The Brooklyn Heights Association has published the following statement after two evacuations and one additional precautionary closure of Pier 2 this week:
“The park’s success, has introduced overwhelming crowds, noise, lost parking, and more recently, disturbances both within and near the park. The Brooklyn Heights Association continues to work with the community, the Park Corporation, elected officials, and the police to ensure that the park remains a vital and safe place of recreation and to minimize any negative impacts on surrounding communities.
The NYPD closed Pier 2 and evacuated its users in response to fights on Monday and Wednesday of this week; as a precautionary measure, it was closed again on Thursday. As a result large waves of park users were forced to exit the park on Joralemon Street, which alarmed drivers and residents and led to several incidents of verbal intimidation.
With the approach of the summer and the expected increased usage of the park, the community has legitimate concerns about further incidents.
The BHA has taken steps to address these concerns. It met in April with Captain Centa of the 84th Precinct to advocate for more police resources dedicated to the park and adjacent streets. We have been informed that the 84th Precinct has 16 additional police officers assigned to the park. The BHA has also been in daily contact with the 84th Precinct in recent weeks to monitor the situation and exchange information. The NYPD is now prepared to close Pier 2 on short notice.
Nonetheless, we know that longer term measures are required to ensure public safety. The BHA will meet again with the 84th Precinct and Park officials next week to discuss needed changes to ensure safe use of the park and protection of our community.”
Update: Deputy Inspector Sergio Centa has given more details at the 84th Precinct Community Council meeting last week: “There will be 24 officers in the Park, with overtime on weekends. On Sundays, when there are often as many as 65,000 visitors in the Park, there will be thirty to forty officers present. The officers will be mobile, with bikes, scooters, and Smart Cars. Deployment will be concentrated on Pier 2.” More about the meeting on Brooklyn Heights Blog.
