Bklyn Lawmakers Respond to Special Prosecutor Briefing
Governor Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, yesterday, held a briefing on Executive Order No. 147, which appoints the New York State Attorney General as a special prosecutor in matters relating to the deaths of unarmed civilians caused by law enforcement officers.
The order also allows the special prosecutor to review cases where there is a question whether the civilian was armed and dangerous at the time of his or her death. Today’s briefing was attended by more than 100 members of the clergy, community leaders and state legislators.
“The justice system does not work without the trust of the people, so it was imperative that New York act to address the crisis of confidence that has been plaguing communities nationwide,” said Cuomo. “This executive order restores trust in the system by ensuring that cases of police-involved civilian deaths will be handled with independence and integrity. It addresses both real and perceived conflicts of interest, and is a critical step toward rebuilding confidence and making sure that the justice system works for everyone in every neighborhood across this state.”
Several Brooklyn lawmakers also attended the briefing. Below are their comments.
Assemblyman Nick Perry: “At a time when the nation is reeling from questions of bias in the justice system, New York is standing up to change that perception. Appointing a special, independent prosecutor to handle cases of police-involved civilian deaths is a monumental and transformative action that will restore faith in our courts and move New York forward. Other communities across the nation need this kind of reform, and we thank Governor Cuomo for taking action to get it done here at home.”
Assemblyman Walter Mosley: “It is vital for the American justice system to have the trust of the people – but too often in recent months, we have seen that thrown into question following the deaths of unarmed civilians at the hands of law enforcement. Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order is a crucial first step and a model for addressing this national problem. I commend the Governor for stepping up and taking action.”
Assemblywoman Latrice Walker: “We need to restore public trust in our criminal justice system, and Governor Cuomo’s decision to appoint a special prosecutor is a critical first step. By bringing impartiality to these investigations, we will help mend the damaged public perception of collusion between police and prosecutors. I applaud him for leading the way and look forward to others following suit.”
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Adams Allocates $12 Million For Borough Parks
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, today, will unveil his plans to allocate close to $12 million in his Fiscal Year 2016 capital budget to overhaul parks across Brooklyn.
The money will include funding to help restore the Brooklyn War Memorial, a monument to over 300,000 Brooklynites who served in World War II that has been shuttered for 25 years.
Adams will be joined by local veterans, including former Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden, as well as park advocates and elected officials from around the borough as he discusses his plan, which represents more than a twofold increase from last year in his budgetary commitment to enhancing Brooklyn’s open space.
The official announcement is slated for 11:30 a.m., today at the Brooklyn War Memorial in Downtown Brooklyn’s Cadman Plaza Park.
Hamilton Holds Career Development Workshop
Central Brooklyn Senator Jesse Hamilton will host the fourth “Survival of the Fittest Career Development Workshop” today, in cooperation with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Brooklyn Workforce1, and the Brownsville Partnership.
“In cooperation with our great partners, we will connect job seekers to the professional career counseling they need. In past workshops, job seekers have sharpened their interviewing skills, received help updating their resumes, and learned about employment opportunities. These workshops offer practical advice that helps people find work. And although we can’t promise a job, we can promise to help,” said Hamilton.
The workshop is slated for 6:30 p.m., today at the Brownsville Partnership, 519 Rockaway Avenue between Belmont and Sutter Avenues. The 3 train to Rockaway.
Williams Cracks Down on Airbnb
Flatlands City Council Member Jumaane Williams and Manhattan Council Member Helen Rosenthal released the following statement in response to a study which found that illegal Airbnb apartments now account for nearly one in five in certain zip codes throughout New York City.
“New York City is in a housing crisis exacerbated by home-sharing websites like Airbnb that account for more than 16,000 illegal rentals in the five boroughs. New York Communities for Change and Real Affordability For All’s latest report proves that this fundamental problem has skyrocketed to unacceptable levels, quickly depleting our city’s affordable apartment stock and rent regulated units.
“The Council ensured that the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement received an additional $1.2 million, including 17 additional staff members, to expand the department so they have the tools needed to proactively go after those who illegally rent out their apartments on Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms. Illegal hotel profiteers should take heed, because our city will soon be cracking down on this problem harder than ever before to ensure the Mayor’s Housing Plan does not fall short of its 200,000 unit goal and that New York City remains affordable for all.”
