Yonkers Commish Meets Irish

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Yonkers Commish Meets Irish

April 9, 2008

By April Drew

A MEETING that took place between members of the Irish community and the Yonkers Police Department on Wednesday, April 2 in the Aisling Irish Community Center in Yonkers was a success, according to executive director of the center Orla Kelleher.

Yonkers Police Commissioner Edmund Hartnett addressed the meeting and took questions from up to 30 individuals who attended. Various concerns were raised, said Kelleher.

“A lot of issues were brought up. People even talked about their anger at something that happened nearly 20 years ago,” she said, mentioning that people felt at ease and were glad of the opportunity to discuss what was troubling them.

Kelleher did say she was disappointed with the numbers on the night. “ I would consider it a small crowd considering the number of people that live and work around the area,” she said.

“And, I was slightly disappointed that business owners, particularly bar owners didn’t show up to the meeting.”

The meeting, which was organized by Hartnett’s office in conjunction with the Aisling Center, was organized in an effort to bring about a more trusting and lasting relationship between the Yonkers Police Department and the Irish Community.

“I certainly think the meeting achieved what it set out to achieve. People definitely had an opportunity to have their voices heard and raise concerns,” Kelleher said.

Concerned with the lack of undocumented present at the meeting, Kelleher said people are still afraid to come forward.

“There was a clear lack of presence from the Irish undocumented and it’s a pity,” she said. “Hartnett reassured people at the meeting that an individuals status is not of concern to the Yonkers police who are there in capacity to serve and protect the community.” Kelleher went on to say that it’s imperative that crimes are reported.

“Although we live in a relatively safe neighborhood, if something happens it’s very important that it is reported. The Yonkers police can’t do anything if they don’t know about it,” Kelleher said.

A possible solution to combat the issue of fear of the undocumented in reporting a crime came at the end of the meeting when it was suggested that a committee be set up to act as a liaison between the Irish community and the Yonkers Police Department.

A second meeting is in the works in a few months time.

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