Mayor de Blasio Joins Community Advocates to Break Ground on New 116th Precinct in Southeast Queens

September 20, 2021

Decades of community advocacy produces first new precinct since 2013

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYPD Chief of Patrol Juanita Holmes, NYPD Chief of Community Affairs Jeffrey Maddrey, and Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Jamie Torres-Springer joined elected officials and local representatives from southeast Queens today to break ground on the NYPD’s new 116th Precinct at 244-04 North Conduit Avenue. The new precinct is the result of decades of advocacy from committed community groups in the area, which had previously been served by just one command in the 265-mile stretch of blocks from Middle Village to Kennedy Airport.

The new 116th Precinct, which will be the first new precinct established in New York City since 2013, will serve Rosedale, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, and Floral Park.

“Southeast Queens fought hard to make this day possible, and this neighborhood deserves responsive, community-centered policing. That’s what this new precinct will deliver,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I’m proud of all the advocates who fought to make their voices heard, and I thank all the leaders stood up for a new era of public safety in Queens.”

“This new police precinct was conceived by the communities of Southeast Queens. It was forged, and designed, as a reflection of their best vision for effective public safety and is thankfully now being realized after decades of their hard work and inspiration. The NYPD embraces this moment for the opportunities this premier facility gives us to help deepen our connections and better serve the people who live in the neighborhoods it will cover,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea.

“The 116th Precinct is designed to be an integral part of the neighborhood with community meeting space and a new public plaza,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Jamie Torres-Springer. “We look forward to completing this important new piece of civic infrastructure.”

Construction on the $78 million building began last month and is projected to be completed in January 2024. DDC is managing the design and construction for NYPD. The total project cost is $104.8 million.

The new 48,410 square foot facility has been designed with a Community Meeting Room on the first floor, with a dedicated entrance from the front of the building, to allow members of the neighborhood to engage with the precinct in a way that strengthens awareness of the NYPD’s commitment to community policing. The precinct is placed strategically within the community to allow for more rapid responses and effective policing.

The precinct’s parking lot has been sited in the rear of the building, bringing the new precinct closer to the street and protecting the neighborhood’s residential character. A second parking lot will be located in front of the existing 105th Precinct Annex. A public plaza leading to the Long Island Railroad will occupy the western area featuring benches, a water filling station, bicycle racks and new landscaping.

“After almost four decades of advocating for a precinct in Southeast Queens with community partners, particularly Beth DeBetham, the Mayor announced the 116th precinct earlier this year. I am thrilled for today’s ground breaking of the long awaited precinct and community center and I look forward to its developments,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks.

“The 116th Precinct is open today thanks to the residents’ advocacy hand in hand with the New York Police Department. This precinct will be living proof of successful community policing while ensuring quality of life and public safety, especially with anticipated improved response time. I proudly secured funds to make this precinct a reality, and I am thrilled to see it is a new day in Southeast Queens,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.

“After many years of hard work for a new precinct for Southeast Queens, the day is finally here. This new police precinct will help cut the average response time by police officers in the community and increase safety. I want to congratulate all of those who fought hard for this new police precinct to become a reality,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

“As the City works to reimagine what public safety looks like and fight for equity in city resources, today we celebrate this major milestone thanks to the 116th Precinct Community Task Force and their years of tireless advocacy,” said Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “This is a direct result of very diverse communities coming together for one common goal – to improve safety and quality of life for all. We are making a profound, equitable investment in public safety for Southeast Queens.”

"The groundbreaking for the new 116th Precinct is a historic moment decades in the making, and was only possible due to the relentless and committed advocacy of local residents and community organizations,” said Council Member Adrienne Adams. “This precinct will cut response times for residents, provide more resources for public safety, and improve police-community relations. I am thankful to Mayor de Blasio, Queens Borough President Richards, and all of the leaders who played a role in advancing this important project."