Bklyn Lawmakers on the Move July 28, 2015

News Site Brooklyn

Hamilton Hosts Summer At The Subway In Brownsville

Central Brooklyn Senator Jesse Hamilton is coming to Brownsville, today, as part of his July Summer at the Subway series.

Hamilton’s constituent services team will also be on hand to bring the services and resources of his office out into the community. The event will also feature performances from Q City Soundz Stage Band and the Gowanus Wildcats Drill Team.

Senator Jesse Hamilton
Senator Jesse Hamilton

Hamilton launched his Summer at the Subway series at Crown Heights-Utica with his 20th Senate District Office team on July 7, meeting more than fifty constituents who had an opportunity to share their concerns and receive assistance. The series then visited the Franklin Ave/Botanic Gardens and then went to Sunset Park at the 59th Street and 4th Avenue Station.

“Everyone can’t make it to the District Office, that’s why we hold events in libraries, community centers, and at subway stations – to connect with neighbors, share community resources, and listen to concerns. And I thank all the community partners, like Q City Soundz Stage Band and the Gowanus Wildcats Drill Team, who help to make Summer at the Subway a fun and engaging event,” said Hamilton.

The event is slated for between 4:30-7 p.m., today, at the 3 Train stop at Sutter Avenue and East 98th Street.


Adams Hosts Third Tenant Harassment Town Hall Meeting

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and civil rights attorney Norman Siegel will host a town hall at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in East Flatbush to investigate cases of tenant harassment throughout Brooklyn.

Borough President Eric Adams
Borough President Eric Adams

The event is the third in a series of town hall meetings on the issue to determine the potential for lawsuits against particularly harmful landlords whose actions have put the health and safety of Brooklynites at risk.

Adams will hear testimony from tenants that will detail their housing grievances, which may include the shutting off of utilities, the removal of boilers and venting systems, as well as threatening or intimidating behavior by landlords.

Representatives of a broad coalition of housing advocates partnering with Adams will also be on hand. They include the Association for Neighborhood Housing and Development, Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A, Los Sures Community Development Corporation, New York Communities for Change, and Tenants & Neighbors.

The event is slated for 6 P.M., tonight, at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 395 Lenox Road.


Richardson Works To Strengthen Rent Laws 

In the wake of the renewal of Rent Stabilization laws in June, Crown Heights/Lefferts Gardens Assemblymember Diana Richardson said her office is inundated with constituents seeking relief from the neighborhood’s affordable housing crisis.

Assembly Member Diana Richardson
Assembly Member Diana Richardson

“We cannot legally strengthen our rent regulations without action from the State Legislature. Albany has not done enough for tenants in New York City. The extension on our current rent regulations does not sufficiently protect our residents from displacement. We need a new bill,” said Richardson.

Richardson said in contrast to legislation passed by the Assembly in May, the final bill failed to raise the cap on units exiting deregulation to $3500, instead raising them only $200 from the current $2500, allowing an estimated 80,000 units to exit stabilization over the next four years. As well, the bill failed to confront vacancy decontrol, allowing landlords to raise rents up to 20% on unoccupied units, often pushing past deregulation caps, she noted.

“I will do everything in my power to help any and every constituent who walks through my doors find the home they need and deserve,” Richardson said. “But this issue goes beyond any one politician. In order to solve this crisis and provide relief for thousands throughout the 43rd, along with the millions in our city, we need comprehensive rent regulations and an aggressive affordable housing development plan. This will require cooperation amongst all levels of government, but Albany must do its part. We need to recognize that the interests of our constituents are the most special, and put their well-being ahead of profit.”


Williams, Parker Hold Job Fair

Flatlands City Council Member Jumaane Williams and Flatbush/Flatlands State Sen. Keving Parker, today, will co-host the Eighth Annual Job Fair at Brooklyn College.

City Councilman Jumaane Williams
City Councilman Jumaane Williams

The free event will offer community members the opportunity to meet representatives from federal, state, and city government, as well as from private and non-profit agencies including those specializing in Green Jobs.

In addition to job opportunities, the fair will offer workshops for job readiness, resume building, interview techniques/training, and creating professional representation. Those interested in attending are encouraged to dress in business attire and bring copies of their current resume.

The event is slated for between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Brooklyn College Student Union Building on East 27th Street and Campus Road. For more information, contact Farah Louis-Drayton, Director of Community Outreach for Williams at (718) 629-2900 or email flouis@council.nyc.gov.

Williams is also co-hosting with East Flatbush Assemblymember N. Nick Perry, tonight, the Third Annual “FlatPoP! Summer Movie series” at Paedegat Park.

FlatPop! is a Caribbean themed movie night featuring “Rockers,” the groundbreaking film on Reggae music and culture. The event will include pre-screening entertainment by Caribbean comedian Majah Hype, a performance by CASYM Steel Orchestra and a Reggae Dance Contest on Albany Avenue and Farragut Road. The movie series, which runs through the end of August, will feature much more than just films, and will include live music, contests, refreshments and more.

The event starts at 7 p.m. Paedegat Park is on on Albany Avenue and Farragut Road.

Deutsch Sponsors Senior Trip To Governors Island

Sheepshead Bay Councilman Chaim Deutsch, yesterday, announced that for the second year in a row, he will be sponsoring a senior trip to Governors Island for seniors.
City Councilman Chaim Deutsch
City Councilman Chaim Deutsch

“I am excited to again sponsor a free trip to Governors Island for seniors in my district,” said Deutsch. “Last year’s trip was a huge success, and this year will be just as enjoyable and informative. If you are interested in participating, call my office to reserve your spot.”

The free trip is scheduled for August 6 and will include a custom guided tour of the Island, activities, and an opportunity to learn about and explore the Island’s unique architecture. The National Parks Service will conduct the tours and educate participants with regard to the significant history of Governors Island.

Free buses will be provided in conjunction with the JCC of Greater Coney Island. The buses will leave from central locations in the district.

Because seating is limited, participation in the trip is by reservation only. Those wishing to go should call Deutsch’s office at 718-368-9176.


GOP Mayoral Candidate Faulkner Comes To Brooklyn

About 50 African-Americans attended a gathering to meet with Republican mayoral candidate Michel Faulkner last night at the Milk River Cafe on Atlantic Avenue.

Rev. Michael Faulkner
Rev. Michael Faulkner, a GOP Mayoral candidate.

Faulkner, who is based out of Harlem, spoke about the importance of the African-American community to keep an open mind when voting, least the Democratic Party take their vote for granted and then do nothing for the community.

The Little Peoples’ Movement for Change (LPMNYC) sponsored the event. Longtime Central Brooklyn activist and U.S. Army veteran James Caldwell recently changed his Party affiliation to Republican and formed the organization.

Caldwell is in a running battle with the de Blasio Administration, alleging it is too closely aligned with Rev. Al Sharpton and his Harlem-based National Action Network while ignoring the needs of Central Brooklyn’s large independent church and small business network.

The LPMNYC also launched a website. It can be visited at www.lpmnyc.org.