Council OKs 54 more cameras for surveillance
More than 50 new cameras will be installed in neighborhoods throughout the city after the Common Council voted Tuesday to approve the next phase of the anti-crime offensive.
The vote was unanimous after the Police Department gave assurances that two intersections would be added to the list of camera locations. Some lawmakers had been pushing for the installation of surveillance devices at Main and West Ferry streets and West Ferry and Herkimer streets.
Mayor Byron W. Brown also added a 54th location to the program’s second phase. A camera will be installed at Hoyt Street and Potomac Avenue, a “hot spot” for criminal activity.
State and federal grants will help pay for the program’s expansion. The city installed 70 cameras in the first phase of the project.
The Council also adopted a bill urging the Police Department to consider installing some cameras in city parks that have been plagued by vandalism, gang activity, public urination and other problems. The resolution, sponsored by Council Member Michael P. Kearns of the South District, also urges the Police Department to create a new unit that would focus on patrolling local parks.
In other business, a letter from Erie County’s health commissioner spurred the Council to delay Tuesday’s scheduled vote on a proposed law to let residents raise chickens in backyard coops.
The sponsor of the measure said that some “minor” changes will be made and that it will be presented to the Council for a vote July 21.
A majority of lawmakers went on record last week informally supporting Niagara Council Member David A. Rivera’s plan to allow residents to raise up to five chickens per dwelling. The bill includes restrictions aimed at preventing odors and other problems that could cause neighborhood tensions.
But hours before the scheduled vote, Rivera received a letter from Dr. Anthony J. Billittier IV, county health commissioner. The commissioner praised Rivera for embracing “green thinking,” but he encouraged city lawmakers to make some “construction additions” to the proposed law.
“I also want to assure you that we in no way want to be obstructionists,” the commissioner wrote. “However, I think you will agree that the best time to address all matters is before any legislation is enacted.”
Rivera said some of Billittier’s concerns will be addressed in amendments to the legislation. For example, a section will be added making it clear that chicken feed cannot be scattered on the ground. Chickens should be fed using an approved trough, Billittier suggested.
Rivera said the final legislation also will ban people from selling chicken meat. The bill also would ban the sale of eggs.
“By waiting two weeks, it gives us a stronger, better ordinance,” Rivera said.
Other concerns raised by Billittier are already addressed in the bill, Rivera said, adding that he believes that it would be one of the most “restrictive” laws of its kind in the nation. Rivera added that he would be willing to revisit the law one year after its enactment.
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