Schumer Fed Money For Navy Yard Gets Green Lit
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, yesterday announced that after his push last week, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) will provide a commitment letter for $2 million in federal grant funding for the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s jobs expansion project.
The federal funding will go towards renovating two floors of Building 77 to create move-in ready 3,000-5,000 square foot units for small- and medium-sized businesses. Schumer explained that renovating this building will allow Brooklyn Navy Yard to accommodate even more businesses.
“At 99% capacity, Brooklyn Navy Yard is busting at the seams and so, that is why this federal funding—which will help renovate existing buildings and attract more businesses and jobs—is so incredibly important. I am pleased that the EDA understands the importance of economic- boosting projects, like the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Building 77, and has moved into the final stage of awarding $2 million in federal grant funds,” said Schumer.
Building 77, of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, is currently owned by New York City and is being transformed into a hub for private manufacturing. New York City is investing $140 million in the expansion.
Lander, Johnson At Windsor Terrace Library
Park Slope/Windsor Terrace City Councilman Brad Lander and Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda Johnson, yesterday, were at the Windsor Terrace Library to tout the branch being up for the New York City Neighborhood Library Award and to keep the pressure up for more city funding.
After Johnson read to about 20 toddlers in the reading room, she and Lander again noted how the Brooklyn, Queens and New York Public Library systems are looking for an extra $65 million in operating expenditures over the mayor’s recently releases executive budget as next year’s city fiscal budget is now being negotiated.
Lander noted that currently the proposed budget is giving libraries $10 million less than last year and there is six more weeks to negotiate for more money.
“That’s why things like the Invest in Libraries Campaign is the strongest campaign of any year I’ve seen certainly since I’ve been in office and as long as I can remember for showing how much support there is for the library,” said Lander. “Already there is this incredibly deep constituency of New Yorkers who love and need their branch libraries. You can feel it at the local branches. You can feel it at City Hall, but we haven’t yet gotten into where we need to be in the budget and that’s why we have the budget process. I look forward to fighting with my colleagues to make sure when we adopt the budget both on expense and capital side there’s more in there for these libraries.
Johnson said 47 of the borough’s 60 branches currently have Saturday service and of those 39 have six-day service. Without adequate funding, some of these branches may have to have cuts in service, she said.
Richardson Takes Office in Albany
Newly-elected 43rd District Assembly member Diana Richardson said, yesterday, she was excited to already be in Albany and at work following last week’s special election win.
“This is an awesome experience. I’m humbled that I am able to represent the 43rd AD in Albany at such an important time,” said Richardson. “I’ve met a lot of members from across the state and I look forward to working in coalition to address the needs of our constituencies”
Richardson said as she gets acclimated to the new position, housing remains at the forefront of her agenda.
Ortiz Sponsors Legislation To Regulate Day Spas
Sunset Park Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, yesterday introduced legislation to regulate unlicensed day spas located in New York and to create penalties against day spas found to violate terms of their licenses.
The legislation adds prostitution as an offense if it is practiced by nail specialists, natural hair stylists, estheticians, cosmetologists or appearance enhancement businesses.
Ortiz said while there are many good and appropriate businesses providing nail specialist, natural hair stylist, esthetician, cosmetologist services or appearance enhancement businesses, there are too many unlicensed storefronts that are engaged in other activities.
“It’s bad enough when women are being denied their fair pay and are required to live in substandard and unsafe housing. What’s worse is when these women are being exploited for prostitution, “said Ortiz. “My legislation will help clean up and regulate a business operating freely behind closed doors for too long.”
Bay Ridge State Sen. Marty Golden has introduced similar legislation on the senate side of the legislature.
