The South Bronx saw the inauguration of the new 40th Precinct Station House, an $85-million facility aimed at enhancing public safety and community policing. New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined forces with NYPD Interim Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon and DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley to introduce the precinct that boasts a community event space—a first for an NYPD station house.
Interim Commissioner Donlon emphasized the station's role in community partnership, stating, "This is crucial, as public safety is a shared responsibility that requires every officer and all the people we serve to come together to shape the future of our city." A promise made a decade ago to the people of the South Bronx, the new precinct aims to deliver a state-of-the-art police facility that truly belongs to the community, as reported by the city's official announcement.
The project aligns with sustainability goals, aiming for LEED Gold certification. It touts features like a planted green roof and high-efficiency water and energy systems. Able to keep operating during emergencies thanks to its fuel tanks and backup generators, the building is a testament to resilience and environmental responsibility. The newly constructed precinct also includes training areas for personnel along with a parking lot designated for precinct use, ensuring the surrounding community retains street parking availability.
Art is also a part of the new precinct's identity, with installations by Bronx artist Borinquen Gallo focusing on the perimeter fence and another by Brooklyn artist Jeffrey Gibson situated in the community room. These contributions, not merely aesthetic, are intended to weave the essence of the local culture into the fabric of the precinct. Acknowledging the facility’s importance, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, "The opening of the new 40th Precinct Station House is a monumental step forward in strengthening public safety and fostering community engagement here in the South Bronx," in a statement made to the city's official announcement.
With an eye on strengthening ties between the police and the community, the new station includes a first-floor community room for neighborhood events and meetings. According to Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, having space for residents to congregate for positive interactions sets the stage for improved police-community relations. Echoing Clark's sentiment, the commitment of the NYPD to foster such engagement in the South Bronx seeks to model the new precinct as a blueprint for future precincts citywide.
