Oversight hearing held on NYCHA safety improvement

Residents are telling officials they want more done to improve safety at public housing developments. Bronx residents attended an oversight hearing to voice their opinions about the new $210 million

News 12 Staff

Sep 17, 2014, 12:53 AM

Updated 3,729 days ago

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Residents are telling officials they want more done to improve safety at public housing developments.
Bronx residents attended an oversight hearing to voice their opinions about the new $210 million safety improvement plan that was announced in July.
Residents say the additional police presence makes them feel a little safer, but they want to see more immediate changes.
The plan was implemented in response to the stabbings of three young residents in NYCHA buildings, including P.J. Avitto and Mikayla Capers. It spans across all public housing developments, but specifically in the 15 neighborhoods with the highest crime rates.
The mayor's office says crime rates have declined 7 percent since the plan was implemented. They say violent crimes have declined by 2 percent.
Officials attribute the decline to nearly 200 lights already installed around developments and security cameras that are being installed every day.
Residents say they want more cameras immediately installed, and they say broken doors should be quickly fixed for added protection.
Local leaders promise that the plan is not a one-shot deal, but rather a long-term investment. They say there will be plenty more discussions in the future.