Published by: Brooklyn Paper

Date: June 6, 2025

Scope: Crown Heights North

Middle school students at the Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School led their eighth annual “Walkout to End Gun Violence”—marching from Restoration Plaza while wearing orange (a symbol of gun violence awareness), holding signs, presenting poetry, and performing expressive dance. The event featured collaboration with groups like Save Our Streets (S.O.S.), Students Demand Action, and Moms Demand Action, and gave youth a powerful platform to promote peace and push for community healing

Their message was loud and clear: violence has no place in our schools, streets, or future. Through powerful chants, handmade signs, and student-led speeches, these young leaders showed courage and vision. Their rally didn’t just call attention to the problem—it offered hope. Youth from Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, and Weeksville deserve safe spaces to grow, dream, and thrive. Events like this rally remind us that when we support our youth and uplift their voices, real change becomes possible.

What residents can do:

• Attend our monthly meetings or visit an upcoming event to learn how you can get involved.

• Contact us if you want to connect with local youth services or mentoring programs.

• Share this program with neighbors who may need support.

Published by: Innovating Justice

Date: Recent coverage (2025)

Scope: Crown Heights North

Save Our Streets (S.O.S.) is more than just a program—it’s a trusted lifeline embedded in the heart of Crown Heights. Staffed by violence interrupters, many of whom are respected residents or survivors of violence themselves, S.O.S. works tirelessly to de-escalate tensions, prevent retaliation, and offer real solutions before violence erupts. Their presence in the 77th Precinct has helped build trust, support young people at risk, and promote healing through community engagement.

For residents of Crown Heights North, Prospect Heights, and Weeksville, programs like S.O.S. prove that violence isn’t inevitable—and that community care is powerful. By supporting and expanding neighborhood initiatives, we can continue to reduce harm, restore safety, and uplift futures.

What residents can do:

• Attend our monthly meetings or visit an upcoming event to learn how you can get involved.

• Contact us if you want to connect with local youth services or mentoring programs.

• Share this program with neighbors who may need support.

Published by: Brooklyn Paper

Date: May 21, 2025

Scope: Citywide, including Crown Heights North, Prospect Heights & Weeksville

Brooklyn lawmakers have successfully pushed the City Council to allocate $5 million specifically for legal services and outreach programs targeting deed theft victims. This essential funding will help vulnerable homeowners—many of whom reside in our precinct—access legal representation, get deed fraud education, and defend their communities from scammers.

Our neighborhoods have been disproportionately targeted for deed scams, especially among seniors and long-standing residents. This funding means families in Crown Heights North, Prospect Heights, and Weeksville can now get the help they deserve—without the burden of legal costs.

Published by: NYC Department for the Aging

Date: June 15, 2025

Scope: Brooklyn, serving Crown Heights North, Prospect Heights & Weeksville

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15, 2025), New York City unveiled two new community-based elder abuse protection programs, including one dedicated to Brooklyn seniors. These vital initiatives provide case assistance, crisis intervention, safety planning, and help navigating victim services—all tailored for older adults experiencing neglect, exploitation, or financial abuse in neighborhoods like ours.

Residents in Crown Heights North, Prospect Heights, and Weeksville now have direct, culturally responsive support options to help protect our elders. You don’t have to face abuse or confusion alone—resources and help are now closer than ever.

We’re here to listen and help connect you to solutions.

• Meetings: Held on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 PM

• Office hours: Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (email monitored after hours)

• Emergencies: Call  911 | Non-emergency police: 311

• Community Affairs (77th Precinct): 718-735-0634

• Email: council@77pctcouncil.com (We aim to respond within 2 business days)

Published by: WAMC Northeast Public Radio

Date: July 20, 2025

Scope: Statewide – Benefits Crown Heights North, Prospect Heights & Weeksville

New York has released its first-ever Master Plan for Aging, a 378-page strategy featuring 126 actionable proposals to better support older adults. From improving access to housing and transportation to expanding elder abuse prevention, the plan offers a bold roadmap for communities across the state. It calls for age-friendly infrastructure, inclusive healthcare, and safety programs tailored to help seniors live independently and with dignity.

For residents of Crown Heights North, Prospect Heights, and Weeksville, this plan could mean more local services, greater protections against exploitation, and stronger advocacy for seniors. With Brooklyn’s aging population on the rise, staying informed is the first step toward a safer future for our elders.

We’re here to listen and help connect you to solutions.

• Meetings: Held on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 PM

• Office hours: Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (email monitored after hours)

• Emergencies: Call  911 | Non-emergency police: 311

• Community Affairs (77th Precinct): 718-735-0634

• Email: council@77pctcouncil.com (We aim to respond within 2 business days)

Published by: Brooklyn Eagle

Date: May 22, 2025

Scope: Brooklyn / Crown Heights North

As part of Older Americans Month 2025, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office hosted a special event focused on senior safety and elder abuse awareness. The event brought together service providers, local officials, and community members to highlight the risks seniors face—from financial scams to physical neglect—and share strategies for prevention and reporting.

For residents of Crown Heights North, Weeksville, and Prospect Heights, where many elders live alone or depend on caregivers, this is more than an annual observance—it’s a vital reminder. Seniors in our neighborhoods deserve to age with dignity and protection. Staying connected, attending community events, and knowing how to report abuse are key to safety.

Published by: Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C.

Date: July 2025

Scope: New York City

Elder abuse continues to be a silent epidemic in New York City, affecting thousands of older adults through physical, emotional, and financial harm. Experts estimate that for every reported case, dozens go unreported—leaving many seniors without the support or justice they deserve. Factors like isolation, cognitive decline, and caregiver stress make elders more vulnerable, especially in communities like Crown Heights North, Prospect Heights, and Weeksville where seniors are aging in place.

This issue matters deeply to our neighborhood. Many of our older residents live alone, rely on others for daily care, or may be hesitant to report abuse. Staying informed and connected is our first defense.

Published by: BK Reader

Date: July 5, 2025

Scope: Brooklyn (including 77th Precinct area)

In a positive shift, Brooklyn saw a notable drop in shootings and homicides during the first half of 2025. NYPD data shows a 17% decrease in shootings and a 6% decline in murders borough-wide compared to 2024. While this includes neighborhoods beyond the 77th Precinct, it’s encouraging for areas like Crown Heights North, Prospect Heights, and Weeksville—where residents have long demanded safety and accountability.

These numbers signal progress, but work remains. Sustained community efforts, NYPD partnerships, and youth engagement are key to maintaining this momentum.

Published by: Associated Press

Date: April 28, 2025

Scope: Crown Heights North (near Chabad-Lubavitch HQ)

A local resident in her 30s experienced terrifying harassment during a protest incident near the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters in Crown Heights. Mistaken for a protester opposing an Israeli official’s visit, she was surrounded, chased, kicked, and spat upon by a mob of Orthodox Jewish men and boys chanting “Death to Arabs.” Officers ultimately escorted her to safety, but not before she endured serious emotional trauma and physical injury—underscoring how quickly peaceful neighborhoods can spiral into violence.

This assault hits home for neighbors in Crown Heights North, Weeksville, and Prospect Heights. It reveals how community tensions—especially at sites with deep historical and cultural significance—can erupt without warning. Even those uninvolved in any protest can be swept into harm’s way.

Published by: New York Daily News

Date: June 21, 2025

Scope: Crown Heights

In June 2025, a Brooklyn man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for fatally stabbing his romantic rival in Crown Heights. The deadly altercation, driven by jealousy, unfolded in a residential building and shook the local community. While justice has been served, the case is a stark reminder of how personal conflicts can escalate into tragic violence—right here in our neighborhoods.

For residents of Crown Heights North, Weeksville, and Prospect Heights, this incident underscores the importance of conflict resolution, community engagement, and access to mental health resources. Preventing violence before it erupts is key to building a safer, more connected community.

Published by: NY Post

Date: August 12, 2025

Scope: Prospect Park South (adjacent to the 77th Precinct)

A violent gunfight erupted in Prospect Park South when NYPD officers intervened mid-shootout between two men on August 12, 2025. One 22-year-old felon—recently released on parole—was shot and taken to Kings County Hospital in stable condition. Meanwhile, the second suspect escaped toward nearby Church Avenue, and remains at large.

Though this occurred just beyond the 77th Precinct border, it reinforces concerns about gun violence flowing into Crown Heights North, Weeksville, and Prospect Heights. Public safety remains a priority for our community—and every nearby incident is a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant.

Published by: The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office

Date: June 17, 2025

Scope: Crown Heights North

A woman was arraigned for allegedly forging deeds to steal a deceased homeowner’s property in Crown Heights. She allegedly filed a fake deed transferring ownership. While this particular case didn’t go through, it reveals how quickly scam-deeds could threaten local families losing track of vacant properties.

Stay aware—especially when neighbors move or pass away. Keep track of property activity and reach out for help if something seems suspicious.

Published by: The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office

Date: June 5, 2025

Scope: Crown Heights North / Prospect Heights

A disbarred attorney was convicted for manipulating short sale processes to steal deeds to 11 homes across Brooklyn, including in Prospect Heights and Crown Heights North. His decade-long scheme preyed on homeowners facing financial pressure, stripping them of their homes.

This case illustrates that even trusted professionals can exploit local residents. Staying informed and seeking swift aid can protect families in our neighborhoods.

Published by: The U.S. Sun

Date: January 17, 2025

Scope: This case occurred in Park Slope, which falls just south of the 77th Precinct boundaries.

A 90‑year‑old Park Slope homeowner was abruptly evicted after scammers transferred his deed without his knowledge—selling the home he bought in 1969 and leaving him mere days to vacate. Though this happened in Park Slope, the warning rings loud here: in neighborhoods like Crown Heights North, Prospect Heights, and Weeksville, long‑time residents—especially seniors—are just as vulnerable to sophisticated deed fraud. It’s a reminder not to assume it “can’t happen here”; instead, stay vigilant, check your paperwork, and report anything suspicious.

Published by: Queens Daily Eagle
Date: August 1, 2025
Scope: Applies broadly to Crown Heights North, Weeksville, and Prospect Heights

Homeownership in Weeksville, Crown Heights, and Prospect Heights has long symbolized legacy and stability—but a growing threat looms: deed theft. This crime targets seniors and longtime residents through forged documents that steal property right from under them. In August 2025, two suspects were indicted for stealing a dying woman’s home in Queens—a stark reminder that our communities must stay alert.

A new indictment under New York’s updated deed theft law reveals just how vulnerable our communities are to property fraud. Two individuals were charged after illegally transferring ownership of an 88-year-old hospice patient’s home and taking out a $300,000 mortgage without consent. While this case happened in Queens, similar scams have quietly targeted long-time homeowners—especially Black seniors—in Crown Heights, Weeksville, and Prospect Heights.

Homeownership is more than property—it’s our legacy. We’re encouraging every resident to stay alert, check the status of their deed, and report anything suspicious.