Keeping the Board in The Boardwalk
Coney Island and Brighton Beach City Council members Mark Treyger and Chaim Deutsch yesterday upped their fight to prevent the city from cementing the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk with a petition calling on the New York City Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) to designate the historic 2.7 mile boardwalk that spans the two communities as an official Scenic Landmark.
If successful, the petition would keep the iconic walkway’s wooden planks in place after they withstood the test of last year’s Superstorm Sandy while the concrete boardwalk in Rockaway broke up and went barreling down the streets. Currently, there are a total of nine Scenic Landmarks in New York City, including Prospect Park, Eastern Parkway and Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn.
“There is no question that the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk is one of the most iconic and beloved structures in our entire city and clearly merits this designation,” said Treyger. “I have already heard from dozens of New Yorkers who are shocked this isn’t already the case and wanted to share their personal stories of what the boardwalk means to them and their families.”
“The Coney Island Boardwalk is a Brooklyn icon that possesses significant value, attracting visitors since 1923. In an effort to prevent any compromise of the historic design, I urge the Landmark Preservation Commission to grant landmark status to the boardwalk,” said Deutsch.
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, who represents Coney Island and Brighton Beach in Washington and Borough President Eric Adams are also supporting the historic landmark designation.
“The famed Coney Island Boardwalk has been an important part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of our City for generations,” said Jeffries.
. The effort by Councilman Treyger to secure scenic landmark designation for the boardwalk will help preserve this Brooklyn icon for future New Yorkers to enjoy and experience, and I look forward to working with him to make it a reality,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
“The Riegelmann Boardwalk is imprinted with over 90 years of history, helping to establish Coney Island as America’s playground. Millions of visitors have made the pilgrimage to southern Brooklyn, and we want to see millions more enjoy its unique, iconic character in the decades to come,” said Adams.
“Even in my native city of Minsk, Belarus, I heard about famous Coney Island/Brighton Boardwalk. Brooklyn families and tourists from all over the world enjoyed the promenade on Riegelmann Boardwalk for decades. I strongly support the designation of our beloved boardwalk as historical site and Scenic Landmark,” said Ari Kagan, Democratic District Leader for the 45th Assembly District.
This proposal also has support from Brooklyn Council Members Laurie Cumbo and Alan Maisel. To sign the online petition, simply click here or stop by Council Member Treyger’s district offices at 2015 Stillwell Avenue and 445 Neptune Avenue, or Council Member Deutsch’s office at 2401 Avenue U. Please call (718) 307-7151 for details.
State Caucus Keeps Pressure on for Special Prosecutor
The New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Caucus reaffirmed its intention yesterday to pass legislation requiring a special prosecutor to be used for cases involving the death of an unarmed civilian by a police officer.
The Assembly has passed a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Keith Wright several times over the past 15 years that would allow for a special prosecutor for police misconduct. That bill and several others including one recently introduced by Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and a forthcoming bill by Assemblyman Karim Camara are seen as key remedies of reform.
Over the past 15 years, 179 people were killed by NYPD officers yet there were only 3 indictments. Caucus members, while acknowledging that most police and district attorneys act out of respect for the law and duty to serve, feel they have obligation to fix this broken system.
“We have been seeking police reforms for many years now. The tragedy and travesty we saw in Staten Island should be a wake-up call to those who have resisted change in the past,” said Camara. ” The members of the Caucus will not sit quietly and allow this to be swept under the rug. We will not accept anything short of real reform that will significantly improve trust between law enforcement and the citizens of New York State.”
The passing of the legislation also has the strong support of many state lawmakers represent Central Brooklyn including Sen. Kevin Parker and Assembly Member Annette Robinson.
“As a Legislator, I believe we must advocate for our community, and for our fellow New Yorkers and the young African American and Latino men, youths and children who have been the victims of inappropriate use of deadly force by law enforcement across our country, said Parker.
“I offer my strongest endorsement urging Governor Cuomo to appoint a Special Prosecutor to oversee all cases involving shootings by police officers against civilians. On the heels of the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases, Grand Juries under the auspices of local District Attorneys cannot present fair and impartial prosecution in such cases,” said Robinson.
Today’s Scheduled Events:
12 p.m. – New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams and George McDonald announce new Doe Fund street cleaning services for District 45 through the Council’s “NYC Cleanup Initiative,” Nostrand and Newkirk Avenues.
7 p.m. – Brooklyn Democratic District Leader Olanike Alabi, Kings County Democratic Chairman Frank Seddio and others hold a holiday party and toy drive, 240 DeKalb Ave.
