Vallone teams up with NYPD’s 109th Precinct
to improve safety at Whitestone’s Harvey Park
Information
is power.
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | DEC. 11-DEC. 17, 2020 5
BY CARLOTTA MOHAMED
Councilman Paul Vallone and the
NYPD’s 109th Precinct have teamed
up to target illegal parking of commercial
trucks, tractor-trailers and
waste removal vehicles around Harvey
Park in Whitestone.
Harvey Park, located between
144 Street and the Whitestone Expressway
service road, has become
a chronic issue, preventing park goers
from enjoying the park safely.
“Commercial trucks constantly
lined up along the perimeter of the
park decrease visibility and pose a
risk to pedestrians seeking safe access
to this popular green space,”
Vallone said. “I thank Commanding
Officer John O’Connell and the
109th Precinct for their attention to
this issue and look forward to our
continued partnership.”
The Dwarf Giraffe Athletic
League, whose members frequently
use the fields at the park for their
youth sports, brought the issue to
Vallone’s attention.
“The DG families appreciate the
fact that their safety is being addressed.
Your continued attention to
this matter is greatly appreciated,”
the league said in a statement.
According to Vallone, local law
states that street storage of commercial
vehicles is prohibited in a
residential area in excess of three
hours, and parking a commercial
vehicle on a residential street between
the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
is prohibited.
At a November meeting with the
precinct’s commanding officer, Vallone
relayed details of the ongoing
issue and swift action was taken by
local officers, who have now issued
15 truck/trailer parking summonses
in the immediate area.
“We did touch base with Sanitation
as they were assisting as well
focusing on the waste trucks in the
area,” O’Connell said. “We will continue
to address this issue and make
sure any illegally parked trucks/
trailers will be issued summonses.”
Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed
by e-mail at cmohamed@schnepsmedia.
com or by phone at (718) 260–
4526.
A police officer from the 109th Precinct issues a ticket to a commercial truck parked
near Harvey Park. Photo courtesy of the 109th Precinct
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