Killoran Engaged in Petition Drive to Increase Police Presence in Downtown New Rochelle BY Peggy Godfrey

To address the problems in downtown New Rochelle, especially after the recent murder there, Jim Killoran, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, on WVOX-1460 AM, on September 29th announced a petition drive to bring police to the area.  He emphasized he was not criticizing the police. During the discussion that ensued, he explained when someone was hit by a vehicle in front of his store, he was told "to keep his mouth shut."  A question about who might have asked people to keep their mouths shut when a car hits someone in the street was posed.  Mitch Tarnopal who is on New Rochelle’s Traffic Calming Committee believes traffic issues can be dealt with in innovative ways.  Anthony Galletta, a former member of that committee advised that he did not believe the Traffic Calming Committee was capable of handling downtown traffic problems and concerns.  He later stated:  "The Traffic Calming Committee was initiated to address local traffic situations and to make recommendations to the City Council and the Board of Education.  I applaud their continued efforts, but as a past member, I believe the Traffic Calming Committee does not have the expertise to undertake the massive concerns of traffic and parking in the downtown.  Killoran said he would love to have a meeting with the Traffic Calming Committee, Rev.David Lyerly and the SoNo group.

     Recently constructed buildings such as Avalon have brought several thousand people into the downtown area.  The murder a short time ago has triggered requests for more police protection in the area.  There are two candidates running for the unexpired year in the City Council term created by the passing of Councilman James Stow in District 3.  

Democrat candidate, Jared Rice,  said he is "a criminal defense attorney and a public defense attorney in Mount Vernon and well aware of the problems of crime.  Unfortunately in the City of New Rochelle we have had an isolated incident.  However, the problem lies much further than the recent murder.  The real solution to dealing with the root of the problems is we need to have services geared toward the youth, to provide opportunities, and give them realistic goals so that they don't have to turn to the streets."  

Republican opponent, Peter Parente, made this statement, "We can use more police and fire services in the downtown.  Downtown has become a very busy area with traffic and people.  Obviously with the influx of extra residents there is an extra demand on our resources.  The Police Department should be able to respond effectively in the immediate future.  Jim Killoran has always been a great advocate for the community and has his finger on the pulse of the neighborhood."     

The petition drive that Killoran has initiated was in full swing and already had over 400 signatures and more people signing.  The petition is titled, "Petition to Increase Police Presence in Downtown SoNo New Rochelle"  This is followed by the wording:  "We are requesting a police station, walking police, and stationed police in downtown/SoNo New Rochelle. Walking and stationed police should include Main Street and the Post Office on North Avenue.  Should you have any questions please call Jim K at (914) 403-4821.  Please sign here." Columns for name, address and phone or email follow for signatures..These petitions were placed on short notice at Trump Towers, Chase Bank, Marciano Real Estate, People at 524 Main, Kaffeine, 25 Leroy Place, the Post Office, and Bank of America and can be signed at any of these locations.  

Rev. David  Lyerly of the Bibleway Church in downtown had signed the petition because he felt people are afraid at night. He said it was a "blessing to be here" and felt downtown is a shining light.  He has an outreach program  called Mind Shapers which is part of the Community Development program, a non profit group to help youth, mostly on the junior and high school level.

     Killoran summed up his feelings about the need for this petition drive:  "We are blessed to have an excellent police force and commissioner  However we have brought thousands of new people into downtown: Avalon, Trump, 543 Davenport Lofts, and more along with the existing great businesses and citizens who lived and work hard here and deserve downtown protection. I have stopped  a number of incidents here personally; the police can be a vital prevention technique - on foot, and regular standing stations, as well as a precinct here in the heart of the great development.”

     We are asking for a full time police stationed at the multi purpose train station on foot, on North Avenue, at the busy corner there, by 311 North, as well as a full time police standing all the time, at what is our Times Square. where the Post Office, four banks, Avalon, Trump, two office buildings and many businesses all converge.     

This is not the first request for this following a number of incidents that happened on Main, on North, during daylight hours. I am extremely grateful and surprised by the immediate response of the many train commuters signing so quickly as well as the downtown business people and residents of SoNo. We are prepared to meet with corporate heads, Donald Trump, Louis Cappelli, the Avalon partners, and more to help make sure this time, finally after being promised police kiosks and more, it happens."
     At issue now is whether the City of New Rochelle and New Rochelle City Council will take any action.

 Peggy Godfrey is a freelance writer, a former educator, and a community activist.