New Police Camera Placement Discussed at City Council

Glen Cove resident Charles Bozzello approached the podium at last night's city council meeting to question the placement of a new camera fixture on Glen Cove Avenue.

"It concerns me that there was no announcement or prior notice about this. They kind of just popped up," he said.

The camera fixture, which features two cameras directed to both the north and south lanes, was revealed to be owned by the Glen Cove Police Department, and is equipped with license plate reading capabilities.

Mayor Ralph Suozzi said he was not aware of the specific cameras, though he said he is continuing to push for a U.S. Department of Justice grant which would fund camera surveillance in the city's parking garages. He also said that the camera systems could possibly extend to the stretch of businesses along School Street and Glen Street.

The mayor noted the existence of several other cameras already installed, including one on Craft Avenue which he said has been successful in deterring crime.

In other business, the council agreed to consulting services with Glen Cove firm M.A.J.D. Consulting, Inc. in regard to the operation and maintenance of the Municipal Water Department.

Freshman councilman Reginald Spinello also called for more accountability from public employees using the city's fleet of 253 vehicles, including police cars, dump trucks and fire trucks. 

"We're settling a lot of claims through our attorney due to car accidents," he said.

The public hearing was closed concerning the  on Glen Street, School Street and Bridge Street, though Suozzi said the topic would resurface as more options are explored.