More Video Security In Sunnyside

Rep. Joseph Crowley (second from left) announced that $15,000 has recently been provided by the federal government to the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce for the maintenance of 12 outdoor security cameras. Also pictured are City Council Member Eric Gioia (at far left), along with Chamber of Commerce representatives Lily Gavin (holding the check) and John Vogt (at far right). (photo: Ralph Mancini) Community leaders gathered on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 19 in front of Dazie's Restaurant in Sunnyside to celebrate the federal funding of 12 security cameras along the exits and entrances of the 7 subway line.

Rep. Joseph Crowley announced that the sum of $15,000 has recently been added to a previous amount of $75,000 already secured by the congressman to help maintain and possibly relocate the video record- ing devices if necessary.

The cameras originally went up as a result of a Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce initiative spearheaded by the organization's president John Vogt and other members, who aimed at making Sunnyside a safe "destination point."

"We want to make sure that the streets are safe for the people that are shopping here, as well as the pedestrians," said Vogt.

"Queens Boulevard for years has been known as the 'Boulevard of Death.' If there's anything we can do to help out with that, we also feel it's a plus," he added. "Together, we will make Sunnyside the place to be in New York."

In addition, to offering people a greater sense of security, the cameras, according to Crowley, are the "eyes and ears" of the community and the police.

"If something does happen, there is a record. We could help law enforcement track down those who would do damage to a person or property."

Crowley was praised by City Council Member Eric Gioia as a "neighborhood guy," who truly understands the needs of local resi- dents.

Said Gioia: "When you look around and you realize that Queens Boulevard [is] a place with mom and pop shops, a place with a growing middle class, one of the most important things we can do that makes everything else possible is to keep people safe and secure."

Kudos were given to the New York City Transit Department and the Metropolitan Transit Authority for their efforts in the installation and maintenance of the video recorders.

The press conference was also attended by Lily Gavin, vice president of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce and owner of Daizie's Restaurant, as well as Queens Co- Director of the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit Jennifer Manley, Community Board 4 member James Lisa and Community Board 2 District Debra Markell-Kleinert.