Enhanced security planned for the New York Carnival Parade on Labor Day
PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (WABC) -- The NYPD announced an unprecedented deployment of security measures as it prepares for a weekend of celebrations of Caribbean culture, culminating in the New York Carnival Parade on Monday.
Ken and Rachel Dawson, who have lived in Crown Heights for 35 years, say they are looking forward to J'Ouvert and the parade that follows on Monday, a celebration that organizers describe as the largest Caribbean parade in North America and one that attracts up to 2 million marchers and spectators.
"The joy is going to happen here on Monday regardless of whatever is taking place," Ken Dawson said.
Despite anticipation for the annual event, public safety remains a major focus. Last year, six people were shot as the parade came to an end. In response, a double layer of steel barricades has been installed along nearly 2 miles of the parade route on Eastern Parkway, and the NYPD plans what officials described as an unprecedented deployment.
"The parade kicks off on Monday at 11 a.m. and will end promptly this year at 5:30 p.m.," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. "That end time is deliberate, given the history of violence we have seen on and around the parade route at that hour and later."
Rachel Dawson said the celebration's festive atmosphere can sometimes lead to dangerous situations.
"Everyone wants to dance. Everyone wants to have the time of their life. And sometimes they toss caution to the wind, and a lot of times persons may get hurt," she said.
The parade's end time was a point of discussion during planning efforts, according to Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who said officials worked to balance safety concerns with the cultural significance of the event.
"There's a lot of focus on: How do we get this thing started on time? Can we get it started even a little bit earlier and make sure that it gets ended on time? How do we make this as safe as possible, and how do we make sure people are able to celebrate their culture as much as possible?" Williams said.
Local business owners along the route also expressed support for the security measures.
Jorge Salamea, owner of Colina Cuervo, said officials are working to ensure a safe event.
"The NYPD and the mayor, and everybody is trying to make the best they can in order to ensure us a safe and fun festivity," Salamea said.
For some residents, the increased security may create inconveniences, but they view the measures as necessary given the size of the gathering.
"Folks are going to have a good time. They're going to have fun," Ken Dawson said.
He added: "I understand that it takes some of the freedom away. But when you're dealing with millions of New Yorkers coming in, you have to keep finding ways to reinvent to keep the event safer than it was the year before."
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