to many as constituting a vigorous response that would effectively prevent more violent attacks. In that the police were not offering anything more, attendees started to offer suggestions. Incredibly, the most obvious one, getting more officers from the city, was uninteresting to Captain Abel who claimed he had “enough” resources as compared to other precincts.

    Other suggestions like adding police cameras to the streets or hiring private security were diplomatically dismissed. One exasperated woman firmly asked _when_ would a neighborhood watch program be activated. She was told they would look into it and get back at the next meeting.

    One brighter note, I had a private conversation with a representative of our city councilman who was there, cognizant that there is a genuine problem, and helpful about what to do. She advised we collect signatures for a petition for more police resources which our councilman could present to the police commissioner and fight for. A few of us are following up with this.

  • I attended the meeting and was disappointed by the police’s business-as-usual mindset toward the recent violent crimes in DUMBO. There was little recognition of the seriousness of these crimes and little straight talk about tangible responses.

    Instead, the attitude projected by the police the entire evening was “We are the police. We do our jobs superbly well. We’ve got everything under control.” There were many platitudes spoken about the importance of good community relations, heightened awareness, crime prevention, etc. etc.

    Unfortunately attempts by attendees to recognize the recent violent crimes as a special problem needing special attention seemed to instead be taken by the police as an impugnment of their efficacy which they busied themselves asserting and defending.

    Oddly, the meeting started off with various speeches and formalities including a round of self-congratulation as policemen were given “officers of the month” awards by other policemen and other policemen praised and recognized for their important roles while bewildered attendees politely applauded.

    Statistics were provided on how crime is down in the precinct and lower than other parts of New York (this is the metric by which the police are evaluated, apparently). Comments were made and evidence given of how cooperative, effective, and thorough the department is.

    Finally, the issue of the recent attacks was addressed. The Captain of the precinct, Captain Abel, did acknowledge they formed a pattern. But he then immediately played down their violent nature and significance and gave many vague, bold assurances to the effect that “Your department will keep you safe.”

    He shared that what has been done is a strategic reallocation of officers to DUMBO including some plainclothes ones to the more trafficked areas including the routes out of the subways.

    When pressed for things we could do, we were told 1) call 911 when suspicious groups are observed so that police can question/track such groups as part of information gathering, 2) put cameras outside of buildings to capture evidence for street crimes, 3) have doorman man the front door to serve double duty as watchmen, not just sit inside at desks.

    The above steps seemed not satisfying to many as constituting a vigorous response that would effectively prevent more violent attacks. In that the police were not offering anything more, attendees started to offer suggestions. Incredibly, the most obvious one, getting more officers from the city, was uninteresting to Captain Abel who claimed he had “enough” resources as compared to other precincts.

    Other suggestions like adding police cameras to the streets or hiring private security were diplomatically dismissed. One exasperated woman firmly asked _when_ would a neighborhood watch program be activated. She was told they would look into it and get back at the next meeting.

    One brighter note, I had a private conversation with a representative of our city councilman who was there, cognizant that there is a genuine problem, and helpful about what to do. She advised we collect signatures for a petition for more police resources which our councilman could present to the police commissioner and fight for. A few of us are following up with this.

  • Do the cops make time-and-a-half for these meetings, or double overtime?

    At the next meeting, will the cops be giving out plaques to the other cops for coming to the last meeting?

  • Do the cops make time-and-a-half for these meetings, or double overtime?

    At the next meeting, will the cops be giving out plaques to the other cops for coming to the last meeting?

  • Anon, thank you for the great recap of last night’s meeting. There were about 10 of us from my building at last night’s meeting and most of us walked out scratching our heads about whether or not the police really are on top of crime in our neighborhood, or not.

    I’m not sure how to best get a petition going through the neighborhood, but was thinking that if we could start this building by building through each condo board / tenant association we should be able to gather a ton of signatures.

  • Anon, thank you for the great recap of last night’s meeting. There were about 10 of us from my building at last night’s meeting and most of us walked out scratching our heads about whether or not the police really are on top of crime in our neighborhood, or not.

    I’m not sure how to best get a petition going through the neighborhood, but was thinking that if we could start this building by building through each condo board / tenant association we should be able to gather a ton of signatures.

  • Thank you very much for the recap. Is there any way we could get emailed when these meetings are coming up? Unfortunately I don’t check this every day and really would have liked to attend. If anyone else is interested please let me know and I’d be happy to look into it. Maybe even a posting on building websites would be helpful?

  • Thank you very much for the recap. Is there any way we could get emailed when these meetings are coming up? Unfortunately I don’t check this every day and really would have liked to attend. If anyone else is interested please let me know and I’d be happy to look into it. Maybe even a posting on building websites would be helpful?

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  • Hi, i am a victim of a robbery attempted in the dumbo area, this occurred last night in front of 79 Bridge (between Front and York @ around 9:30pm), I actually don’t live in dumbo, I just work in the area, I live in Williamsburg.

    I left my office @ around 9:25, I planned on making the way home by foot (2.5 miles), I left my car parked next to my office (which was already vandalized with graffiti in this area) , I sometimes like the walk home to air out and to keep my parking space for the next day. So I started walking up on Water street, on Water off Jay I saw 3 African American guys/boys coming towards me…for someone who was born and raised in Brooklyn I noticed right away that they looked suspicious, I started being cautious and used street smart skills, the 3 guys past me and I continued walking on Water, I kind of knew and sensed that they are slowly turning back, but I continued walking, I decided to make a right turn on Bridge because Bridge is a bit more exposed then Water, while on Bridge (opposite of 79 Bridge) I heard and saw two guys running past me, I crossed the street when they suddenly jumped me in front of 79 Bridge, one guy jumped full force while putting his arm around my neck, he chocked me and tried pushing me to the ground, I as able to stand still so he pushed me towards the building and started threatening me and ordered to hand over everything I’ve got, the guy who chocked me went for my blackberry which I was holding in my right hand and the other guy went for my pockets, I was resisting them and hung on to my stuff as tight as I was able to, the guy who chocked me put his hand in the pocket of his sweater, pointing with something and said “I’ll shoot you in the head”, I believe he was just pretending to have a weapon, at this point there was another African American guy (who I believe was just a pedestrian) walking down Bridge from Front coming towards us, the two guys sort of backed off but still threatened me, I cried out for help when he walked past us, the guy just looked at me laughed and claimed that he doesn’t have a cell!! Finally a resident from 79 must’ve heard to noise, he looked out the windows and asked “is everything ok?”, when I heard the guy I yelled out “please call help”, I guess that must’ve have scared them away because they took off. I was completely traumatized! I quickly walked back to my car, drove to the scene and called 911, I was informed from the 911 dispatcher that the resident from 79 also called 911. While waiting in my car for the cops to show (about 10-15 minutes) I started feeling pain in my Jaw, I think they may have damaged something in my Jaw.

    While on the phone with 911, the residence (who possibly saved my life) came down to check up on me, he offered to buzz him if I needed anything, I don’t know if I thanked him or not because I was a bit disoriented, so I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to that person, Sir I don’t know who you are but god bless you and god bless NYC for having people like you, Thank you from the depth of my hearth!

    I would like to point out that im by all means not a racist; I have the “greatest respect to all humans from all walks of life” but one must wonder; why is it that certain geographic areas – housing a certain sect of people are so dangers? I know some people live in poverty, but who is at fault? America is a great country, there is opportunity everywhere, one just needs to reach out and try to be successful, there are many very successful & powerful folks, pple of all colors, why is it that there is a large portion chooses not to reach out for a better life? Who makes those areas “dangers”? why do these people choose a criminal life over a normal peaceful life??

    I think the 84th Precinct is doing an amazing job but they are stretched pretty thin, the cops and detective that helped me were really nice and very helpful, but they can only do as much as they can with the amount of resources they currently have, adding more cops on the street is a good start but we know its not going to happen overnight, I think the dumbo folks need to unite and volunteer to protect the neighborhood, no im NOT talking about violence or using weapons, im talking about simply driving around and looking out for those hoodlums, if we see suspicions activity or an attack we try to (safely) stop it and immediately call 911, another great idea…photograph them or take video, produce solid evidence leading to there arrest. If the people in dumbo are serious about there safety then come forward and dedicates 30 minutes or an hour a week for a shift to circle around a block or two, the more arrests the safer you will be, I don’t live in this area but I would be willing to volunteer if other people will come forward. Keep in mind that these guys are not professional criminals, with a few extra pair of eyes you can scare them away and safe peoples mind, money, freedom and possibly lives.

    I will naturally not walk anymore but I must say that I feel that my freedom has been robbed and violated; I should have the right to walk home and enjoy the clear sky!

    Finally if anyone knows the owner or management company of 79 bridge, please get in touch with me, I would like for them to review their security camera from 5/26 around 9:30pm (+/- 10 minutes), it must have recorded their faces – either directly or running towards me, I would recognize them if I see them under the same settings, I would really like these guys arrested, anyone who can help me arrest these guys please contact me @ networktech10@gmail.com a.s.a.p.

    Thanks you and god bless NYC

  • Hi, i am a victim of a robbery attempted in the dumbo area, this occurred last night in front of 79 Bridge (between Front and York @ around 9:30pm), I actually don’t live in dumbo, I just work in the area, I live in Williamsburg.

    I left my office @ around 9:25, I planned on making the way home by foot (2.5 miles), I left my car parked next to my office (which was already vandalized with graffiti in this area) , I sometimes like the walk home to air out and to keep my parking space for the next day. So I started walking up on Water street, on Water off Jay I saw 3 African American guys/boys coming towards me…for someone who was born and raised in Brooklyn I noticed right away that they looked suspicious, I started being cautious and used street smart skills, the 3 guys past me and I continued walking on Water, I kind of knew and sensed that they are slowly turning back, but I continued walking, I decided to make a right turn on Bridge because Bridge is a bit more exposed then Water, while on Bridge (opposite of 79 Bridge) I heard and saw two guys running past me, I crossed the street when they suddenly jumped me in front of 79 Bridge, one guy jumped full force while putting his arm around my neck, he chocked me and tried pushing me to the ground, I as able to stand still so he pushed me towards the building and started threatening me and ordered to hand over everything I’ve got, the guy who chocked me went for my blackberry which I was holding in my right hand and the other guy went for my pockets, I was resisting them and hung on to my stuff as tight as I was able to, the guy who chocked me put his hand in the pocket of his sweater, pointing with something and said “I’ll shoot you in the head”, I believe he was just pretending to have a weapon, at this point there was another African American guy (who I believe was just a pedestrian) walking down Bridge from Front coming towards us, the two guys sort of backed off but still threatened me, I cried out for help when he walked past us, the guy just looked at me laughed and claimed that he doesn’t have a cell!! Finally a resident from 79 must’ve heard to noise, he looked out the windows and asked “is everything ok?”, when I heard the guy I yelled out “please call help”, I guess that must’ve have scared them away because they took off. I was completely traumatized! I quickly walked back to my car, drove to the scene and called 911, I was informed from the 911 dispatcher that the resident from 79 also called 911. While waiting in my car for the cops to show (about 10-15 minutes) I started feeling pain in my Jaw, I think they may have damaged something in my Jaw.

    While on the phone with 911, the residence (who possibly saved my life) came down to check up on me, he offered to buzz him if I needed anything, I don’t know if I thanked him or not because I was a bit disoriented, so I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to that person, Sir I don’t know who you are but god bless you and god bless NYC for having people like you, Thank you from the depth of my hearth!

    I would like to point out that im by all means not a racist; I have the “greatest respect to all humans from all walks of life” but one must wonder; why is it that certain geographic areas – housing a certain sect of people are so dangers? I know some people live in poverty, but who is at fault? America is a great country, there is opportunity everywhere, one just needs to reach out and try to be successful, there are many very successful & powerful folks, pple of all colors, why is it that there is a large portion chooses not to reach out for a better life? Who makes those areas “dangers”? why do these people choose a criminal life over a normal peaceful life??

    I think the 84th Precinct is doing an amazing job but they are stretched pretty thin, the cops and detective that helped me were really nice and very helpful, but they can only do as much as they can with the amount of resources they currently have, adding more cops on the street is a good start but we know its not going to happen overnight, I think the dumbo folks need to unite and volunteer to protect the neighborhood, no im NOT talking about violence or using weapons, im talking about simply driving around and looking out for those hoodlums, if we see suspicions activity or an attack we try to (safely) stop it and immediately call 911, another great idea…photograph them or take video, produce solid evidence leading to there arrest. If the people in dumbo are serious about there safety then come forward and dedicates 30 minutes or an hour a week for a shift to circle around a block or two, the more arrests the safer you will be, I don’t live in this area but I would be willing to volunteer if other people will come forward. Keep in mind that these guys are not professional criminals, with a few extra pair of eyes you can scare them away and safe peoples mind, money, freedom and possibly lives.

    I will naturally not walk anymore but I must say that I feel that my freedom has been robbed and violated; I should have the right to walk home and enjoy the clear sky!

    Finally if anyone knows the owner or management company of 79 bridge, please get in touch with me, I would like for them to review their security camera from 5/26 around 9:30pm (+/- 10 minutes), it must have recorded their faces – either directly or running towards me, I would recognize them if I see them under the same settings, I would really like these guys arrested, anyone who can help me arrest these guys please contact me @ networktech10@gmail.com a.s.a.p.

    Thanks you and god bless NYC

  • thank you for posting this. i wish you a quick full recovery.

  • thank you for posting this. i wish you a quick full recovery.