NYCHA Hosts Community Safety Pop-up at Bracetti Plaza

NYCHA’s Office of Safety and Security wants residents of Bracetti Plaza to know that safety issues always take top priority.  

In response to calls by residents to address some recent safety concerns at the development in Manhattan’s Alphabet City neighborhood, the Office of Safety and Security hosted a community pop-up event in the two lobbies on East Third Street and East Fourth Street on March 6. 

Representatives from the NYPD’s Crime Prevention Unit and its Explorers youth program, local elected officials, and NYCHA’s Resident Watch program and Property Management department were on hand to answer questions, offer safety tips, and provide various resource information. Community partners and police also delivered boxed meals to residents.  

Andre Cirilo, NYCHA’s Deputy Director for Community Safety Strategies, said the event was intended to provide assistance and show support for the residents who have raised some issues regarding safety at their development. 

“The idea was to set up this pop-up event where all the interested parties could come out, disseminate information, and show that the community is engaged and cares about what’s going on,” Mr. Cirilo said.  

NYCHA’s Resident Engagement Department assisted with event outreach, and residents were encouraged to participate in these efforts to help improve the quality of life at their development.    

Therese Mitchell, who has served as Bracetti Plaza’s Resident Association President for three years, said residents were very appreciative of the meals that were provided and were pleased that the pop-up event was held as a result of their call for action.  

“The residents were very grateful for it,” Ms. Mitchell said.  

One resident who has lived at the development for six years said she was not able to attend the event, but believes it was well needed and a “great idea.” 

Mr. Cirilo said bringing NYCHA, the NYPD, and representatives for local elected officials together for a community safety event is a step toward building trust with residents and a way to show that their concerns will not be ignored.    

“They know that if something is needed, our office can be there to respond in a positive way,” he said.