Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
The new 116th Precinct will be the first new precinct established in New York City since 2013.
By Forum Staff
Southeast Queens community leaders and elected officials on Monday broke ground on the City Police Department’s new 116th Precinct at 244-04 North Conduit Ave.
The precinct, the city’s first new precinct since 2013, is the result of decades of advocacy from committed community groups in the area, which had previously been served by just one command in the 265-mile stretch of blocks from Middle Village to John F. Kennedy International Airport, Mayor Bill de Blasio noted.
“This new police precinct was conceived by the communities of Southeast Queens. It was forged, and designed, as a reflection of their best vision for effective public safety and is thankfully now being realized after decades of their hard work and inspiration,” City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea added. “The NYPD embraces this moment for the opportunities this premier facility gives us to help deepen our connections and better serve the people who live in the neighborhoods it will cover.”
Construction on the $78 million building began last month and is projected to be completed in January 2024. The City Department of Design and Construction is managing the design and construction for NYPD. The total project cost is $104.8 million.
The new 48,410 square foot facility has been designed with a Community Meeting Room on the first floor, with a dedicated entrance from the front of the building, to allow members of the neighborhood to engage with the precinct in a way that strengthens awareness of the NYPD’s commitment to community policing. The precinct is placed strategically within the community to allow for more rapid responses and effective policing.
The precinct’s parking lot has been sited in the rear of the building, bringing the new precinct closer to the street and protecting the neighborhood’s residential character. A second parking lot will be located in front of the existing 105th Precinct Annex. A public plaza leading to the Long Island Railroad will occupy the western area featuring benches, a water filling station, bicycle racks and new landscaping.
“The groundbreaking for the new 116th Precinct is a historic moment decades in the making, and was only possible due to the relentless and committed advocacy of local residents and community organizations,” said Councilwoman Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica). “This precinct will cut response times for residents, provide more resources for public safety, and improve police-community relations. I am thankful to Mayor de Blasio, Queens Borough President Richards, and all of the leaders who played a role in advancing this important project.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr., added, “The 116th Precinct is open today thanks to the residents’ advocacy hand in hand with the New York Police Department. This precinct will be living proof of successful community policing while ensuring quality of life and public safety, especially with anticipated improved response time. I proudly secured funds to make this precinct a reality, and I am thrilled to see it is a new day in Southeast Queens.”
The 116th Precinct will serve Rosedale, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, and Floral Park.
If convicted, Brown faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
