The Bronx Public Hearing and Full Board meeting held on July 1, 2025, addressed several pressing community issues, including concerns about local safety and property damage caused by youth mischief, as well as discussions surrounding the ethics committee's effectiveness.
During the meeting, community member Carol Bailey expressed her frustrations regarding a series of incidents involving children ringing her doorbell and damaging her property. Bailey, a nurse at Montefiore Medical Center, reported that the situation escalated to the point where her door was broken, leading her to seek assistance from local authorities. Despite her efforts to engage with the school principal and the police, she felt that the responses were inadequate. The police had taken reports but failed to follow through effectively, leaving her feeling unsafe in her own home. Other community members echoed her concerns, sharing similar experiences with disruptive behavior from local youths.
The discussion also highlighted the perceived shortcomings of the ethics committee. A participant raised concerns about the committee's accountability and effectiveness, suggesting that unresolved issues should be escalated to the borough president's office. This sentiment resonated with others in attendance, who called for more substantial consequences for misconduct within the committee.
Additionally, the meeting touched on the potential conversion of city property into private land, specifically regarding Saint Raymond's Avenue. A speaker questioned the rationale behind prioritizing this particular street over others in the area, emphasizing the need for transparency in decision-making processes related to community land use.
As the meeting concluded, officials committed to following up on the issues raised, particularly regarding community safety and the effectiveness of local governance. The discussions underscored the community's desire for improved accountability and responsiveness from both local authorities and the ethics committee.