A group of local residents and the First Precinct is trying expand a community association designed to foster closer community-precinct relations.

The organization, the Police Community Council, sets up monthly meetings for residents to discuss crime and quality of life issues with precinct officers. The council has also created a website, www.firstprecinct.org.

“We’re trying to give the council some new life,” said David Reck, the group’s new president, who lives at Hudson Square and is a Community Board 2 member.

Until a few months ago, the council was meeting in Soho and most Downtown residents were unaware of its existence. Now the meetings will rotate monthly among different neighborhoods.
But only a dozen residents showed up for last month’s meeting, in the community room of Independence Plaza on Jan. 28, and most of them were the council’s organizers. Residents were outnumbered by the 15 police officers who attended.

Participants discussed a range of issues, such as Downtown crime statistics, noise problems and traffic issues.

Capt. John Howard gave a rundown of 2002 crime numbers in the precinct, which showed an overall 8.6 percent decline from 2001 but increases in the three most serious categories. There were two murders (arrests were made in both cases) compared to one the year before, seven rapes compared to five, and 209 robberies compared to 191.

Sgt. John Clinton said that in almost all the rape cases the victims and their attackers were acquainted. Community Affairs Officer Rick Lee added that new college dorms in the area contributed to the increase.

Several residents complained about loud bars and people who make noise as they leave the bars late at night. Jean Grillo, who lives on Duane Street and heads the Duane/Thomas Neighborhood Committee, also cited car radios, powerful air conditioning units and motorcycles as offenders.
“Lower Manhattan roars, especially in the summer,” she said.

Precinct officers said they try hard to control noisy bars, but that their powers are limited. They suggested that residents discuss problems with Community Board 1 (442-5050) and the offices of local elected officials.

The Council meets on the last Tuesday of every month. The next meeting will be Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m., in the Southbridge Towers community room, 90 Beekman St.

The precinct’s community affairs office can be reached at 334-0640.