Bichotte, Eugene Celebrate End Of Ramadan
Midwood Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte and Flatbush City Councilman Mathieu Eugene were among the officials on hand along Coney Island Avenue as thousands of Pakistani- and other Muslin-Americans celebrated the end of Ramadan.
The celebration included a giant bazaar stretching from Foster Avenue to Avenue H including henna tattoo artists, clowns, jewelry and dress vendors. Members of the NYPD’s 70th Precinct Community Affairs unit including a team that brought out and artificial rock climbing participatory event for kids.
Adams Releases ADA Report
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, this week, released his Access-Friendly NYC report to detail policy and standards recommendations for improving accessibility for Americans with disabilities throughout New York City.
The report was built upon a set of guidelines, released in February, which he developed to advance accessibility of public buildings beyond compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The initiative focuses on how Brooklyn and New York City can lead the way in making improvements to physical, visual, auditory and social access for all of its residents; 12 percent of the borough’s population is over the age of 65, while almost 10 percent have reported having some form of disability.
“Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect as they move through Brooklyn and New York City, regardless of the challenges they face in getting to their destination,” said Adams. “Through Access-Friendly NYC, I am committed to moving all of our city’s stakeholders toward concrete reforms that will lead to a better embracing of all Brooklynites, including those with disabilities.”
“Brooklyn Borough Hall is the People’s House, and it needs to be accessible to people of all ages and all ability levels,” said Borough President Adams. “In the last six months, our building has taken significant strides toward true accessibility. What may seem like cosmetic or minor alterations to some are in fact meaningful changes that open the door for better access to government services for all in need of assistance.”
Adams’s Access-Friendly NYC report, which is available to be viewed and downloaded at brooklyn-usa.org, was informed by work with senior citizen and disability advocates as well as by a public hearing held in June at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Schumer Compromise Saves City Schools Fed Budget Cuts
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, yesterday, announced that he successfully worked out a compromise on an amendment that would have cut $170 million in at-risk federal education dollars for New York City schools.
The cuts were made through a recent amendment to Title I funding in the Every Child Achieves Act. Under the compromise with his senate colleagues, Schumer insisted that all funds be “held harmless’ – meaning the new formula would not apply to any of the existing funds New York receives.
Schumer explained that this compromise ensures that New York’s funds will not be cut next year and will only have an impact on funding above $17 billion, which means New York would be seeing an increase in funding overall.
Schumer said that it is good news that this money has been protected because without this funding, NYC school districts, and districts across New York, would be financially overwhelmed and unable to provide critical services to students who most need them.
“As a proud product of the New York public school system, I know how great our state’s schools can be when given the tools, resources and funding to succeed, and that’s why I fought so hard to prevent this proposal from slashing millions in funding from New York’s public schools,” said Schumer. “Our teachers and students work too hard to have the rug pulled out from under them over summer vacation and I am pleased that we were able to successfully beat back this proposal.”
Greenfield Demands An Apology From Simmons
Midwood/Boro Park City Councilman David Greenfield, yesterday, demanded an apology from hip hop mogul Russell Simmons for comparing the treatment of horses that pull carriages around Central Park to the Holocaust.
Simmons ranted against the horse-drawn carriages outside City Hall, yesterday, comparing the plight of horses to slavery, the Holocaust and ethnic cleansing.
“There were people for slavery, remember? Slavery was fine. There were people who put people in ovens. There are all kinds of ethnic cleansing, people for it,” Simmons told reporters.
Greenfield said Simmons meant well, but crossed the line in comparing horse carriages to the Holocaust and owes the Jewish community an apology.
“The Holocaust was the most horrendous act of genocide in modern history. Nothing should be compared to the systemic abuse, torture and murder of over 6 million human beings. Quite frankly, I am one of many Council Members who is undecided on the horse-carriage ban. Mr. Simmons doesn’t help his cause when he engages in outrageous hyperbole that minimizes the murder of much of my grandparents’ family,” said Greenfield.
Hamilton Brings Free Movies to Sunset Park
Central Brooklyn State Sen. Jesse Hamilton, in partnership with colleagues Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Assistant Speaker Felix Ortiz, Council Member Carlos Menchaca, and 51st Assembly District Leader Arelis Martinez will host Movies Under the Stars & My Parks and Me in Sunset Park (Lawn Entrance, 44th Street and 5th Avenue, Brooklyn) tonight.
The movie will be X-Men: Days of Future Past. The event will also feature a Capoeira fitness session by instructor Aleshandre, Caribbean Carnival headpiece-making craft for kids, and dance party with DJ English. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., the film beginning at 8:30 p.m.
“It is my pleasure to bring Movies in the Park to Sunset Park. Throughout the summer, I will continue to partner with Brooklyn colleagues, community groups, the NYPD, and NYC Parks to bring fun, family-friendly events to neighborhoods across the district,” said Hamilton.
“There is a work side to community engagement that means hosting forums on serious issues, but there is also a play side to community engagement that means bringing families, friends, and neighbors out to enjoy each other’s company, some treats, and a good movie,” he added.
Cornegy Gives Away Bike Helmets
Bed-Stuy City Councilman Robert Cornegy Jr. is sponsoring a bicycle helmet give away event this weekend.
To get a helmet, you must be present and learn how to properly fit it. A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign a waiver for children under age 18. Adults over age 18 receiving a helmet must sign a waiver.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday July 19
Where: Brower Park (next to Brooklyn Children’s Museum) Brooklyn Avenue between Park Place and Prospect Place
