Williams Responds to Memorial Day Shootings
East Flatbush City Councilman Jumaane Williams, yesterday, mourned the murders of eight people citywide during the Memorial Day weekend and renewed his call for a coming anti-violence march.
According to the NYPD’s most recent statistics, overall felony crime is down nearly 7 percent for the year, but murder is up about 13 percent and shooting incidents a little more than 7 percent.
“On Saturday, I call on New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs to join me during the fifth annual ‘Not In My Hood’ march in Brooklyn to kick off June’s Gun Violence Awareness Month. Our city must be loud to condemn and combat these extremely tragic events. This two-mile anti-gun violence march, organized by East Flatbush Village, Inc. and violence interrupter groups, will not only allow us to send a strong anti-gun violence message, but will give our youth an opportunity to explore a variety of ways to better their future during a resource fair held immediately after.
“We have made progress in discussing real strategies to reduce gun violence, but each of us must do more to raise our voices to demand structural change. For more information about the ‘Not In My Hood’ March, Rally and Resource Fair, click here. And click here to learn more about June’s Gun Violence Awareness Month in New York City.”
James, Levin Rallies to Save Day Care Centers
Public Advocate Letitia James and Northern Brooklyn City Councilman Stephen Levin, yesterday, stood with elected officials, advocates, daycare providers, parents, and children to call on the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) to develop a plan to save hundreds of City funded EarlyLearn NYC day care seats that have closed or are at risk of closing.
Over the last year, eight day care centers in high need neighborhoods and with direct leases through the City have been forced to close, representing nearly 600 seats, and many more are at risk.
“For working families, access to affordable early child care is an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty,” said James. “We cannot allow another day care center to close. ACS must develop a plan to reinstate the child care capacity that has been lost and ensure that, moving forward, there is adequate funding and resources to support our EarlyLearn providers.”
“Quality, affordable early child care is a crucial support for working families that we cannot afford to lose. ACS must step up to protect EarlyLearn seats across the city and support the providers that make these programs possible. It is imperative that we address the structural issues with the EarlyLearn program and begin to act immediately. No more EarlyLearn centers should be forced to close their doors because of inaction,” said Levin, Chair of the Committee on General Welfare.
Jeffries Kicks Off ‘Congress on Your Corner’
Central Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries will kickoff his annual “Congress on Your Corner” meetings tomorrow, May 28 on Stuyvesant Avenue and Fulton Street, outside of the A/C Subway Station.
“Connecting with constituents of the 8th Congressional District and hearing your concerns first-hand hand is my highest priority. That is why I am hosting a series of outdoor office hours this summer at a variety of locations throughout the community,” said Jeffries.
“Please join me to discuss any issues of concern, learn more about my legislative agenda, and get updates on what’s happening in Washington. Please also forward this information to any neighbor who may be interested in connecting with me and my staff,” he added.
What: Outdoor office hours
When: 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 28
Where: Stuyvesant Avenue and Fulton Street (outside of the A/C Subway Station) map
Donovan Looks to Staff Up From Community
Newly elected Congressman Dan Donovan is calling for the ‘best and brightest’ New Yorkers to serve the residents of the 11th congressional district in key staff positions for the Staten Island and south Brooklyn district offices.
As Staten Island District Attorney, Donovan received the “Diversity Champion Award” for increasing diversity among the office’s staff and raising the office’s standards. He is taking that same mantra to the congressional office, where all qualified residents are invited to apply for several constituent service positions.
“I want every resident of the 11th congressional district to know that my office has an open door policy, and we are here to help,” said Donovan. “Cutting through bureaucratic red tape and assisting constituents with their needs will be a top focus, but to achieve that we need the best and brightest people on our team. I invite all qualified residents who have a passion for service to submit their resumes.”
Anyone interested in applying should submit a resume and cover letter to ny11resumes@mail.house.gov.
Greenfield Offers Constituents Free Legal Help
Midwood/Boro Park City Councilman David Greenfield is teaming up yet again with New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) to get his constituents free legal help.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., today, Wednesday, May 27, the NYLAG mobile van will be parked outside Greenfield’s district office, 4424 16 Avenue, Boro Park, to offer assistance to residents who seek legal guidance but cannot afford an attorney.
Anyone interested in taking advantage of these free services is encouraged to call Greenfield’s office at (718) 853 2704 to schedule a 45 minute legal assistance appointment.
Attorneys will be on hand to provide free confidential legal advice pertaining to issues residents have with government programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, housing and other public assistance programs.
“People call my office everyday looking for legal support, but do not have the money for a consultation with an attorney. I am proud to provide my constituents with this invaluable and free service through the New York Legal Assistance Group,” said Greenfield.
Additionally, Greenfield regularly sponsors free immigration-related legal services in a partnership with the City University of New York Citizenship Now! project and free mortgage-related legal services through the Brooklyn Housing and Family Services. Any resident interested in accessing immigration services and mortgage advice is encouraged to call the Councilman’s district office to schedule an appointment.
Adams Hosts Nightlife and Restaurant Coalition
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will be joined by local entrepreneurs, today, to launch the Brooklyn Nightlife and Restaurant Coalition, a group whose mission will be to improve relations and dialogue between industry stakeholders, community members, and City agencies.
The hospitality sector had the fastest rate of job growth in Brooklyn between 2008 and 2012, expanding twice as fast as the rest of the city; of these jobs, 85 percent were in restaurants and bars. Adams will speak about the importance of these small businesses as well as how the Coalition will help organize and strengthen this community.
The Coalition will be chaired by Borough President Adams and initially led by Dave Rosen, owner and operator of The Woods in Williamsburg. In addition to Rosen, members who will be speaking at the launch include Jake Rosenthal of PopGun Presents in Williamsburg, Jamie Wiseman of Output in Williamsburg, and Vanessa Rimando of Roberta’s Pizzeria in Bushwick.
The event is slated for 2 p.m. at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street.
