It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a small business to build a community.
That’s the thinking behind Project Safe Stop, an initiative that City Councilman Robert Cornegy Jr., (Bed-Stuy, Northern Crown Heights) and Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson rolled out yesterday along the busy Fulton Street/Malcolm X Blvd commercial corridor.
Under the pilot program 18 small businesses in Bed-Stuy and Northern Crown Heights have volunteered to provide haven to those who seek shelter or assistance, while reaching out for law enforcement support. This includes, among others children facing bullying or danger on the street; vulnerable seniors; LGBTQ individuals and women experiencing street harassment; and any other residents or visitors in need of emergency and/or medical services.
“It takes all the members of a community, working together, to create an environment where children can thrive, businesses can grow, and life can be enjoyed,” said Cornegy, who chairs the City Council Small Business Committee. “The Safe Stop Program is a concrete way for small businesses to express their commitment to creating that kind of community for every resident of and visitor to Bedford-Stuyvesant & Crown Heights. I couldn’t be prouder of the community spirit the successful launch of this program reflects.”
Under Project Safe Stop, proprietors in participating businesses undergo NYPD background checks and training to prepare them to for emergency assistance and shelter to pedestrians in need of help, while reaching out for law enforcement support. Additionally, Safe Stop Establishments will serve as eyes and ears in the community, reporting potential crimes or disturbances they observe.
Participating businesses can be easily identified by unique Safe Stop decals, displayed in their front windows.
“I’d like to thank the small business owners in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights who are participating in Safe Stop. It’s great that members of the community who feel threatened or in need of aid can stop into any of these shops and know that someone there is willing to help. That is what community is all about,” said Thompson.
The launch also featured remarks from Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, NYPD Brooklyn Borough Chief; Gregory Thomas, Senior Executive for Law Enforcement Operations; Kenneth Tunny, owner of Just Us Barbershop & Safe Stop participant; Evelyn Santiago, Superintendent of School District 16; and Oma Holloway, Chair of Community Board 3’s Youth, Education & Safety Taskforce.
New businesses wishing to join the program may sign up by calling 718.919.0740.
