Beacon Update and How to Park on A Dead End

After Beacon Court received dozens of parking violations for wrong way parking. Many people were angry and contacted GerritsenBeach.net who put the residents in touch with the Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Assocation and Lew Fidlers office. After our story and subsequent phone calls the Property Owners personally invited the members of Beacon Court to the monthly meeting which happened to be on the same day.

The 61st (above) flat out said to Beacon Court residents – you’re parking in the wrong direction on the street.

However, They received outstanding support from Councilman Lew Fidler who wrote a strongly worded letter trying to help the residents with their the tickets. They plan on mailing them all together – we will keep you informed of their progress.

How to Park on a Dead End
(Let’s not get the traffic agents a free ride.)
Most if not every car on a dead end in Gerritsen Beach is parking illegally – we checked.

Dead Ends are technically two way streets. Our streets happen to be very very narrow but they are still considered two way.

The easiest way to know if your parking legally is to have your drivers side door to the street.

If you are facing a dead end
Park on the right of the street – car facing down the block
Park on the left of the street – car facing out the block.

Just make sure a police officer does not see you driving in reverse – that’s a moving violation.

Bevy Court Robbery Suspect Caught

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Remember the Bevy Court Robberies? Well the police did catch a suspect.

The good news was that the burglar who robbed a home on Bevy Ct. recently was apprehended and jailed. He was traced to Brownsville, thanks to an alert citizen!

Another Incident at Seba Avenue Park – Gun?

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There have been numerous reports floating around the comments here and Facebook about an incident yesterday in Seba Avenue Park.

The incident was that either one or multiple kids from out of the beach tried to intimidate a Beach kid out of his cell phone and there may or may not have been a weapon flashed.

That’s all the information we have at this time. We welcome you to update us all in the comment below. We will update you as we try and get more information.

Beware: Robberies and Break-Ins


I know people won’t like it but here it is: There seems to be a rash of vehicle break-ins and robbery reportings going around facebook and the comments over the last few days.

The vehicle break-ins involve mostly unlocked vehicles. As reported previously these thefts resulted in cash, iPods, GPS tracking systems and other items being stolen.

Please report suspicious vehicles or persons in the neighborhood by calling 911. Please give the operator a physical description, what direction they were headed, as much information as possible if they are driving the vehicle’s license number, if possible.

Here is what has been making the rounds:

Please be aware that there are people breaking into houses and cars in Gerritsen Beach..Lock all your doors and call the police if you see anything suspicious..This has been going on for a couple of weeks now and is getting out of control..Something MUST be done about this..Enough is enough already!!!

Bevy Ct Break-Ins

The recent break-ins were on bevy between channel & devon. The lady tried to break into two of my cars. One she took change out of & spilled pepsi all over my seat, the other cars alarm triggered and she went down the block towards Devon ave. When I realized what had just happened I chased her around the block, where she told me in a drunken stupor and I quote” there was a big truck on gerritsen ave, that’s why, sorry about that”, so I smiled and said ” oh alright, no problem”. I continued to follow her without her knowing, and saw her try a handle on Celeste court between the same avenues. I then asked her where the truck was. She then said that was her car, and I being fed up exclaimed that I knew that wasn’t her car( She was infront of my friends house) and that I knew she had just broken into mine because there was spilled pepsi all over the seat, and she just happened to be holding a beverage of the same variety. She then broke down, started crying and said ” yea, the truth is, is that I’m homeless and I was looking for a place to sleep”. More words were exchanged and then my parents showed up, so I went back home to finish watching “The Doors” with my brother. Basically she looks like a frail 45-50 year old woman. Watch out for her, oh yea and she comes in the neighborhood from around ave W, because all the cars she attempted to rob trace back in a line over to that way.

Can I have some water?

The women was on Whitney Avenue and Plumb 2nd Street on Sunday.
She asked me for a cup of water. when I went inside to get it, my LARGE DOG kept her

Robbery Attempt

There was also a robbery in the new section, at 45 Hazel Ct. A male black attemped to break in through a window and was scared off by a neighbor who witnessed the attempted break in.

Early Morning Suspicion

The other incident in which my neighbors house was robbed, was a separate incident which happened in the morning a few days ago. It happened early in the morning at a time when the elderly woman was still sleeping but others were up going to school/ work. There is construction going on on my block. The only thing out of the ordinary that day, and I say this speaking the truth, was that some of the work crew witnessed a skinny, young, African American male, whom no one on the block had ever seen before, park his car up on the side walk. That’s it. A few of the guys saw him get back in his car, when he nervously said “Sorry for parking here”. He then fidgeted around with his keys for a moment and drove off. I don’t want to draw any false conclusions, but …

Senior Cut Day a Bust at Area Beaches

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Manhattan Beach is just as interesting as Gerritsen Beach. They are a community that wanted to ban “thugs” from “their” beach, Ban Barbecuingthen they divided with two civic groups, they even sued themselves,  but nothing tops the “Bias Beach Bust” where Cops barred black teens from using a public beach in response to senior cut day two years ago.

Yesterday, police and community groups from Manhattan Beach and Sheesphead Bay believed yesterday was senior cut day. Naturally the two Manhattan Beach Groups  have been preparing for this day all year; making sure the NYPD knows they want nothing short of the army coming in to protect thier neighborhood.

Yesterday, the 61st Precinct and Broklyn South Patrol stepped up their force in Manhattan Beach and Sheepshead Bay. They posted guards at the Sheepshead bay foot bridge, Sheesphead Bay Road,  and increased their numbers at Manhattan Beach.

According to Captain Mastrokostas they did grab at least one group of students and brought them to the TRACK Center for truancy. The Track Center is for students found by an officer not in school between the hours of 9 AM and 12 PM. Other than that, there was not Cut Day turnout expected and it was just an ordinary day at the beach.

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Parks Dept ATVs vs GB’s ATVs

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Parks chasing down Paintballers - Nov 07

I think it is safe to say Gerritsen Beach has an interesting relationship with NYC Parks Department. You would know this if you ever walked your dog, flown an R/C airplane, volunteered for GBCares, went for a walk or even more heavy handed like: built/dug a fort, had a keg/jungle juice party, played paintball, lit a bon fire, rode a quad or dirtbike, or did any other unscrupulous behavior.

The community and the community groups biggest issue is with the Dirtbikes and Quads. They say they dangerous for other motorists, property and pedestrians because the ATV’s (quads and dirtbikes) are usually speeding up and down the courts and avenue uninsured and unlicensed without helmets. While the community kicks and screams to the police department and parks the community usually take an unofficial position of out of site out of mind, meaning stay back weeds, where they would become a Parks Enforcement problem.

In a bit of irony, There was a recent article in the NYTimes highlighting how the Parks Department is training some employees on proper ATV handling. It described how they were kinda-sorta were putting birds in danger in the process. A Parks worker mentioned they saw a killdeer plover nest in the area. He said, “Two of her eggs are broken. I hope we didn’t do it.” Killdeer plovers are ground-nesting birds!

Let’s say this and please pay attention! The community groups are calling for more enforcement for these ATV’s, Councilman Lew Fidler wants more enforcement everyone wants to see more enforcement because of the money being pumped into Seba Avenue Park. More importantly, There is a new Parks Enforcement Captain and there is a new Parks Manager, they both have power they need to flex and they both have a renewed interest in our area specifically enforcement. They will be meeting with the 63rd Precinct to see how they can better step up enforcement and both parks and the NYPD will stepping up their enforcement with the nicer weather. The nicer weather is more or less here and people – maybe you – will be using the back weeds more often. You need to be aware that parks will be looking to summons you, then when you hit the street the police will be waiting for  you.

Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Meeting Roundup

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Last night was the Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association Meeting and it promised to be interesting because Congressman Anthony Weiner was going to come by. People started to pack the meeting early and by the beginning of the meeting there was a decent large crowd.

On top of the community residents that were in attendance there were some board members of  GBCares present, Donna Davis of the Community Gardens, Paster Nebrasky of St. James.

GBPOA Roundup

  • Donna Davis of the Community Gardens is always looking for volunteers especially children to help maintain and plant new flowers.
  • The Belt Parkway is going to erode away. We need to get on Anthony Weiner to get that fixed.
  • The Buildings Department is Holding their NO-PENALTY RETAINING WALL INSPECTION PROGRAM
  • GBCares is going to be meeting with Parks soon, and pushing the community for membership. “Although their ability is hampered hopefully they will be figure out how to get around the challenges they face.”

61st Precinct Roundup

Basically KEEP YOUR CAR DOORS LOCKED. DON’T KEEP VALUABLES INSIDE YOUR CAR People are stealing things!

Also if you see a suspicious person call 911 and let the cops figure it out.


Lew Fidler

  • Praised the 61st and 63rd for their continued response to Seba Avenue Park. The precincts will be keeping up patrols in the park. Councilman Fidler added that  “I’m not looking to have to have everyone son arrested” “I don’t coddle people that destroy our neighborhoods property”.
  • Gerritsen and Whitney will be named Veterans Memorial Way, hopefully on memorial day.
  • Please fill out and return Lew Fidlers Budget Survey that will be in your mailbox soon.

Anthony Weiner

To be fair to Congressman Weiner, because he doesn’t come by all that often, we will be posting about his visit later today.

Aster Ct. Crime Spree

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[This car had its GPS stolen from the glove box]

We’ve been getting emails and message about numerous car break-ins on Aster court.

They have been stealing anything they can see.

It’s been every weekend for the last three weekends. The thieves are going into cars via open windows, unlocked doors, etc. Apparently one of the first weekends of this spree, a 12 year old was caught red handed in someones vehicle and was given “a good talking to”.

Bus Shelter Destruction: Storm Edition

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The criminal animals took advantage of the storm smashing 4 shelters on Gerritsen Avenue.

As you can see they used bricks and lawn decorations to smash the shelters.

Everyone who took the bus this morning in the rain thanks you for getting wet and cold.

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Two Tires Stolen: Aster Ct


[Car on Cinder Blocks - Pic by Danny]

Storm be damned. Thieves last night stole two tires off a black honda accord in front of 82 Aster.

Check out the previous Cars on Cinder Blocks

St. Patricks Day Parade

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Today was the First Annual St. Patricks Day Parade. It was put together by Jim Donovan in memory of his father Thomas G. Donovan who recently passed away.

The forecast called for heavy rains and increasing winds but despite that forecast a hundred or so people came down to march in the parade to march down Gerritsen Avenue. The weather was so bad everyone was drenched, hats were blowing away, flags were like parachutes blowing the flag bearers in every which direction. Everyone gathered after at the Hibernians where there was a good spread of Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Desserts.

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The parade this year had to be held this year on the sidewalk only because the city is not issuing any new permits for parades and existing parades have to be cut by 25%. However, the 61st Precinct was kind enough to cooperate with the parade organizers to allow them to march on the sidewalk. They were also kind enough to provide an escort and assist in street crossings (maybe to make sure the parade didn’t stray onto the street) .

Complete Photo Gallery – Flickr
Complete Photo Gallery – Facebook

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Continue reading St. Patricks Day Parade

The Day After The Shooting

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Area Precincts sent multiple Community Affairs officers to PS 194 this morning to explain what happened to whomever asked, as well as to be a presence to make people feel better.

D’Amato’s father, George D’Amato Sr., told the Post his son “had minor scrapes with the law, nothing serious.” He added: “I am retired law-enforcement myself. I know what it’s like. I can’t blame the officer. He did what he had to do.”

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[Facebook Group]

There is a Facebook group named “R.I.P. George!” up with friends exchanging kind words of remembrance.

Fatal Shooting at Knapp and Whitney

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[Ambulance Pulling Away with Suspect]

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This could be bad news for Gerritsen Beach as the suspect does live in the area.

George “Pedro” D’Amato of Ebony Ct. a Gerritsen Beach resident was shot and killed by officers in front of PS 194.

NYPD Details:

On Monday March 8, 2010 at approximately 1510 hours, in the rear of 3117 Avenue W (P.S. 194), in the confines of the 61 Precinct, police received a 911 call of a man with a gun. Upon arrival, a uniformed police officer encountered a M/W/22 who pointed what appeared to be a silver handgun at the officer. The officer discharged three (3) rounds, striking the suspect. EMS transported the suspect to Coney Island Hospital where he is pronounced dead at 1611 hours. The Investigation is ongoing.

61 Precinct - 03-08-10

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The gun used was a pellet gun painted silver and black.

The Zebra Super Shot pellet gun is an automatic “pistol” that shoots 50 shots in one loading. The “ammo” is soft, small plastic balls. Great fun for target practice. Not recommended for children under 8 years of age, as the balls could pose a choking hazard

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George Damato was recently arrested, for:
PL 120.15 00 B Misdemeanor, 1 count, Not an arrest charge, Arraignment charge
Description Menacing 3rd

PL 145.05 02
**TOP CHARGE** E Felony, 1 count, Arrest charge, Arraignment charge
Description Crim Mischief 3:property> $250

PL 145.00 01 A Misdemeanor, 1 count, Not an arrest charge, Arraignment charge
Description Crm Mis:intnt Dmge Prprty

PL 195.05 00 A Misdemeanor, 1 count, Not an arrest charge, Arraignment charge
Description Obstrct Gvrnmntl Admn 2nd

PL 240.20 01 Violation, 1 count, Not an arrest charge, Arraignment charge
Description Dis/con:fight/violent Beh

PL 240.26 01 Violation, 1 count, Not an arrest charge, Arraignment charge
Description Harassment 2nd- Phy Contact

March Meeting Madness

Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic Association March 2, 2010; usually meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Baron DeKalb, Knights of Columbus, 3000 Emmons Avenue, 7:30 p.m.; 718-891-1937; www.sbpbcivic.org.

Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association, March 3, 2010 (and each first Wednesday) at 7:30 p.m.; St. James Lutheran Church, Gerritsen and Florence avenues.

Marine Park Civic Association, March 17, 2010 at 8 p.m.; Public School 207, 4011 Fillmore Avenue; 718-336-7343, or visit www.marineparkcivic.org.

Community Board 15, March 23, 2010 at 7 p.m.; Kingsborough Community College, 2001 Oriental Boulevard (Faculty Dining Room); 718-332-3008.

61st Precinct Community Council meets at 3093 Ocean Ave., on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Bus Shelters Kicked In

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Apparently, someone who may have been a bit off their rocker went around and kicked in about 6 or so bus shelters, destroying a good amount the glass on all of the shelters.

It’s only a matter of time now before someone turns surveillance cameras to look at the shelters. Oh wait…they already have! ::Law and Order Dun-Dun::

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