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| CBID Executive Director, Anthony Capece, Susan Beaudoin, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Treasurer Darius Shahinfar, and Antoine Harrison pause for a photo in front of one of the new Albany Police Department bikes. |
The breakfast raised $5,000 with the help of sponsors: Noelle Kinsch, Albany County Legislator 6th District, Darius Shahinfar, Treasurer of the City of Albany, Rosen’s Uniforms, McVeigh Funeral Home, Harris Sanders Architects, Mildred Elley, Schenectady County Community College, Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, Horizon Management Associates, HATAS, CDTA, Congressman Paul Tonko, and Bimbo Bakeries USA.
The breakfast, which was held at the Albany Ramada Plaza, was attended by Central Avenue business owners, city leadership, and police officers, and offered the opportunity to reflect on the impact that the community policing initiative has had on Albany.
In the five years since the NEU was established, crime has gone down markedly. According to the most recent data, violent crime has dropped 25% and property crime has dropped 21%, and the city has seen a 22% drop in crime overall.
The NEU has also had a huge impact on reducing quality of life issues which can hamper economic development in the city. Officers are able to work proactively to reduce the number complaints of drunk and disorderly, urinating in public, trespassing, graffiti, and other quality of life issues. As a result, our streets are more attractive for businesses and residents alike.
The NEU has also contributed to an overall cost savings for the city and county, by reducing the number of people being picked up off the street and taken to the hospital for drunk and disorderly conduct. Instead, repeat offenders are being directed to substance abuse programs and other services, treating the problem instead of just addressing the symptoms. This wouldn’t be possible without these officers direct engagement in the neighborhood, and the rapport they’ve developed with residents and business owners alike.
To show their appreciation for the work of the NEU and the tremendous impact it has had on the Central Avenue Business Corridor, the Central Avenue BID hosts an annual recognition breakfast for the Albany Police Department, with the goal of introducing district members/business owners to their neighborhood beat cops.
This year, the BID decided to expand the breakfast to include a fundraising component. The funds would be used to purchase new bikes for the bike patrols in the Team A unit, the unit that is responsible for the area in and around Central Avenue.
Find more pictures of the event here.
The funds raised will be used to purchase new bikes and gear for the bike patrol units.
