Notes From March’s 70th Precinct Community Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 26 was the monthly 70th Precinct Community Council meeting, held the last Wednesday of each month at the UCP building (175 Lawrence Avenue between Ocean Pkwy and E 2nd Street). The evening was now-former Commanding Officer Inspector Eric Rodriguez‘s final meeting with the 70th, as he has already taken his new post as Commanding Officer of the NYPD’s Applicant Processing Division.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30. Until then, here’s what you should know:

• Inspector Rodriguez’s service was recognized by Councilmember Mathieu Eugene, Captain Anthony Sanseverino, District Leader Rodneyse Bichotte, and the Auxiliary Police force, who presented him with a plaque.

• There was also no shortage of fanfare from the audience. One neighbor was pleased to say “for the first time ever,” he had no complaints on Regent Place. Community Council Secretary Nathan Thompson said the new officer assigned to his area in Prospect Park South is exceptional. Several compliments were offered to Inspector Rodriguez. “Never say your Inspector is doing a good job,” one neighbor said, “because they’ll transfer him.”

• … and finally, Councilmember Jumaane Williams, whose district lines have changed to include more of the 70th Precinct, stopped by to offer both Inspector Rodriguez and recently-promoted Detective Kim Walker his congratulations. The Councilmember says he’s excited to spend more time in the 70th, and constituents should know his office provides immigration counseling and attorneys every Monday. High schoolers in District 45 should also be aware of the Councilmember for a Day program. For more information, contact Williams’ District Office at 718-629-2900.

• Congratulations also to Lieutenant Jackie Bourne, who recently received the “Everyday Shero” award by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams at Borough Hall.

• As local crime goes, recent weeks have shown some of the lowest numbers ever in our area. Captain Sanseverino said in addition to that good news, Community Board 14 District Manager Shawn Campbell has visited the Flatbush-Nostrand Junction and intersection of Church and Flatbush Avenues alongside members of the Precinct to help figure out ways to make streets safer for all. Currently, he said, they are looking into arrow lights at the Junction to keep drivers from making illegal and dangerous turns.

• For his part, Inspector Rodriguez thanked the Community Council, Community Board 14, the Auxiliary Police, local elected officials and representatives, the District Attorney’s Office, neighborhood and other civic associations, clergy liaisons, and other members of the 70th for their communication over his time as Commanding Officer — something he aways credits as the Precinct’s secret to success. “This is probably most rewarding place I’ve ever worked,” he said, thanking fellow his fellow officers. He declined to say goodbye, since he plans to still drop in and check up on us every once in a while. “I get a lot of credit for the success here,” he said, “but I will never be able to thank the cops of the 70th Precinct.”

Congratulations again to Inspector Rodriguez — we selfishly wish nobody had ever made it public that you were doing such a good job, but we wish you the best in your new position.