We work to ensure Myrtle Avenue provides a safe environment for local merchants, property owners, visitors and residents. Since our founding, we’ve worked to bring stakeholders together with the NYPD 88th Precinct to define creative strategies that address our commercial district’s most pressing safety needs. This work focuses on helping businesses to prevent crime, as well as public safety on the Avenue. Recently, we successfully advocated for the installation of four public security cameras on Myrtle Avenue at Washington Park, Carlton Avenue, Ryerson Street, and Steuben Street, all funded by then-Councilmember Tish James.

Our Strategies Include

• Use our merchant email distribution list to disseminate information about security issues and potential threats
• Meet monthly with 88th Precinct Community Affairs
• Encourage and organize Myrtle merchants to participate in the 88th’s “roll call” once per month
• Work with merchants to control loitering outside businesses
• Encourage the installation of private, in-store security cameras through our Storefront Grant project
• Work with local schools regarding school dismissal issues
• Routinely survey the Avenue for potential safety issues, such as poor lighting, unsafe pavement, etc.
• Partner with the 88th Precinct’s Crime Prevention Unit to host bike registration events