As our series One City, Many Mayors continues Bronx reporter Erin Clarke introduces us to a woman working to bridge the gap between police and the community.

Things have changed in the Northeast Bronx over the last 50 years, but what has remained a constant is the presence of Elizabeth Gill, or Mrs. Gill, as everyone calls her.

She moved to the area in the 70s — and in the 80s when things got rough, she became part of the solution.

"I saw the youth 13 and 14 years old and they were already smoking marijuana," Gill said. "The girls were already pregnant and I was devastated. I said we have to do something to clean up this community."

Gill joined and later became president of the 47th Precinct Community Council, a group that every precinct in the city has. It's goal is to build partnerships with the police to better serve the community.

During her 26-year tenure, Gill has made considerable headway in bridging that gap.

"She's the type of person we can communicate through to get to the community," said Inspector Ruel Stephenson, commanding officer of the 47th Precinct. "She's also the type of person who can communicate to the police about issues the community might have."

She's done that by hosting engaging monthly council meetings — inviting guests to talk about crime, drugs, whatever's happening in the community — and taking those meetings to different parts of the precinct, speaking at schools.

"She is a fantastic hard working individual," said northeast Bronx resident Mattie Dickerson.

Even hosting a dinner to welcome new cops to the area, an annual breakfast to honor them — the largest in the city, last year drawing 650 people.

"The cops see that there are people in the community that cares about them," Gill said. "And it makes a difference in how they do their job."

When Mrs. Gill isn't organizing she's solving problems.

"You have to be on duty 24 hours," she said. "I get calls at 3 o'clock in the morning."

"She will hold your hand and guide you if you have any concerns," said northeast Bronx resident Shivanie Sookhuanan.

That's a tiring job for the 86-year-old who wants to slow down. Mrs. Gill is now grooming others to take her place.

But she says don't worry, she'll never be not too far.

"The community can still call me," she said. "I'll still answer."