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Bronx Parents Call for Increased Police Presence Despite Mayor’s Budget Cuts
NEW YORK — Parents in The Bronx are voicing urgent concerns over student safety at a dangerous intersection near Zeta Bronx Tremont Park Lower Elementary school, directly challenging Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s agenda to reduce police funding across the city.
Over 1,000 people have signed a Change.org petition requesting an NYPD crossing guard at the intersection of Arthur Avenue and Tremont Avenue, which parents describe as a treacherous corner where children must navigate heavy traffic from vehicles heading toward Interstate 95.
“The situation is very horrible for the kids and the parents too,” said Aimee, a parent at the school. “There have always been small accidents on the street because the intersection crosses to go right to the highway, and it’s something that worries us a lot.”
During a visit to the location, reporters witnessed several near-accidents as vehicles made illegal or dangerous turns, honked horns, and came to abrupt stops while children were being ushered to school. Despite the presence of several parked NYPD vehicles nearby, parents noted they belonged to a local station and were not actively monitoring the crossing.
“[There have] almost been accidents so many times, and we really need help,” said Christine, another parent who explained the school has been trying unsuccessfully to secure a crossing guard “for a long time” but were told “they didn’t have anyone.”
The parents’ concerns highlight growing tensions between local safety needs and Mayor Mamdani’s policing agenda, which has included cutting the NYPD’s budget and canceling plans to hire 5,000 new officers. Mamdani’s campaign was previously scrutinized for his past support of defunding the police, and his recent budget proposals have renewed criticism from public safety advocates.
Some parents who initially supported Mamdani now express doubts about his approach to policing and public safety.
“I am one of those who initially had a lot of faith in Mayor Mamdani, but I’m starting to get scared because he doesn’t seem aware of the actual needs of my community,” said Paola, a Zeta parent, in a press release. “The safety of my child and my own students is non-negotiable, and we must find the funding to keep our little ones safe.”
In direct comments, Paola expressed confusion about the mayor’s position: “I don’t get why he’s saying less cops or less funding,” adding that the neighborhood also faces crime issues related to drug activity. “There has to be money somewhere.”
The petition specifically requests a “dedicated traffic officer” during arrival and dismissal hours at the school, arguing that such officers are routinely assigned to busy school crossings elsewhere in New York City. Parents believe their charter school students “deserve the same protection” as those in public schools.
When contacted, Mayor Mamdani’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the situation or the parents’ concerns.
The NYPD, however, provided a statement indicating that “The Commanding Officer of the 48 precinct is working with community leaders and elected officials to get more School Crossing Guards.” The department also noted ongoing collaboration with the Department of Transportation to improve signage and redesign the intersection.
“Year-to-date, there have been no collisions at the intersection of Arthur Avenue and East Tremont Avenue,” the NYPD stated, adding that 67 summonses have been issued to vehicles in the vicinity this year. “Traffic safety is a shared responsibility and the NYPD, along with personnel from the 48 precinct, are committed to supporting local schools in achieving that goal.”
The controversy comes as Mamdani maintains a tenuous political position in the borough. He won the Bronx in November’s mayoral election with 51% of the vote, compared to 40% for former Governor Andrew Cuomo and 7% for Republican Curtis Sliwa.
For parents like Aimee, the political calculus is less important than their daily reality. “We need more police,” she told reporters, urging the mayor to “consider us” when making budget decisions that affect community safety.
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8 Comments
The situation in the Bronx highlights the broader challenges many cities face in balancing budgets and public safety priorities. While difficult decisions have to be made, the wellbeing of children should not be put at risk. I hope a compromise can be reached to address the parents’ concerns.
Reducing police funding is a sensitive and complex issue, but compromising the safety of students is unacceptable. The city needs to listen to the community’s pleas and take action to improve security around this school, even if it means reallocating resources from elsewhere.
This is a troubling example of how budget cuts can have real, tangible impacts on people’s daily lives and safety. The parents are absolutely right to demand action from the city to improve security around the school and protect the students. I hope their voices are heard.
The petition requesting a crossing guard at this dangerous intersection seems like a reasonable solution to improve safety for the students. I hope the city is able to address the parents’ concerns and find ways to enhance security in the area, even with budget constraints.
Agreed, a crossing guard could make a big difference in protecting the children. It’s concerning the city isn’t taking more proactive steps to address this hazardous situation.
It’s unfortunate to see budget cuts impacting public safety and services that families rely on, especially when it puts children at risk. I hope the city can work with the community to find a way to restore the necessary police presence and crossing guards to keep these students safe.
This is a difficult balancing act for the city, trying to manage budget constraints while also ensuring adequate public safety. The parents make a compelling case, and the safety of children should be the top priority. I hope a solution can be found to address their concerns.
This is a concerning issue that parents in the Bronx are facing. Safety of students should be the top priority, especially around high-traffic areas near schools. It’s troubling to hear about the lack of police presence and the risks children are exposed to daily trying to get to class.