Cornegy Memorializes Those Killed By Gun Violence
Bedford-Stuyvesant City Council Member Robert Cornegy will lead the families of gun violence victims, neighborhood youth, other residents and anti-violence activists in installing life-sized, wooden silhouettes at Restoration Plaza on Fulton Street tonight.
The temporary installation will memorialize individuals killed by gun violence this year in his 36th council district, which includes Bed-Stuy and northern Crown Heights. Although crime has fallen overall in 2014, shootings increased and impacted more New Yorkers. This year, there were a total of 25 deaths due to gun violence within the boundaries of the four NYPD prrecincts that cover the 36th council district.
The event will also give community members an opportunity to express their views on the grand jury’s failure to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo in the choking death of brother Eric Garner.
“Cut Out the Violence” is a grassroots project to deter future violence by engaging community members in work and conversation about the effects of violence and the importance of committing to anti-violence work. The project uses wooden silhouettes, created by local youth to serve as vivid reminders of the precious lives already lost to gun violence.
Treyger Says Put The Horse Before the Cart
Coney Island City Council Member Council Member Mark Treyger said yesterday that his support or lack thereof for Mayor de Blasio’s proposed ban of horse carriages depends on negotiations with those drivers and others currently working in the industry.
“As a proud owner of two rescue dogs, I am very sensitive to the welfare of animals; however, as a former public school teacher and union member, I also respect the rights of workers,” said Treyger. “My support for a ban is fully contingent upon the outcome of what I hope and expect will be good faith bargaining between the administration and the union representing the drivers. After all, these carriage drivers rely on their horses for their livelihood and spend more time with the animals than anyone else, so it is only right to include their voice in this discussion.
“To reiterate, if no acceptable agreement is reached between the administration and the workers regarding their future financial stability, I cannot in good conscience support this measure. While we wait for the outcome of those discussions, other measures should be explored that can meet the key objectives of both sides without harming the animals or jeopardizing the workers’ financial security.”
Deutsch Says Slow Down On Bus Lane Tickets
Sheepshead Bay City Council Member Chaim Deutsch is writing legislation to create a five-minute grace period in the hours of enforcement of the city’s dedicated bus lanes, Sheepshead Bites reports.
The proposed bill comes after Deutsch’s office has been besieged with complaints about unfair traffic violations for drivers caught in the dedicated bus lane just seconds after the cameras turn on.
Among the major thoroughfares with cameras is Nostrand Avenue, which runs from Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay all the way to Williamsburg. The B44 select bus service runs along this busy avenue. Though some bus lanes are in effect all day, many are only in operation during peak commuting hours.
“I always say ‘no two watches have the same time,’” Deutsch told the web news outlet. “That’s why I’m proposing a five-minute grace period, so that people wont get ticketed.”
Deutsch said one of his constituents showed him a $125 ticket for being in the Nostrand Avenue bus lane – just 10 seconds after cameras were set to turn off.
“It’s ludicrous because if someone’s watch is a minute or two off, or five minutes off … people should have a fair shot,” he said. “Same goes for if a cop pulls you over in a bus lane. On his watch, it should be at least 7:05 [if cameras turn on at 7:00].”
Deutsch said the bill will be introduced in about 30 days.
Today’s Scheduled Events:
11 a.m. – New York City Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen, NYCEDC President Kyle Kimball, Manufacture New York CEO Bob Bland, Salmar Properties Co-Founder Marvin Schein and elected officials announce a new manufacturing initiative in Sunset Park, Brooklyn; Liberty View Industrial Plaza, 8th floor, 850 3rd Ave., Brooklyn.
12:30 p.m. – NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission Chair Meera Joshi welcomes job-seekers to the agency’s Taxi Job Fair at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott Hotel, 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn.
6 p.m. – City Councilman Robert Cornegy holds 1st Annual Cut Out the Violence Commemoration, Restoration Plaza, 1360 Fulton Street
