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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2004

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES ALMOST $75,000 FOR SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Funds will be used for security surveillance project on Queens Boulevard

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce will get $74,513 from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The funding will be used primarily for installation of a security camera system on Queens Boulevard.

"Security cameras are valuable tools for monitoring areas with a high incidence of crime, and act as a strong deterrent to potential criminals" Schumer said. "The implementation of this surveillance project will be an effective step in both prevention and reduction of area crime, and will also help keep traffic violations and accidents down."

The Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce plans to install a surveillance system on Queens Boulevard at the 40th and 46th street #7 train entrances, as well as the street and sidewalk areas immediately surrounding that location on both sides of the Boulevard. Members of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce will voluntarily monitor the system and provide information to the 108th precinct. Additionally, the Chamber will use part of this funding to inform the public and surrounding businesses about the surveillance system.

The surveillance project aims to reduce crime, pedestrian and vehicular accidents, and the occurrence of graffiti in the area. In achieving the proposed goals, the project will serve as an example of effective crime prevention and reduction with the use of street surveillance.

The mission of the Bureau of Justice Assistance is to provide leadership and support to local criminal justice strategies to achieve safe communities. BJA's overall goals are to reduce and prevent crime, violence, and drug abuse and improve the overall operation of the criminal justice system. BJA programs focus on coordination of federal, state, and local efforts.

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