The block is patrolled nightly by a security guard, visible by his reflective vest and flashlight. The hours may vary, according to the season, but generally he is present between 4PM and midnight. The presence of the guard is intended to act as a deterrent to unwanted and criminal activity on the street. In the event such activity occurs, the guard has been instructed to observe the incident and report it immediately via radio to the supervisor and/or police, as warranted, and in as much detail as possible. The guard is not armed and does not function in the capacity of a police officer.
In the event of a medical emergency on the street, the guard will offer any assistance he can, including calling 911. He is also available to escort you home in the evening. He carries a dedicated phone and will meet you at either West End Ave or Riverside Drive.
Security guard Phone Number: 347-723-1517
The City awarded the block association a grant to improve block security. The money was used to heighten backyard fences, install intercoms in various buildings, make lobby doors stronger, and install alarm boxes in the outer lobby of each building.
Member dues and other contributions pay for the security guard. Don’t delay: pay your dues today!
Larnell Peterson
Security Guard
Meet our block security guard, Larnell Peterson, who likes to be called “Big L”. Please say Hi and introduce yourself when you next see him. If you need him to escort you from the corner to your door, please call his cell: 347-723-1517.
Meet Big L, Our New Security Gard
Larnell Peterson, or “Big L”, as he likes to be called, has been a security guard for close to 30 years. He has worked security at all kinds of venues including concerts, department stores, as well as city streets such as ours. He praised our neighborhood, noting one resident insisted on giving him a bottle of water, and although he didn’t need it, he was so impressed with her kindness that he took it.
He sees his job’s main responsibility as “to keep everybody safe. As people get to know you, they will even tell you if they see something suspicious, but it takes time for them to trust you. Usually people are in their buildings by 9 or 10 o’clock so I can relax a bit after that.”
He says he is happy with his line of work because “I have a good heart to help people.” He believes in treating everyone equally. “I show my respect and they give it back to me.”
He is a proud lifelong New Yorker and Yankees fan. He has a son and two daughters, and a 3 year old grandson in New Jersey. He enjoys visiting friends and family in Georgia, South Carolina, where he is originally from, and Florida. But he visits only in winter time. “I hate the heat. Cold doesn’t bother me,” he says.
Please take a moment to welcome Mr. Campbell to the neighborhood. Member dues and other contributions pay for the security guard. Don’t delay – pay your dues today!