Malliotakis Floats Idea To Stave Off Fare Increases
Bay Ridge and Staten Island Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis formally requested that $235 million of the state’s $5 billion surplus earmarked for infrastructure investments go to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to stave off proposed subway and toll fare hikes, the Brooklyn Home Reporter writes.
“I am sure the speaker and governor will agree that any increase in fares and tolls is unacceptable and cannot be borne by commuters,” Malliotakis told reporters. “If we are going to spend $5 billion on infrastructure, which I think could be a wise decision if done responsibly, it should help cover the costs of the MTA’s capital improvements so the burden doesn’t fall on toll and fare payers.”
Malliotakis’ proposal comes after the MTA recently proposed raising subway fares, and bridge and tunnel tolls four percent to make up for a $235 million shortfall.
De Blasio Boasts of Crime Reduction at Ingersol Houses
Mayor Bill de Blasio yesterday chose to announce historic lows in crime statistics at NYCHA’s Ingersol Houses in Downtown Brooklyn.
Felony crime is down 4.4% for the year as compared to this time last year. Thus far there have 290 murders in 2014 as compared to 311 last year, which is on pace to end the year with the fewest murders ever. Robberies are down a little more than 14% for the year. Shootings are up 46 incidents for the year
Here at Ingersoll Houses, there’s been real progress and we come back here because it’s an example of what all these efforts are meant to achieve,” said de Blasio. ” And because of the extraordinary efforts of the NYPD working closely with community residents and community leaders, crime here in Ingersoll Houses is down 18 percent this year – 18 percent – absolutely remarkable.”
De Blasio noted his administration invested $210 million in safety at public housing this year and not just for additional police presence, but for additional lighting, but for additional recreational programs as well.
Hikind Says Bag The Bag Surcharge
Borough Park Assemblyman Dov Hikind said he strongly opposes proposed City Council legislation that will force many retailers to charge a 10-cent fee to customers for every carryout bag they receive when making their purchases.
“If the litter caused by these bags is really a consideration, then let’s pursue stiffer littering penalties. But don’t penalize the average family who goes shopping once a week and brings home 15 or 20 bags of groceries. The last thing people with fixed incomes need is another expense”
Hikind noted that provisions in the proposed legislation protect low-income families receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from the proposed legislation, but it does not offer relief to other low-income workers or seniors who are not receiving such benefits.
“Our families are already struggling,” said Hikind. “They don’t need additional expenses. There are other ways to help the environment.”
Today’s Schedule:
11 a.m. – New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito speaks at ribbon cutting ceremony for new site of OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services, made possible with $2 million in City Council funding, with Council members David Greenfield, Julissa Ferreras and Alan Maisel, 1268 E. 14th St., Brooklyn.
11 a.m. – New York City Councilman Vincent Gentile unveils long-lost sculpture of Giovanni da Verrazano, John J. Carty Park, 95th St. and Fort Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn.
12 p.m. – Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams announces exhibition of St. Francis of Assisi, 209 Joralemon St., Brooklyn.
7 p.m. – New Kings Democrats Holiday Party at Tutu’s, 25 Bogart Street
