Hikind’s Efforts To Curb Trucks Bear Fruit
Borough Park Assemblyman Dov Hikind, yesterday, announced that consequences are escalating for those who park commercial vehicles illegally along 21st Avenue in Borough Park as the 66th Police Precinct has begun both towing and booting the tires of illegally parked commercial vehicles, including the many tractor trailers that park on the strip.
“We’ve been monitoring this situation and meeting with residents and the police for months,” said Hikind. “There’s been an ongoing effort to protect the community by ticketing these illegally parked vehicles on a regular basis, and now the police are getting even tougher.
“I want to thank Captain Kenneth Quick of the 66th Precinct as well as his many officers who have taken this situation very seriously and provided additional patrols of the area at night. Our community is very appreciative.”
Squadron Applauds Assembly For Passing Transgender Bill
Northern Brooklyn State Senator Daniel Squadron, Senate sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), released the following statement after the Assembly passed the legislation for the eighth time today.
“Today the Assembly passed GENDA for the eighth time — yet Senate Republicans continue blocking a vote for equality. Today’s Assembly vote, without debate, shows that the time is long overdue for equality in New York State. It’s shocking that our state allows discrimination against transgender New Yorkers — in housing, employment and public accommodations — simply for being who they are,” said Squadron.
Squadron noted countless other states, and local municipalities in New York have already passed similar measures, and not passing GENDA remains the shame of the state.
Williams Bill Gets De Blasio Signature
Mayor Bill de Blasio, yesterday, signed a bill that East Flatbush City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams sponsored that will increase inspections and require expedited repairs for clogged or damaged catch basins.
A catch basin is a type of storm drain that is normally located adjacent to a curb, where it collects rainwater from the streets and directs it into the sewer. Catch basins can become clogged with refuse and debris, which may lead to localized flooding. Currently the city’s 148,000 catch basins maintained by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are inspected approximately once every three years.
The bill requires the DEP to inspect catch basins, at a minimum, once every year and unclog or repair clogged catch basins within nine days after inspection or the receipt of a complaint that catch basin is clogged.
DYCD Brings Program For Youth To Bergen Beach
The City’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) is expecting about 600 kids as the hold their 10th annual “Fun on the Rock” day tomorrow at McGuire Fields in Bergen Beach.
The event addresses the unique challenges of the Rockaways including ongoing recovery in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, and being in an isolated community that has limited social and recreational venues for youth.
“Fun on the Rock” gives young people in the Rockaways an opportunity to connect with their neighbors, make new friends, and enjoy healthy recreational activities. Participating community-based organizations include Bergen Basin, Child Center of NY, Safe Space, YMCA/Cross Island, Police Athletic League, Community Mediation Services, and The Action Center.
WHO: 600 youth from DYCD-funded programs in the Rockaways
WHERE: McGuire Fields, Bergen Beach, Brooklyn (off Bergen Avenue between Avenues V and X)
WHEN: Thursday, June 4, 2015, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
DYCD supports New York City’s afters chool and youth workforce development programs throughout the five boroughs. The agency also oversees funding for anti-poverty programs, such as adult literacy and immigrant services. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/dycd.
Nadler Statement On Senate Approving the USA Freedom Act
Brooklyn Congressman Jerrold Nadler, yesterday, issues the following statement following the Senate’s passage of the USA Freedom Act allowing limited surveillance of the American public to fight the battle against terrorism.
Nadler’s statement was part of a joint statement with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (D-Mich.), Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.).
“We applaud the Senate for finally approving the House-passed USA Freedom Act. This strong, bipartisan bill contains the most sweeping set of reforms to government surveillance practices in nearly 40 years. The USA Freedom Act ends bulk collection, strengthens civil liberties protections, increases transparency for both American businesses and the government, and provides national security officials with new, targeted tools to keep America safe.
“The USA Freedom Act is a carefully crafted compromise that has the support of the President, the Attorney General, the intelligence community, the technology industry and privacy groups, and most importantly, the American people. The Senate should have acted before three national security provisions expired, but we are pleased that this historic piece of legislation is now on its way to becoming the law of the land.”
Learn more about the USA Freedom Act here.
De Blasio, James Open Up Prospect Park’s Annual Celebrate Brooklyn!
For the latest information, including weather updates, set times, seating configurations, and FAQs, please visit the BRIC website.
Gates will open at the 11th Street Entrance at 6:00 pm. All performances are rain or shine.
