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Brooklyn's "Prostitution Park" Not As Fun As It Sounds
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Mar 8, 2011
Modified Mar 8, 2011
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By
Jaya Saxena
Published Mar 8, 2011
Modified Mar 8, 2011
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Crispus Attucks Park in Clinton Hill has earned the nickname "Prostitution Park" from locals, and they're not too happy about it. "Prostitution, drugs, crack vials all over the place at night, people defecating on the bushes," Henry Hernandez told WPIX. "My granddaughter loves to play here during the day. It's a shame." And some residents are blaming budget cuts to the Parks Department, saying it keeps them from locking the park gates at night. Is the city in such dire straights that it can't afford a padlock?
A few residents have taken to patrolling the park themselves after dark, even bringing their own locks, but the problems remain. Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries says, "The Parks Department has expressed a willingness to address this problem, but it's time for their words to be translated into action. Residents deserve a park and playground that enhances their quality of life and is free of illegal activity." The NYPD reportedly received no complaints about the park last year, and say officers from the the 88th Precinct check at dusk to make sure no one is inside. But after that it seems to be a free for all for anyone who can hop the fence.
Of course, residents have to agree that the park shouldn't be used for shady activity. One local admitted, "Can I be real with you? I have had sex on that basketball court." Funny, because another local told the Daily News, "Don't they realize we can see them?" That's half the fun! (The other half is smoking crack, we're guessing.)
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brooklyn
clinton hill
crispus attucks playground
prostitution
Jaya Saxena
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