The Bellerose Inn hotel on 249th Street and Jericho turnpike is rumored to be housing the homeless. The residents have been seen by local community members to be loitering, pan handling and soliciting local businesses and patrons on Jericho turnpike in Floral Park, Bellerose Village and Bellerose Terrace.
On Tuesday morning at 7:15 A.M. Me, my 12 year old son and 6 year old daughter entered the 7-11 located at 250-50 Jericho turnpike in Bellerose Village. There was a man slouched over against the wall next to the entrance of the store. Upon leaving 7-11 the man was masturbating with his genitals exposed. I contacted 911 but to no avail. They stated this location was out of their jurisdiction. I proceeded to call the Floral Park Village Police who stated they would call the 3rd precinct located in Nassau.
Later that evening the same man was seen sleeping in front of Staples located across the street from the 7-11. I took a picture of him and asked a Staples employee to contact 911. The employee stated they had called 6 times. Allegedly, the 105th precinct told the employee that they were “too busy to come”. I was in the Bellerose Staples for over an hour and a half along with many families, all of whom witnessed this man sleeping outside, on the floor in front of Staples.
I proceeded to call the 3rd and 105th precincts to inform them of both events regarding the same man. The 105th finally came and it is rumored that they just ushered the man along. I was told by the community affair dept at the 105th that I needed proof that he was masturbating to file a report in order for action to be taken.
The next morning I visited the merchants along Jericho Turnpike in Bellerose Terrace, Bellerose Village and Floral Park Village in an unofficial capacity and asked them if they see anyone loitering, pan handling, soliciting if they would please contact their police department.
This situation is affecting our communities and as a whole we need to support one another. I am in the process of working with community members to find a way to remedy this situation.
Jill Popolizio
Concerned mother and resident of Bellerose Terrace
