By Debra Friedman
STAFF WRITER
Greenwich Time Posted: 01/20/2009
Those who live and work in Byram are rallying behind the idea of adding a police substation next to the Byram Volunteer Fire Department.
"We are hopeful that when the Byram fire department is refurbished we can get some type of substation of the police department down there where the community has a location to go directly to defend against crime that is happening all over town," said Michael Bocchino, president of the Byram Neighborhood Association.
"That would be wonderful," said Michael Fingold, owner of Madison Wines & Liquors at 1 North Water St., in Byram.
"Being a business owner on this end of town, I think the police do a good job, but they don't spend enough time here," said Fingold, who has run his shop on the corner of two busy Byram streets for over five years.
Nancy Ugrinaj, owner of Fuzari's Pizzeria, at 226 Mill St., agreed a substation would bring peace of mind to the community, which police said is vulnerable to crime due to its border with Port Chester and its proximity to New York City and Interstate 95.
"Just in case of an emergency, it would be a good thing," said Ugrinaj, who has owned the pizzeria for three years.
Thomas Merchant, a resident of Byram who grew up in the community, said the neighborhood has not changed much during the 32 years he has known it, and felt more attention would be beneficial.
"Byram is always the last to get attention," said Merchant.
Assistant Fire Chief Robert Kick said renovation plans for the Byram Volunteer Fire Department on Delavan Avenue are scheduled for the 2011-2012 capital budget with a projected construction in 2012-2013. Kick said that while plans have not been drawn up yet, he has not heard any discussion of adding a police substation to the fire house.
Likewise, police officials said there has not been any substantial discussion for adding a substation, but noted that they do designate a patrol car to survey the area exclusively, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"We have spearheaded an aggressive patrol and are putting extra officers down there," said Lt. Gary Honulik, who heads the West Sector of the Community and Police Partnership, an organization that ties residents and police officers together to address public safety issues in different areas of town.
"The west sector is the busiest area of town. It has always been a more active area regarding a variety of crimes," said Honulik, who noted that many elements would have to be considered before a substation could be planned, including financial issues and manpower logistics.
The decision to move forward with concrete plans of a substation would need the backing of the chief of police and the first-selectmen as well.
Lt. Richard Cochran, who was in charge of the west sector for the Community and Police Partnership several years ago, said the idea of a substation in Byram has been mentioned before.
"Merchants brought it up but it just didn't go anywhere," said Cochran. "It was a manpower issue, same as it is now."
However, if the logistics could be worked out, Honulik said he felt the police department would be open to considering the idea, although he noted nearly every area of town has the desire for more police presence.
"If we can get a substation down the road we are open to it," said Honulik. "We want to make sure residents feel safe."