Nassau County Reopens Fifth Police Precinct In Elmont 2 Years After Controversial Plan
ELMONT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- An old police precinct has been reopened on Long Island to the delight of residents who never wanted it closed.
The Fifth Precinct officially reopened at 7 a.m. Monday, acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter said. It had been closed for nearly two years as part of a controversial police realignment plan that was designed to save money.
Elmont residents, local leaders and county legislators are celebrating the reopening.
"I'm excited, I'm very happy...we needed our Fifth Precinct open again," community leader Milagros Vicente said. "They really are part of the community again."
Patrick Nicolosi, of the Elmont East End Civic Association, helped lead the fight to reopen the precinct and couldn't be happier.
"Public safety, I don't mind paying taxes for more," Nicolosi told WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs. "When it comes to saving lives and protecting the community, that's why we moved in here in the first place."
"By having our precinct back we're going to have that visibility, that presence, that strong vision and perception of keeping our residents safe," County Legislator Carrié Solages said.
James Carver, president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, offered his praise saying, "This was the right thing to do. You can make a decision, that doesn't mean you have to stick by that decision forever."
The police union is also urging the county to reopen of the Sixth and Eighth precincts.
Refusing to admit closing the precinct was a mistake, the police commissioner said it was great to have it reopened, Xirinachs reported.
The county insists it will make administrative changes so the precinct reopening won't cost taxpayers a dime.