The struggle continues in a joint effort to tame the wild teens responsible for havoc in and around the Morris Park public library.
Morris Park residents have been upset for some time about the noisy children that intimidate seniors outside the library and distract people who want to use the resources inside.On Friday, January 15, members of Community Board 11, the Morris Park Community Association, the 49th Precinct and P.S. 83 met to discuss the real issue.
According to CB11 district manager John Fratta, the problem is parents who use the library as a daycare center, who leave young children unattended for hours after school lets out but before they leave work.
On Friday, January 29, a second meeting was held, this time with representatives from the New York Public Library and P.S. 83 Principal Benjamin Soccodato on speakerphone.
“They had the principal on speakerphone and he’s willing to help, but they have to put more teeth into it,” MPCA president Al D’Angelo said.“It’s going to go out through the school to parents that the library is not a daycare and that [Administration for Children Services] will be called when a child is left alone for a long period of time.”
NYPL representatives plan to stop by parent association meetings at the school.
“We are working with the community board, the Morris Park Community Association, the Police Department and P.S. 83 to improve the situation,” a spokesperson for the NYPL said.“There are a couple of things that we have done. There is already a sign asking parents not to leave children unattended and we try to talk to the parents to let them know.”
The 49th Precinct plans to increase foot patrols after school and to check the library.
“It’s a wait and see game,” D’Angelo said.“Everyone agreed to try a few things and see if they work.”
Reach reporter Amanda Marinaccio at 718 742-3394 or amarinaccio@cnglocal.com
