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So, what exactly has the NYPD traffic division done around the arena? The trail remains murky

As reported 10/30/13, NYPD Traffic Enforcement District Manager Donald Powe told the 78th Precinct Community Council meeting that the division would "devote a few patrol cars" to the streets around the Barclays Center where illegal idling and parking problems had been recorded. It was a rather belated response to complaints.

For how long? "It'll be ongoing," he replied.

At the 12/4/13 meeting of the Atlantic Yards Quality of Life Committee, North Slope resident Steve Ettlinger noted the numerous apparent violations cited on Atlantic Yards Watch and asked about Powe.

ā€œWe invited him,ā€ said 78th Precinct Deputy Inspector Michael Ameri.

Ettlinger, who along with others said he'd been unable to find contact information for Powe, said he believed there were several tactics--including foot patrols and different hours--that would help with enforcement.

ā€œThey are civilian membersā€ of the department, Ameri said. ā€œI'll reach out to a supervisor.ā€

Following up

I later followed up with Ameri.

He had Community Affairs Officer Jerry Galante get back to me. Galante said he had some monthly statistics from the traffic division.

I said I sought specifics about the impact of the announced devotion of new resources. Galante said he'd check. I was later told I'd have to file a Freedom of Information Law request.

I was also told someone from that division--though not Powe--was supposed to come to the monthly meeting of the 78th Precinct Community Council, last night.

That didn't happen, as the responsible person didn't make it.

I asked last night about any follow-up of the impact of additional patrols. Ameri--who was otherwise basking in much praise for his work maintaining a bike lane and ticketing drivers who don't yield to pedestrians--said he'd check.

I'm not blaming the 78th--they don't control a unit of the Transportation Bureau, nor do they control the dissemination of NYPD statistics. But I don't think that NYPD as a whole has been particularly forthcoming.

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