Classon and Fulton
Community Meeting Addresses a Local Drug Zone Problem.
Margaret Noldon

The Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) hosted a community meeting to discuss the drug dealing, loitering, and other problems at the intersection of Classon & Fulton Avenues. The meeting was called on behalf of the Mid-Fulton Merchants Association, merchants, and the neighboring block associations. Also invited were Assemblymen Al Vann & Roger Green, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, City Council members Annette Robinson and Mary Pickett and District Leader William Perkins, as well as representatives from both the 79th and 88th police precincts and the three local methadone clinics. There were approximately 25 individuals in attendance on behalf of the above groups.
The loitering problem was emotionally described by those that spoke. No one in attendance was able to determine or recall how long this corner has served as a hang out for drug abusers and methadone patients, or used for the sale of illegal drugs, stolen clothing and other merchandise. The consensus was that it’s always been like that. The existence of the two crack houses on or near the corner was discussed and why the owners of those properties are allowed to continue renting space for that purpose. Discussion also included how the loitering has resulted in the loss of business for merchants; two businesses have closed in the past three months, other businesses have been robbed repeatedly.

The individuals representing Assemblymen Al Vann and Roger Green were asked what the Assemblymen were doing in helping to alleviate the situation. Assemblyman Vann’s representative spoke about what the merchants and the residents should be doing to help themselves. Assemblyman Green’s representative pledged the Assemblyman’s support.

The officers from the 88th precinct explained that the problem was across the street from where their jurisdiction ends but that they would assist the 79th precinct in anyway that they could. The officers from the 79th held up well under the attack on them made by those in attendance and promised that officers would be deployed to cover the corner and that there will be an increased police presence.

The meeting adjourned with the understanding that another would be called in three months to review the situation. The Lefferts Place Civic Association is circulating a petition, which hopefully will provide additional pressure.

Association Updates

A supervisor from the sanitation department toured the block last month with LPCA President James Perry, to investigate the block’s waste and litter problems and discuss solutions. Some of the issues raised were loose or improperly bagged trash and recycling, and the lack of sufficient numbers of cans at some buildings. The supervisor pointed out that loose trash on the sidewalk or street will not be picked up by sanitation. Residents at some addresses have been contacted, and the situation is already improving, but can get a lot better if we all do our share.

James has also been working with the office of City Council Member Mary Pinkett to allocate funds for reopening the restroom facilities at Crispus Attucks Park. The LPCA is investigating the possibility of taking responsibility for daily locking and unlocking of the park, as well as getting access to the park building for meetings, youth programs, etc., possibly with a Parks Department employee on duty.

88th Precinct Council Meetings
are held at 7:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month, at various locations in Clinton Hill and Fort Greene (call 718-636-6511 for information). These meetings are an excellent opportunity to get to know our local police and elected officials personally, learn about neighborhood crime trends, and voice our concerns and opinions where they can make a difference. The March meeting will be at the Pratt Institute Main Building, 200 Willoughby Ave., Room 321.

Community Calendar

March 20
88th Precinct Council meeting
7:30 PM, Pratt Institute Main Building
200 Willoughby Ave., Room 321

March 22
March 22 Community meeting to discuss Jackie Robinson Youth Center
6:30 PM, Fort Greene Senior Citizen’s Center
Fulton St. bet. Grand & St. James.

April 2
LPCA General Meeting, 7:00 PM, 224 Lefferts Place.

April 7
Boys Choir of Harlem benefit for Christian education
sponsored by Bethel Elementary School. CANCELLED

April 7
First Saturday – free party at Brooklyn Museum with
live music, dancing, movies, talks, free access to all exhibits,
food and drinks at museum cafe.
Call 718-638-5000, or go to www.brooklynart.org on the web for more info.

Good And Welfare
Catherine Taylor

Cynthia and Reggie Mack of 130 Lefferts Place are the proud new grandparents of Demitrus James Mack, born to their daughter, Tamika Mack and James Gillespie. Demitrus came into the world at Interfaith Hospital on December 28th 2000 at 4:28 AM, 6 lbs, 7 oz, 19” tall. Welcome!

Happy Birthday to Golden Oldies—Mrs. Estick at #56 (January), Queen Cox, and Mary Hawkins-Stokes (March).

Condolences to Donnell Baughman of 130 Lefferts on the death of his mother.

Please notify C. Taylor at 130 Lefferts Place, #3N (718-857-4764) of births, graduations, marriages, anniversaries, as well as illnesses and deaths.

Congratulations to the lovely and famous Ms. Jadene of 123 Lefferts, on the February 26th birth of 5 healthy puppies! (They’ll be available for sale when they get a little older—call James Perry at 789-6354 for info.)

NEW MEETING LOCATION!

Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) has given LPCA the use of their community meeting room at 226 Lefferts Place, corner of Franklin Ave. (ground floor), for our meetings. The recently renovated space has heating, a restroom, and is equipped with a large central table and chairs. Due to the need for a security person to open and close the room, meetings must start at 7:00 pm sharp, and finish by 8:30.

published by the
Lefferts Place Civic Association
Box 473547
Brooklyn, New York 11247
Editor: David Conrad
Layout & Design: David Conrad
Contributors: Margaret Noldon, Catherine Taylor