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Letter to Community Board 2 Regarding Its Resolution Opposing the Activities of Citizen Patrols
January
7, 2003
Some time ago, the Greenwich Village Block Associations recognized that its
efforts to make Community Board 2 more responsive to the community and more
representative of its concerns would be time intensive and frustrating. For
that reason, the GVBA rarely comments on board activities or decisions unless
these activities and decisions may have a negative impact.
On November 6, 2002 Community Board 2 passed a strange resolution emanating from its Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Committee which implicitly alters history, distorts reality and misinterprets the wishes of residents who are harassed by the activities of some young people who come into the neighborhood, intimidate others with their often illegal behavior, and create mayhem in the process. In the event that some decision-maker with little information about Greenwich Village may be influenced, we are moved to comment for safety’s sake.
The GVBA appreciates that these troubled young visitors may profit by professional social service initiatives — although it is not clear what these efforts should entail— in the communities where they live. Unfortunately, we have seen no sincere professional efforts to effect a lifestyle change in these young visitors. We believe that a number of these outreach organizations are interested primarily in their funding streams and political agendas, not the welfare of Village residents, businesses, or the young people they pretend to serve. It would be wise to listen to their testimony with skepticism.
Community Board 2 appears to be operating on a quid pro quo basis and its full board meeting seldom presents intelligent discussion of resolutions under consideration. “You vote for my resolution and I’ll vote for yours” seems to be the modus operandi for many members. According to the city charter the community boards should represent neighborhood residents and businesses to government agencies and their operatives. Community Board 2 has no authority to redefine its role and offer presumptuous, moral directives to Village residents.
Citizen patrols are an accepted response to address local problems in support of efforts by government agencies. Indeed, respected organizations including The Citizens Union offer assistance and expertise in the formation of such patrols. The Christopher Street Patrol in conjunction with the Guardian Angels and the New York City Police Department provides a valuable service and is a model for successful community intervention. There have been no confirmed incidents of any harassment or illegal behavior by the Patrol or the Guardian Angels.
The impetus for the Board’s mysterious resolution appears to have been fostered by misinformation or bias. Certainly, we hope that the Patrol and the New York Police Department will continue to take appropriate action regarding any harassment or intimidation on the street committed by any person or group against any visitor or resident. And we trust that Community Board 2 will seek to become better informed on matters under its consideration.