Res. No. 423
Resolution calling upon the Congress and President of the United States to provide a specific allocation of funding for video security systems at New York City Housing Authority developments.
By Council Members Vallone, Chin, Fidler, James, Nelson, Palma, Recchia, Vann, Vacca, Mendez, Van Bramer, Halloran and Koo
Whereas, The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is the nation's largest housing authority with 334 developments and 2,604 buildings comprising 178,407 units and nearly 404,000 authorized tenants; and
Whereas, Fifteen high crime NYCHA developments have been targeted and are currently equipped with a technologically advanced video security system, known as the Video Interactive Patrol Enhancement Response (VIPER) system; and
Whereas, All VIPER systems are constantly monitored from a central location by the New York City Police Department; and
Whereas, There has been a demonstrated decrease in crime in these 15 NYCHA VIPER-equipped developments, since 1997, when the City first began installing VIPER systems; and
Whereas, There are currently eighty-five additional NYCHA developments with security cameras installed, known as closed circuit televisions (CCTVs); and
Whereas, Such CCTVs are not monitored by the Police Department but the videotapes made are kept on file for a certain period of time by employees of NYCHA; and
Whereas, Funding for CCTV systems have been allocated through the City's capital budget; and
Whereas, New York City continues to face significant budget deficits, and it may be difficult for Council Member capital allocations to continue to support such CCTV systems; and
Whereas, Since the Public Housing Operating Fund, which provides funding for NYCHA's operation, is funded from Congressional allocations, Congress has a responsibility to provide funding for video security systems, since public housing residents benefit from the decrease in crime that such cameras provide; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Congress and President of the United States to provide a specific allocation of funding for video security systems at New York City Housing Authority developments.
Res. 96/2006
RA