Surveillance Cameras In Parks

Naveen Dhaliwal
WETM
Thursday July 19, 2007

WATKINS GLEN - “Big Brother" may soon be keeping a closer eye on you as you enjoy a nice day at the park. Watkins Glen leaders are considering putting surveillance cameras in Clute and Lafayette Parks.

Rocco Marcellino owns a concession stand called Rocco’s Stand in Clute Park. He says surveillance cameras would give him peace of mind.

“There's nothing in there to steal because I take the money home, but there are products in there and stuff that could be ruined,” says Marcellino.

Village leaders are debating whether surveillance cameras in parks are needed. They say no major crimes have occurred so far, but there's no harm in keeping it that way. Neighbors say cameras a good idea because many youngsters like to hang out in village parks and make trouble.

“Graffiti and vandalism and kids breaking into bathrooms and stuff and I know there's been some stuff down here where kids are getting into things they shouldn't,” says Joy Canfield from Watkins Glen.

But Dan Roberts says people should be able to enjoy the outdoors in privacy.

“I believe in the safety of our children, safety of employees, people in the village, but also where does it end? I think it's very intrusive I think you should be able to enjoy yourself at a park without worrying about picking your nose for example,” says Roberts.

If passed by the Village Board, Watkins Glen would add to the number of Twin Tier communities already using cameras to cut down on crime. Hornell has only has one camera outside of City Hall. Corning police monitor two cameras in the city: one at center way square and the other in their department's parking lot.

“I don't think it's an invasion of privacy or anything. If you're doing something out in the public you shouldn't be doing, you shouldn't be doing it,” says Mary Rogers of Elmira.

The Watkins Glen Village Board will meet again in August to discuss the issue further. At this point they do not know the cost or where the money would come from.