CM James Comments on Supreme Court Deliberation of Historic Marriage Equality Cases

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
DECEMBER 7, 2012

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Comments on Supreme Court Deliberation of Historic Marriage Equality Cases

(New York, NY)— On Friday, December 07, 2012, the United States Supreme Court announced that two marriage equality cases would be heard in the nation’s highest court in early 2013— California’s Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in that state; and the Windsor case, which addresses the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The Ms. Edie Windsor, 83, was required to over $363,000 in United States estate taxes after the death of her spouse Dr. Thea Spyer, because DOMA prohibits their marriage from being recognized under federal law. If Ms. Windsor had a heterosexual marriage, no federal estate tax would have been owed.

"I am deeply pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to hear these important cases, and hope that we are on the road to overcoming DOMA and the over 1,000 federal benefits it denies same-sex spouses,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Ms. Windsor and Dr. Spyer’s love story was beautifully told in the documentary Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement, which captured their 42 years together, culminating in their 2009 wedding in Canada. It is fitting that a woman who challenged stereotypes to become a computer programmer in the 1960’s stand today as a champion for equal legal rights. I stand with many in hope that these historic challenges usher on the federal recognition of the legitimacy of same-sex."

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A Message from CM James: LGBT Legislative Updates

I would like to make you aware of my recent work on behalf of New York City’s LGBTQ community—

City Council Resolution Calling on the Medical Professionals to Treat and Provide Appropriate Healthcare to Transgender Persons

I have recently introduced a resolution into the New York City Council calling on medical and health professional to treat, and provide appropriate healthcare, to transgender individuals. This resolution follows a statement recently released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

While the LGBTQ community as a whole experiences greater disparities in relation to access to health insurance and healthcare, there is a specific need for transgender individuals to have access to health plans and services for transgender-related care, as well as for healthcare professionals to receive appropriate training on how to treat transgender patients. ACOG noted a concern for the gynecological health of transgender men, who may still require female (breast and cervical) cancer screenings as well as other forms of care. According the the National LGBT Cancer Network, “Trans men are less likely to get regular medical/gynecological care than heterosexual women or lesbians.” Some trans men have noted feeling healthcare professionals are not aware of available treatment options for transgender persons, not sensitive to their individual preferred pronouns, and/or presumptive concerning their sexual activities. All of these real or perceived issues may prevent transgender individuals from seeking appropriate healthcare.

Furthermore, there is a need to ensure medical and health care providers do not engage in gender identity discrimination, and where necessary refer patients to healthcare professionals that are best able to treat them. The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) has issued clinical guidelines for medical professionals when providing care to LGBT persons. The resolution I introduced into the New York City Council recently, Resolution 1244-2012, urges that medical and health professionals adhere to similar guidelines to provide appropriate healthcare to transgender persons.

Resolution 1244 : http://tiny.cc/bm47aw

City Council Resolution Calling on the NYC Health Department to Repeal Requirement that Transgender Persons Undergo Surgery to alter gender marker of Birth Certificates

As you well know, in New York City many transgender individuals are unable to change the ‘gender marker’ listed on their birth certificate due to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (‘Health Department’, under the New York City Office of Vital Records) rules that are inappropriate, presumptive, intrusive, and unclear in their intentions. The Health Department’s requirements are also out-of-step with the requirements of the federal government (as outlined in the Department of State’s gender marker passport updates), which seek to make it simpler for transgender individuals to update their passport.

[On June 9, 2010, the United States Department of State updated their passport policy. A passport applicant must only provide certification from an attending medical physician stating that the applicant has undergone appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition, for the passport to reflect the desired gender. It is also possible to obtain a limited-validity passport if the physician’s statement shows the applicant is in the process of gender transition. No additional medical records will be required. Sexual reassignment surgery is no longer a prerequisite for passport issuance.]

The Health Department currently requires individuals to undergo genital surgery (also commonly referred to as “bottom surgery”) before changing the gender or sex-identifier on their birth certificates. The agency is unspecific about the nature of the genital reassignment surgery, as there are multiple types of bottom surgery available for both male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM) transgender persons. This ambiguity creates confusion for those seeking to update their birth certificate to their identified gender, as these kinds of surgeries can be very costly. Furthermore, it is difficult to find information about the process on the department’s website.

Many transgender individuals can't afford bottom surgery for financial reasons; a high number of these individuals may be receiving hormone therapy through their medical care provider to address masculinization or feminization of physical features. Finally, not all transgender individuals— even those identifying in their current gender in all areas of life, as well as those on hormone therapy— are interested in genital reassignment surgery. It is highly inappropriate for the Health Department to make decisions that imply generalizations about transgender individuals and their personal, medical choices.

As one moves from locality or state, a person may be required to present their birth certificate to prove identity; this becomes an issue when the gender marker or sex-identifier on the birth certificate is different from that on the state identification. New York State has a specific process for amending the gender or sex-identifier on a state ID or driver’s license, but individuals moving from New York State to another state may encounter difficulty if their birth certificate is also required to receive a state ID there. Additionally, many employers require access to an individual’s birth certificate to apply for health insurance, and transgender individuals may not want their employer to know about their biological sex or medical/surgical history.

Numerous transgender-rights advocacy agencies, as well as the National Association of Social Workers, have encouraged City and State agencies to abandon surgical requirements for changing identity documents. For instance, in 2009 the state of Illinois agreed to develop new standards for how much surgery is required before a person is eligible to switch the gender or sex-identifier on a birth certificate. City and State agencies are recognizing that any regulations in regards to updating gender identification on documents must be based on the standards set by the physicians actually treating these individuals. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is the major health association that sets the standards for medical treatment of transgender individuals. WPATH has stated “No person should have to undergo surgery or accept sterilization as a condition of identity recognition. Genital reconstruction is not required for social gender recognition, and such surgery should not be a prerequisite for document or record changes.”

In 2006, the Health Department considered dropping their requirement for gender reassignment surgery before switching a birth certificate's gender or sex-identifier, but did not do so citing identity fraud concerns.

The resolution I introduced into the New York City Council last year, Res. 1099-2011, urges the Health Department to abandon these confusing and intrusive requirements.

Resolution 1099 : http://tiny.cc/yc47aw

It is imperative that we treat LGBTQ persons with dignity and respect in all areas of society. We need to ensure that our laws and public agencies do not isolate anyone from fair access to basic rights like housing, healthcare, and employment. I consider myself a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community, and I will continue to work on the issues that affect the gay community in New York City.

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council

UPDATE: Crown Heights Woman Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver Along Eastern Parkway on Christmas Day

UPDATE: According to Gothamist, the vehicle has been recovered (although the driver is still at large).
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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
December 28, 2011

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081, (347) 247-3600

Crown Heights Woman Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver Along Eastern Parkway on Christmas Day

(New York, NY)— On Christmas morning, 38-year-old Donna Fountain lost her life after being struck down by a hit-and-run driver on Eastern Parkway near Troy Avenue. The accident occurred around 7:30AM on December 25, 2011. Ms. Fountain and her young son were on their way home following work.

The car that hit Ms. Fountain was grey. Investigators are currently reviewing traffic camera footage to uncover information about the vehicle. Witnesses have reported that the accident may have been related to illegal street-racing nearby.

Ms. Fountain was a home healthcare aid with Partners in Care, as well as the mother to an eight-year-old boy, Elijah. Officials at the scene discovered a list entitled “My Dreams” which included such personal goals as—‘find a great job, buy a house, start a sanctuary for gay and lesbian teens, marry the woman of [Ms. Fountain’s] dreams, and watch [Elijah] graduate from college’.

“To experience such a tragic loss during the Holiday season is devastating,” said Council Member Letitia James. “My heart goes out to the Fountain family and especially young Elijah. I hope the driver(s) think about the family, and comes forward to bring them some closure at this difficult time.”

In early 2011, Tri-State Transportation Campaign (a region-wide advocacy group) found Eastern Parkway to be one of the City’s most dangerous streets for pedestrians— with five fatalities reported at the time of the study. Council Member Letitia James recently requested that the NYC Department of Transportation complete a study to determine the feasibility of a slow zone along Eastern Parkway.

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CM James Comments on Opening of 'A Fire In My Belly' Exhibition At BK Museum

For Immediate Release

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Statement by Council Member Letitia James on Opening of A Fire in My Belly”Exhibition at Brooklyn Museum of Art

(Brooklyn, NY)- Freedom of expression is protected under the first amendment, and I support Brooklyn Museum Director Arnold Lehman's decision to feature the exhibition A Fire in My Belly, by the late David Wojnarowicz.

This year New York City celebrated the victory of the passage of gay marriage, a win for everyone seeking equality and justice in life. The passage of this law is especially important because it repositions New York again as a leader in freedom for family expression and equal rights. Also, my colleagues and I stand with the Occupy Wall Street movement, and the overall opposition of social inequality and corporate greed. Protestors all over the country have the right to express their dissatisfaction with the excessive influence of big business and the wealthiest one-percent of Americans on U.S. laws and policies.

New York City has come to far to allow the Hide/Seek exhibition, scheduled to open at the Brooklyn Museum next week, a major museum show exploring gay themes in art history to be altered from the artist's original intent, or pulled. Freedom of expression is the pillar of democracy, and much is to be gained from the entirety of this show. Censorship has no place in a free society."

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CM James Comments on Passage of Marriage Equality Act

**For Immediate Release**
June 25, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Statement by Council Member Letitia James on Passage of Marriage Equality Act

Today, we are all proud to be New Yorkers. Thank you Governor Cuomo, bill sponsors Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell, and all New Yorkers for their hard work in achieving marriage equality - persistence has prevailed in the 2011 session.

History was witnessed; a human rights struggle was finally realized yesterday in the dark of night. And so, today we rise, with the moral arc of justice on our side, as we take in the full breath and depth of knowing in the dawn of this new day, that the full weight, faith and credit of New York State now recognizes and upholds marriage equality for all.

I look forward to celebrating this victory, a win for everyone seeking equality and justice in life. Congratulations to the New York Legislature for passing the Marriage Equality Act, which allows same-sex couples to marry their significant other and receive the basic legal protections of marriage; what a tremendous and historic move!

According to polls, a majority of New York residents support the victory, and it is significant because of the rich history of gay rights in this state, including the movement’s foundational moment during June 1969 when a riot against police and for gay rights occurred inside the Stonewall Inn.

The passage of this law is especially important because it repositions New York again as a leader in equality, as well as eliminates discrimination from the law books. The national gay-rights movement has been given new momentum, and New York is now the largest state where gay couples are able to marry.

As we move forward, let's remember the eloquent text of the bill that states: Marriage is a fundamental human right. Same-sex couples should have the same access as others to the protections, responsibilities, rights, obligations, and benefits of civil marriage. Stable family relationships help build a stronger society. For the welfare of the community and in fairness to all New Yorkers, this act formally recognizes otherwise-valid marriages without regard to whether the parties are of the same or different sex.

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ATTENTION: GMHC Presents Club 1319 Youth Program

GMHC has launched a new youth program focused on LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13 and 19. Club 1319 challenges young men to produce extraordinary results through engaging in social media and group workshops that assist with tutoring, financial planning, college exploration, and job placement.

For more information, contact GMHC Leadership In Action at (212) 367-1017 or leadership@gmhc.org.

PA de Blasio and CM James Join MoveOn.Org Demand Target To Stop Donating To Anti-LGBT Election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 10, 2010

PUBLIC ADVOCATE DE BLASIO, COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES, AND MOVEON.ORG DEMAND TARGET STOP SPENDING CORPORATE DOLLARS IN ELECTIONS

Protest comes following retailer’s $150,000 donation to anti-LGBT gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota

NEW YORK – Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, City Council Member Letitia James and MoveOn.org held a rally today in front of Target’s flagship Brooklyn store to protest the retailer’s recent use of corporate funds to influence elections. Target is one of the first American corporations to take advantage of Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling, which rolled back long standing restrictions on corporate spending in elections.

The retailer gave $150,000 to an independent organization backing Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer who is a fierce opponent of same-sex marriage, is a supporter of Arizona’s new immigration laws, and has introduced legislation that would result in sex offenders being chemically castrated.

“We have a very simple message for corporations like Target when it comes to our democracy: hands off,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. “With 85 days until the November election, we need to build a movement to prevent corporate money from dominating our elections. I commend MoveOn for working here and in Washington to clean up our political system.”

“Today I stand with Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, MoveOn.org and others to call on corporations to refrain from unrestricted spending on elections,” said Council Member Letitia James. “We hold corporations such as Target accountable, and we expect businesses in our community to fight against corruption when making donations to political campaigns. The community’s voice will be heard.”

“MoveOn and other progressive organizations are joining together as the Other 98% to invigorate a large grassroots movement across the country to Fight Washington Corruption and restore our Democracy,” said Shawn Marie Walsh, Council Coordinator of MoveOn Brooklyn.

After weeks of negotiations with the Public Advocate’s office, financial powerhouse Goldman Sachs last week agreed to amend its political contribution policy and not spend money in elections. Building on this success, the Public Advocate has also launched a campaign demanding Google live up to its self-professed policy of transparency and join its technology company peers by fully disclosing its political spending.

More than one hundred protestors gathered outside the retailer to call on Target to refrain from the unrestricted spending on elections made possible by the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling. Organizers from the Public Advocate office staged a phone-a-thon in front of the Brooklyn store, helping shoppers call Target’s corporate headquarters from the street to protest the recent political spending. MoveOn.org gathered support for its Fight Washington Corruption pledge (fightwashingtoncorruption.com), which the Public Advocate endorsed.

Contact: Wiley Norvell, Office of the Public Advocate, (212) 669-4813 Shawn Marie Walsh, MoveOn.org Brooklyn, (917) 783-9431

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NYCDOH and CAMBA Launch HIV Respect Campaign Targetting Communities of Color

The social services organization CAMBA has launched an HIV Anti-Stigma Program consisting of a theater trope and a social marketing campaign meant to promote respect and compassion for those afflicted by HIV.

The project was funded in part by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene through a contract with Public Health Solutions. The project grew out of the recognition that HIV-related stigma has serious negative effects on people living with HIV/AIDS and prevents people from discussing HIV and getting tested. The campaign promotes the message: “Take the blame out of HIV. All people deserve compassion and respect. HIV is a medical condition, not a moral issue.”

The Theater Troupe performs skits focused on topics related to HIV to educate and foster discussion about HIV/AIDS. The program focuses on African-American, Latino, African, and African-Caribbean communities.

ATTENTION: FREE LGBT(Q) Panels, Workshops

The Brooklyn Community Pride Center, Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, and National AIDS Education & Services for Minorities to Co-Sponsor Panel Discussion on LGBT Youth in Out-of-Home Care

WED, JANUARY 20, 2010

The Brooklyn Community Pride Center (BCPC)- in collaboration with the Brooklyn District Attorney's Charles Hynes' Office, and the National AIDS Education & Services for Minorities- proudly presents the following event as the third installment in BCPC's community education panel discussions.

Did you know that LGBT youth are disproportionately exposed to violence in the home, which can lead to eventual homelessness? 11.5% of gay and lesbian youth report being physically attacked by family members, and 44% of LGBT youth report having been the target of anti-gay physical abuse, discrimination and/or harassment in their family of origin.

Once in out-of-home care these youth are at higher risk for victimization, mental health problems, and engaging in unsafe sexual behavior than their straight counterparts. Aging out of the foster care system can be very difficult for LGBT youth, and many experience periods of homelessness or may resort to survival crimes, such as prostitution. Any involvement with the criminal justice system resulting in incarceration can lead to further abuse within the system.

This panel will be geared toward parents, social services providers, legal and law enforcement professionals, and will address the specific issues related to working with LGBT youth in out-of-home care. This is both an important and timely issue, and we look forward to the opportunity to engage Brooklyn’s LGBT community in a productive discussion.

Event Details: LGBT Youth in Out-of-Home Care.

Wednesday, January 20th at 7pm

Brooklyn Borough Hall

209 Joralemon Street & Court Street

Brooklyn, New York 11201
2nd floor courtroom

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Brooklyn's Own Transgender Name Change Clinic

THU, JANUARY 21, 2010 at 7pm

BCPC, in conjunction with LeGal (Lesbian and Gay Law Association of Greater New York) and the West Village Trans Name Change Clinic (awesome clinic at The Center), has begun a pro se transgender name change clinic, which started in November 2009 and will operate on the 3rd Thursday of every month.

The clinic will assist transgender individuals with filling out the paper work to file for a legal name change. This clinic is only for residents of NYC. The clinic itself is free, but individuals are responsible for filing and publication fees. Please contact le_gal@earthlink.net with any questions.

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Anti-Violence Project Offering LGBTQ DV Legal Clinic

The Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is now offering a free LGBTQ DV Legal Clinic for clients! Click links below for more information.

Team Tish: Some Recent Photos

Welcome to our "Recent Photos" adventure, in which we follow Council Member James on her activities within the 35th District and throughout New York City:

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CMs James and deBlasio join Speaker Quinn at Brooklyn's PRIDE Parade on June 13, 2009.

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CM James is joined by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) at the "Capital One Bank Clinton Hill Branch Grand Opening Day" on July 23, 2009.

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CMs James and Liu are joined by State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Assembly Member Karim Camara, as well as community activists [from Real Economics for Building Unity and Innovative Local Development (REBUILD)], at a press conference calling on Mayor Bloomberg to spend stimulus funding on jobs within our communities on July 30th, 2009 at City Hall.


CMs James is joined by members of (REBUILD) and Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler.

*Photos courtesy of William Alatriste.
**Photos courtesy of PACC.

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention

Expanding Food Access

We were so happy to hear about Costco accepting food stamps in Brooklyn stores. This was a way overdue policy, and we agree with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz that we need to extend food access services to under served areas of Brooklyn, especially in the interest of diminishing obesity and other food-related ailments within those communities.

Equality In Marriage

Our office has gotten contacted by constituents curious to know about Council Member James' position on gay marriage. Council Member James, like many politicians Statewide, feels that this is an issue that should be decided on a State level. Personally, she supports equality in marriage, and feels that sexual orientation and gender should not be factors in one's eligibility to enter into wedlock. Additionally, Tish was one of the first politicians to call the rapid spread of HIV/AIDs specifically among the MSM community in Central Brooklyn a "state of emergency." Recently, she joined LGBT activists in Crown Heights in opposition to police brutality against the LGBT community (following the beating of two lesbians- Jeannette Grey and Tiffany Jimenez- in Crown Heights).

On Atlantic Yards and The State Senate "coup"

Council Member James spoke at yesterday's Atlantic Yards community update at Lafayette Presbyterian Church, sponsored by Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn. You can read about what was said at The Atlantic Yards Report. She also touched on the recent NYS Senate "coup," speaking on the compromised political position Senate Democrats have been placed in.

Directly from Council Member James, on Frank Gehry's departure from the Atlantic Yards project

"The abandonment of Gehry's design indicates to me that Forest City Ratner has acknowledged that the scale of Atlantic Yard's is at the center of major flaws with the development. However, embracing a different design that scales-back the project does not address the inherent problems with the Atlantic Yards proposal or process, nor does it convince me that this wasn’t a quick attempt to gain support through a supposed “budget-conscious” design."

And on Dock Street project

“I support the Dock Street DUMBO project because it holds the promise of hundreds of new middle school seats for public school children in Downtown Brooklyn and surrounding communities. This project proposes to build a 300-seat public middle school in a privately funded, LEED-certified “green” residential building that will also create DUMBO’s first ever affordable housing. The developer plans to donate a significant portion of the cost of the school to the City as well – a financial contribution worth over $40 million– and has already reached out to the surrounding community regarding job opportunities and other economic development benefits. Dock Street DUMBO, with its donated middle school and affordable housing commitment is exactly the kind of smart, innovative public-private partnership needed for the future of our communities.”

Hate Crime- Attack on Sucuzhanay Brothers

* On Sunday, December 14, 2008, Council Member James joined her fellow Members in the Council, and many Bushwick community members in mourning the senseless hate crime against Ecuadorian brothers Jose and Romel Sucuzhanay.

Jose, the owner of a real estate agency, was declared brain-dead on December 10, 2008, a day after the brothers were attacked with baseball bats and broken bottles. He passed on December 14, 2008.

Witnesses were said to overhear anti-gay as well as anti-Latino sentiments hurled at the brothers during the attack, which suggests that the attackers may have been spurred-on by an assumption that the men were together.

Council Member James is deeply saddened by these events, and hopes that they will draw the attention of all New Yorkers to the continuing work we all have to conquer hate and violence within our own communities. Tish has always acted with strong support for both the LGBT community and people of color, and her prayers and thoughts continue to be with the Sucuzhanay family.

The individuals who committed these heinous crimes are still at-large, and a flyer containing sketches may be found on the New York City Council website here: http://council.nyc.gov/html/home/home.shtml

Please call 1-800-577-TIPS(8477) if you have any further information.

*Photo courtesy of William Alatriste.

Public Safety Task Force Meeting, STAY SAFE!

On October 15, 2008, Council Member Letitia James hosted a Public Safety Town Hall Meeting to discuss how community members can work with the Police Department and the District Attorney’s office to keep neighborhoods safer from crime. On behalf of Council Member James, we’d like to thank all those who attended the meeting and submitted their questions.

In attendance were Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, Police Service Area 3 Commanding Officer Captain Brian McGinn, 84th Precinct Commanding Officer Captain Alan E. Abel, and 88th Precinct Commanding Officer Captain Anthony Tasso. We thank them for their time and for sharing their expertise with community residents. Our office has a close working relationship with our local precincts and with District Attorney Hynes, which allows us to address crime issues quickly and efficiently.

Tish truly believes in community policing, and that businesses reaching their hands out to local individuals- especially post-school-aged youth- has a dramatic affect on the reduction of petty crime. For this reason, she has challenged local businesses to hire within the community. Lafayette Avenue’s restaurant Choice Market, and the Silver Spoon yogurt shop on Fulton Avenue, have both hired employees who live in the community. We encourage you to patronize these establishments.


On behalf of Council Member James, in light of recent crime events, we’d like to share some safety tips:

-If you are a victim of any crime, please call 911 first. When possible, stay in contact with your local precinct to keep updated on the progress of any case you are involved in. In addition to calling 911, if you witness a crime, you may also call or submit a tip online through the NYPD's Crimestoppers here: http://www.nypdcrimestoppers.com. Reports can be anonymous.

-Residents may sometimes be asked to file a report with 311 for minor disturbances. Keep your case number, and follow-up with 311 on the progress. You can send additional information about your case, or follow-up on a pre-existing case here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/311atnycgov.html. Representatives for 311 have told me that the City is working on a completely web-based system where a resident could log their report and follow-up entirely online. If you are having difficulties with the 311 reporting process, please call our offices at (718) 260-9191 or (212) 788-7081.

-Contact your local community board to make them aware of any crime, so that others in your area can take precautions to remain safe. Additionally, please remain active within your precinct meetings. You can contact your local precinct for information on meetings. If you are not able to attend meetings, check your area’s crime statistics here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/crime_prevention/crime_statistics.shtml

-If you are a resident of Clinton Hill or Fort Greene, please post information on crimes at the Society for Clinton Hill’s crime blogger here: http://societyforclintonhill.org/. Additionally, inquire as to whether your block has a block association, or reach out to your tenant association. Safety issues are appropriate to bring up to these bodies.

-Lastly, please take common safety precautions when in travel. Notice your surroundings, get to know your neighbors, watch mp3/iphone/blackberry/etc. use (especially at night)- distraction makes for an easy target, take robbers seriously- give them what they ask for an quickly get away, don’t go anywhere with anyone you don't know, stay in contact with a friend if you’re traveling at night, etc. There’s also a service that will be especially of interest to women, transpeople, and LGBT individuals. RightRides provides free late-night rides home and escorts for those who do not want to travel alone.

Please remain safe.
team tish

You may find your local precinct here- http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/precinct_maps/precinct_maps.shtml
You may find your local community board here- http://www.nyc.gov/html/cau/html/cb/directory.shtml
RightRides- http://www.rightrides.org/index.php