By DANIEL BEEKMANBronx Times-Reporter
The 45th Precinct is eyeing spots where neighbors have reported drug activity. The corner of Philip and Hollywood avenues, near the Throgs Neck Expressway, has been problematic for years, a neighbor who asked to remain anonymous said.
“There are [drug] dealers 24/7,” the neighbor said. “On Fridays and Saturdays it’s like a candy store.”
The corner turned sour more than five years ago, the neighbor added. Dealers and patrons often double-park to do business; most are in their late teens and early twenties, the neighbor said.
The neighbor thinks that the dealers and patrons hail from outside Throggs Neck. The corner of Philip and Hollywood avenues is dark and quiet, the neighbor said.
The neighbor has phoned the 45th Precinct some five times in five years to report drug sales; at least five others have phoned to no avail, the neighbor stated. The neighbor is sympathetic to 45th Precinct personnel issues. Regardless, he wants to see action.
“I know there aren’t enough cops,” the neighbor said. “But what’s going on here?”
45th Precinct Captain Dimitrios Roumeliotis has heard about drug sales at the corner of Philip and Hollywood avenues. Roumeliotis said that the Police Department would look into the problem.
He also said that the Police Department planned to follow up on reports of drug sales on Balcom and Edwards avenues near Lehman High School. A resident of the neighborhood, who also asked to remain anonymous, said that he has seen evidence of drugs used on house steps. Parents need to assume responsibility for young people in the neighborhood, the resident said.
