Bklyn Lawmakers on the Move May 1

Williams Criticizes NYPD Over Protests

Flatbush City Council member Jumaane Williams, yesterday, took the city’s police department to task over the handling of a large protest April 29 in solidarity with protests in Baltimore over the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody.

The NYPD reportedly made 143 arrests during the protest.

“Many police departments have come under fire for overly-aggressive behavior toward protestors, but last year the NYPD did an excellent job managing demonstrations throughout the city. I’m concerned, however, because based on eyewitness accounts from advocates and elected officials, that was not the case last night. I was not present during these demonstrations, but was extremely disturbed to hear numerous accounts and allegations of excessive force and aggression used towards non-violent protestors. As recalled by protestors on the sidewalk and streets, the arrests came as the march stepped off at Union Square,” said Williams.

“To be clear, I hope the protests grow in number and to continue spread across the country until the underlying issues are addressed. And just as important, I hope and will continue to promote non-violent protests as the best means to do so. All sides must work to keep tensions down during the process, but to do that, we must find a balance between law enforcement duty and protestor rights who have voices that must be heard for real change to occur.

Williams said taking to the street and blocking bridges or tunnels are a legitimate form of non-violent demonstrations, and that if arrests occur from this they must happen with respect.

De Blasio Ready To Rezone East New York

Mayor Bill de Blasio, today, will start the ball rolling to rezone East New York for the neighborhood to be redeveloped for more affordable housing, the Daily News reported.

The lengthy rezoning process, which is expected to be completed by 2016, will include the final boundaries of the area to be rezoned as well as the affordability requirements for buildings constructed.

East New York City Councilman Rafael Espinal told the media outlet he is happy with the timeline.

“It gives the community more time to give input to the plan, which is what a lot of the community wanted,” he said.

Treyger Addresses FEMA Funds For NYCHA

Southwest Brooklyn City Councilman Mark Treyger, who chairs the Committee on Recovery & Resiliency, along with Bronx City Councilman Ritchie Torres, who chairs the Public Housing Committee, yesterday, held a joint oversight hearing on NYCHA’s plan to repair 35 Sandy-impacted developments using a $3 billion FEMA grant that was announced earlier this year.

During the hearing, both Council Members expressed serious concern with the fact that New York State and NYCHA have yet to receive this money despite the announcement and commitment from FEMA, and there is still no set timeline for when work will begin.

The issue is especially pressing with thousands of public housing residents still living with temporary boilers, closed playgrounds, mold, and other damage to their buildings, apartments and public outdoor areas caused by Hurricane Sandy.

“Residents have serious questions regarding when work will finally begin in the development and when their live will finally return to normal after hearing about this historic $3 billion commitment,” said Treyger, following the meeting.

“The sense of urgency and frustration that exists is valid, so progress must be made on behalf of those families. I am tired of announcements, presentations and declarations that are not followed by shovels in the ground and actual construction at impacted NYCHA developments. Today’s hearing showed that there still are many hurdles to clear in order to actually get this FEMA money flowing to NYCHA and to fulfill the commitments we have made to thousands of New Yorkers still feeling the impacts of Sandy,” he added.

Bichotte Stands For Dominicans of Haitian Descent

Flatbush Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte along with her Haitian-American colleagues in the assembly, Michaelle Solages and Kimberly Jean-Pierre, yesterday, sponsored a resolution condemning the actions of the Dominican Republic’s Constitutional Court which stripped hundreds of thousands of Dominicans of Haitian descent of their citizenship.

The Dominican Republic and Haiti share the small Caribbean island.

“I am happy to have colleagues that stand with me to express grave concern over the Dominican Republic’s efforts to strip Dominicans of Haitian descent of their rights and citizenship, and render them a stateless people,” said Bichotte.

“New York State has close ties to the Dominican Republic and Haiti so it is incumbent upon us to reach out to our neighbors and support the rule of law, the civil and human rights of all peoples, and to prevent institutionalized discrimination. New York’s long history of championing civil rights causes and welcoming our neighbors requires us to stand up and make our voices heard when we see the same types of discrimination happening again today,” she added.

Parker Hosts Educational Leadership Breakfast

Flatbush State Sen. Kevin Parker, this morning will host the 4th Annual Educational Leadership Award Breakfast sponsored by Healthfirst.

The breakfast will honor the achievements and commitments of dedicated PTA Presidents, Parent Coordinators, and Assistant Principals.

“It is vital to honor the dedication and work of our educational leaders the backbone of our schools in order to actively encourage the highest quality education our students can possibly receive,” said Parker. “These honorees know that the success of students is largely dependent on the support of their educators, parents, and guardians; educational leaders navigate the challenges and triumphs of the school system and obstacles students and their families face to help create brighter futures.”

The event is slated for between 8:30-11:30 a.m., this morning at the Grand Prospect Hall in Park Slope.