Prospect Heights residents frustrated by police barricades blocking neighborhood paths

Many protests against police brutality over the last month took place steps away from the Barclays Center. Some residents say as a result, police set up barricades all around their neighborhood, interfering with their everyday lives.

News 12 Staff

•

Jun 28, 2020, 10:24 PM

•

Updated 1,489 days ago

Share:

A group of Prospect Heights residents say police barricades placed around their neighborhood for the last month have been disrupting their lives.

Many protests against police brutality over the last month took place steps away from the Barclays Center. Some residents say as a result, police set up barricades all around their neighborhood, interfering with their everyday lives.

MORE COVERAGE: LIVE BLOG - Unrest in America

Residents say Sunday was the first day the police opened a narrow walkway on the corner of Dean Street and 6th Avenue, but it is barely enough space for two people to pass.

Before that, residents say they were forced to go all the way around to get to the other side. Video even showed officers not allowing a man in a wheelchair to get by the barricades.

Neighbors say they are also angry that some officers used the bathroom in their building on 6th Avenue without wearing masks, even though their precinct is just down the street.

Others say Black neighbors and other residents of color feel intimidated and unfairly targeted and were asked to show their ID’s or told to take the long way around.

A coffee shop owner, whose restaurant is behind the barricade, says COVID-19 has impacted business already, but it's nearly impossible to get foot traffic when the street has been blocked for weeks.

Neighbors say they've reached out to the 78th Precinct multiple times, and were even in touch with NYPD legal bureau, but they felt ignored. One of the things they are calling for is an apology.

News 12 reached out to the NYPD for comment but has not heard back yet.

undefined