NYPD Still Protecting Mayor's Old Home in Brooklyn

Two months after the mayor's family moved into Gracie Mansion, the city's public advocate is questioning why police are still stationed outside the de Blasios' old house in Brooklyn. 

"If in fact the family is not there, then why do we continue to have this security booth in place?" asked Letitia James Monday. 

Police presence is still visible outside the 11th Street house in Park Slope, with an officer stationed outside and a security booth on the street.

It appeared Monday work was being done on that house, perhaps in preparation for renters. 

The mayor's office declined to comment on the added security post in Park Slope, but sources close to de Blasio said he and his wife stop by the home fairly regularly and still exercise at the YMCA around the corner. 

One of those family drop-ins took place Monday afternoon as NBC 4 New York cameras were rolling. First Lady Chirlane McCray arrived with her security detail but declined to comment on the police presence there. 

Security expert Michael Balboni said while mayoral protection should be left to the expertise of the NYPD, it's appropriate to ask why the arrangement is necessary.

"I've never heard of that type of arrangement, but then again, I don't know what the threats are," said Balboni.

City Hall declined to answer specific questions about how much the security is costing taxpayers and whether it's costing more than it did to protect Mayor Bloomberg. Bloomberg never moved into Gracie Mansion but had 24/7 police protection at his townhouse. 

De Blasio's old neighbors have mixed views. One woman said it didn't bother her at all, but another man griped that it was a waste of money. 

Yet another neighbor pointed out the added security was coming at a very precious cost to residents.

"I don't think it's necessary, and we can use all the parking spaces we can get," the neighbor said.

Follow Melissa Russo on Twitter @MelissaRusso4NY

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