Adams, Stringer Urge City Council To Postpone Uber Vote
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and City Comptroller Scott Stringer urged the City Council to postpone a possible vote tomorrow that would put a cap on the for-hire car service Uber and other app-based car service companies.
Both lawmakers were responding to a recent war of words between Mayor Bill de Blasio, who has taken thousands of dollars in contributions from the taxi lobby, and Uber, which is valued at billions of dollars and has spent a hefty amount in an advertising campaign to stop the legislation.
“Recent public comments around proposed legislation in the New York City Council regarding for-hire vehicles have overheated, overshadowing the voices of the members of communities across our city who have benefited from this industry. It is time for a timeout on the crossfire,” said Adams.
“I support the growth of disruptive technologies, which includes the need for smart regulation that protects consumers and the environment in which they operate while not creating unnecessary burdens. We also cannot deny the fact that for-hire vehicles filled a major gap in serving the underserved, left open for years by the yellow taxi industry.
“I firmly believe there is the will within all parties to curb the attacks and return to the negotiating table. I have offered Brooklyn Borough Hall as a space for meaningful discussion, and I am committed to meeting there or anywhere else with industry and political leadership. The legislation should not go up for a vote until negotiations can recommence.”
Stringer said it makes no sense to arbitrarily cap Uber and other for-hire vehicle companies before the city study’s the impact of congestion on city streets.
“We need to think strategically about building out our transportation networks in a way that makes long-term sense for all New Yorkers. In the meantime, we should delay any vote in the Council and begin an earnest discussion about a range of key issues,” said Stringer, adding among the issues that need addressing are worker rights, surcharges, data sharing and equal access to taxi services across all the boroughs.
Cuomo Gives Brooklyn Navy Yard/Steiner Studios $5 million Grant
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday that the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Steiner Studios, the largest film studio on the East Coast will get a grant of up to $5 million to assist with construction and related planning and design expenses to implement Phase 3 of its’ Media Campus project.
The money is part of $17 million in state funds being disbursed to various projects around the state that will spur economic growth and opportunity. The funding is expected to leverage nearly $200 million in private investments and other public funding to support local businesses and major projects that are building a strong foundation for future economic growth and job creation.
“Through these investments, we are strengthening key industries and supporting a range of companies, projects and initiatives that are generating economic activity in nearly every region of the state,” Cuomo said. “This funding will encourage continued business development and job creation by promoting regionally significant strategies that will pave the way for future growth statewide.”
In partnership with the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, Steiner Studios has developed a master plan for the transformation of approximately 43 acres in the Brooklyn Navy Yard into a state–of–the–art, full–service Media Campus.
Over the next 12 years, it is anticipated that there will be an additional $374 million in private investment, creating over 2,500 permanent jobs and 2,600 construction jobs at Steiner Studios.
Velazquez, Reynoso Condemn Hate Attack
Norther Brooklyn Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez and Williamsburg City Councilman Antonio Reynoso, along with the community-based organization, Make the Road New York, yesterday, condemned a recent alleged hate crime against a Latino man.
According to the 94th Precinct in Brooklyn, early Sunday morning, a 25-year-old Latino man, Felix Valenzuela, was riding his bicycle on Jackson Street near Leonard Street in Williamsburg. Two suspects, described as white men around age 30 riding skateboards, allegedly stepped in front of Felix, knocked him off the bicycle, and beat him while making derogatory references to his perceived immigration status.
“I am deeply saddened and horrified by the attack in Williamsburg,” said Velázquez. “Acts of violence and hate can never be tolerated in our community and I call on law enforcement to swiftly pursue those responsible.”
“I was very disappointed and angered to hear about this incident,” said Reynoso. “This is a community built on immigration, where everyone is welcome and should feel safe. Hate will not be tolerated in North Brooklyn or anywhere else in New York City. I wish Mr. Valenzuela a speedy recovery, and encourage anyone with information on this incident to come forward.”
Adams Hosts July Heroes of the Month
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, today, will pay tribute to a Good Samaritan who tried to stop a fight between teenage girls at a McDonald’s in Fort Greene, as well as a retired NYPD detective who helped solve a 12-year-old murder case in Flatlands.
Iver Whittingham, a volunteer with women’s empowerment group Battered 2 Beautiful, and retired NYPD Detective Richard Lyman, will be declared “Heroes of the Month” for July in honor of their commitment to the well-being of Brooklynites in need.
Those in attendance will include members of Whittingham’s organization, Lyman’s family members and former colleagues, as well as Detective Borough Command Brooklyn Assistant Chief Patrick Conry. This is a continuation of Borough President Adams’ monthly “Hero of the Month” events honoring the accomplishments of Brooklynites from all walks of life.
When: 2 p.m., today, July 22
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Downtown Brooklyn
***PLEASE NOTE: Video footage of the teen fight at McDonald’s which Whittingham tried to stop will be played during the press conference
