by Kim M 
Boy oh boy, are things are getting rough on this northern tip of Greenpoint. If it wasn’t bad enough neighbors are having to deal with insane rent increases, head-splitting piling driving , sex-offender rumors, andSuperfund sites, now folks need to watch their backs each time they go the to deli. Just ask Bryan Osburn, a 40 year old artist who was brutally…
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Greenpointers has covered Greenpoint & Williamsburg since 2007 — community boards, rezoning fights, local businesses, and the people whose lives and work give the neighborhood its character. Local news is collapsing across the country, but we're still here: independently owned, no corporate backing, no paywall. 18+ years, 280k+ monthly readers and followers, funded by the community we serve.
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Is there not something we can do as a community to make that area safer? I have lived on Dupont for a while and I love it but I am naturally not comfortable with the increase in crime. If there is something that is already in the works that I can join or help promote to make the area safer, can someone please point me in that direction? Thanks in advance.
Hi Christina,
I’d love to feel safer around here too. Like you, I honestly don’t where to start. It doesn’t seem like the normal channels are working as a deterrent since the crime keeps increasing year after year. If anyone has serious suggestions, I’m all ears.
We start with our local councilman Stephen Levin. Then we talk to senators. Creating a generic, yet effective, call for action that anyone can sign will started to bring attention to the problems. I have been on Dupont for 10 years and this is the first time I have felt unsafe.
Then please go to this really important community meeting this upcoming Monday evening at 6:30, Dupont Senior Center (entrance on Eagle). Stephen Levin will be there and the main topic will be the Nuhart superfund on Clay St. The more disgruntled voices he hears the better.
I have emailed Stevin Levin with no response. There was no public notification of the meeting yesterday. I’m so sick of all of our concerns going unheard.
Hi Mary,
Believe me, I hear your frustration!! The community meeting on Monday night was really to discuss the remediation of our Superfund site, Nuhart Plastics. I find emails get nowhere at the councilman’s office. Try calling. Maybe you might get somewhere. (718) 875-5200. If enough people call, his office will be forced to do something about it. I know this isn’t the best option, but it’s what I’ve got for the moment.
Kim –
How can I stay informed of upcoming meetings? I’m also on Dupont, and interested in participating.
Hi Erin,
As of now there isn’t a scheduled meeting about the crime situation on Clay St. but there certainly needs to be one! I suggested people make calls to the councilman’s office and voice their concerns. If enough people start badgering, they’ll be forced to do something about it. I frequently post information on Greenpointers about upcoming meetings. So keep checking back. Hope this helps.
I too live in Dupont and would love to participate. I’ll keep checking back here for updates.
Hi Everyone,
I live on Clay St between the two shelters and have seen our quality of life plummet. It’s almost unbelievable.
I wanted to chime in that I recently learned that the City is trying to open a third shelter in the area, specifically at the foot of Manhattan Ave across from the GMDC. The landlord who owns that piece of land also owns the building up the road and rents to a friend of mine. Apparently he’s been approached by a boutique hotel company to build a hotel, and then by the City to build a shelter. The City is lobbying hard for the shelter. I can’t even believe the City would do such a thing to the residents, but because we do not have a school – it’s one of the only places they can propose such a structure. Imagine having ANOTHER SHELTER in this area!!!! Steven Levin needs to hear our voices. Please call his office as often as possible. He needs to be accountable for his lack of response and action in our neighborhood.
Spencer, this is horrible news if true. Are you referring to the 1129 Manhattan Ave building? The red building one directly across the street from the GMDC?
It’s the fenced-in lot opposite the GMDC. Currently there are a bunch of trucks parked there. It’s the lot right beside (north of) the sculpture garden/parking lot. There is currently no building on the property.
Same concerns here … please keep us updated on what’s happening and what can be done.
Hi All VERY IMPORTANT!
For anyone concerned about or affected by the issues with the Clay Street shelter, there will be a town hall meeting tomorrow Wednesday 9/16 at the Polish Slavic Center at 176 Java Street. At attendance will be the Clay Street shelter operator along with the new Police captain for the 94th precinct, Assemblyman Joe Lentol and Councilman Steve Levin. As I’m sure you are all aware, crime has spiked around our building and this is a good opportunity for us to voice our concerns and put pressure on our elected officials to ensure that our neighborhood is safe. There is power in numbers so I hope you can make it!