Bklyn Lawmaker Roundup Dec. 31

Camara Says Time to Move Forward

Crown Heights Assemblyman Karim Camara issued a somewhat cryptic statement via email critical of police officers that turned their back several times on Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“The greatest tribute to these officers and their lives of dedication is to confront the current climate with courage and not pettiness,” said Camara. “Hopefully, police officers who plan on turning their backs on Mayor Bill de Blasio will realize there is a better and more constructive way to deal with any divide. What may seem to be a worthy reflection of their emotions and sentiments will only exacerbate the divide.

“To many people it communicates the turning of one’s back on the dialogue that must take place for us to move forward and suggests that there is no need for departmental reflection.”

Camara’s words came after DNAInfo reported that de Blasio had staff call city and state lawmakers asking them to be critical of cops that turned their back on de Blasio. The behind-the-scenes phone calling came as de Blasio met yesterday with police officials.

The statement came as Police Union Chief Pat Lynch, who has publicly made incendiary comments without recognizing any need for NYPD reform, dismissed the meeting as words without any action. Police have also reportedly been looking the other way at minor crimes.

“Most people in our city have the utmost respect for police officers who put their lives on the line,” Camara continued. “Yet those same people also recognize the department can better live its motto of CPR (courtesy, professionalism and respect). Those same people want to have a constructive dialogue because they realize most officers uphold the law in spirit and in truth while faithfully putting their lives on the line to protect our communities.

“Ironically, the police and those who call for reform want the same thing: to be treated with respect and decency, not treated according to gross stereotypes about our profession or our race. In order for us to do that we have to face each other, not turn our backs.”

City Tells Lawmakers Boardwalk Will Be Concrete

Brooklyn lawmakers and community activists received a thumbs down from Parks Department officials to keep Coney Island’s historic Riegelmann Boardwalk as a wooden promenade, the Daily News Reported.

Instead renovations to the boardwalk are expected to continue changing the boardwalk into a mix of concrete and recycled plastic.

“Given all the options, that’s the best approach going forward,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchel Silver following a contentious two-hour meeting at the Shorefront Y, near the legendary 2.5 mile boardwalk.

City Councilman Mark Treyger was among those who want the city to reconsider and keep the boardwalk as wood.

“Without any independent analysis, I . . . cannot support this,” Treyger said. “We have not done the due diligence that the community deserves.”

Assemblymen Steve Cymbrowitz and Alec Brook-Krasney funded the work through a state allocation in 2009 and the money has to be spent by Jan. 1 or Albany gets the money back.

Brook-Krasny told reporters he was trying to do the right thing in securing the funding and didn’t have knowledge the boardwalk would be turned into concrete with the money.

Cymbrowitz, noting the boardwalk has already been torn up, was more practical.

“I want wood,” he told reporters. “But I also want to the boardwalk to be opened up.”

Adams To Drop 2015 Ball in Coney Island

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will usher in the New Year with a ball drop tonight at Coney Island’s Steeplechase Pier.

The celebration will begin at 9:00 p.m. featuring a DJ and some of Coney Island’s great sideshow performers. At midnight the New Year will be rung in with a digital countdown display at the iconic Parachute Jump, followed by a fireworks show.