Cuomo Sign Cymbrowitz Bill Banning Powdered Alcohol
Governor Andrew Cuomo, late last week, signed a bill that Sheepshead Bay Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz introduced banning the sale of powdered alcohol throughout the state.
Known commercially as Palcohol, the product – which is mixed with water and comes in flavors such as vodka, rum and cosmopolitan — was approved earlier this year by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, part of the U.S. Treasury Department, and is set to hit the market shortly.
In addition to New York, 21 other states have already banned the sale of powdered or crystalline alcohol products and at least 19 other states have similar legislation pending.
Assemblyman Cymbrowitz cautioned that the product is a “disaster in the making” because it can be easily hidden and used by underage drinkers. It also presents a greater likelihood of overdose due to improper mixing and can be concealed and brought to venues where alcohol is prohibited, he said.
“Kids can stash Palcohol in their pocket when they leave the house for a party and their parents would never know the difference,” said Cymbrowitz, former Chair of the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has sought to ban the product on a federal level.
“Powdered alcohol is a product with no legitimate reason for being. I’m pleased that New York has joined the growing number of states to ban the sale of this potentially dangerous product,” Cymbrowitz said.
Clarke Remembers Civil Rights Pioneer Julian Bond
Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette Clarke released the following statement over the weekend on the passing of Julian Bond, a founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center and former Chairman of the NAACP:
“Julian Bond was a man of courage and moral vision who insisted on his right and the right of all African Americans to participate in the politics of this nation. When he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives at twenty-five years-of-age, his colleagues refused to admit him because of his work as a civil rights activist. But he was soon vindicated by a unanimous Supreme Court decision, and became a distinguished member of the legislature, where he established the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus,” said Clarke.
Clarke noted his involvement in the establishment of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and that he was on the front lines of protests that led to the nation’s landmark civil rights laws.
“His activism continues to inspire generations of activists dedicated to social justice. His contributions to the Southern Poverty Law Center and the NAACP remain invaluable to protecting the civil rights of every American. Julian Bond was a man of history whose legacy will continue in our work to secure for all people the full blessings of American life.” she added.
Greenfield Says Batter Up To Annual Softball Game
Borough Park/Midwood City City Councilman David is inviting the community to watch the 6th annual Greenfield Classic Softball Game at 7:30 p.m., tomoorow night, Aug. 18.
The Greenfield Classic is a friendly end of summer softball game between NYPD’s 66 Precinct and the Boro Park Shomrim. Community members are invited to come and bring their family and friends. Free snacks will be provided. The entrance to view the softball game is on 20th Avenue between 53rd and 54th Street.
“I know that many people look forward to this event all summer. I started this game six years ago to recognize the hard work that the NYPD and Shomrim do to protect our neighborhood. Please join me and your friends and neighbors as we cheer on our two favorite teams: the 66th Precinct and the Boro Park Shomrim,” said Greenfield.
Last year, NYPD won against the Shormim 10 to 7. The NYPD leads the Shomrim in Classic series with three wins. This year, the Shomrim hope to tie the series with another win. The winner of the Greenfield Classic gets to keep a beautiful trophy throughout the year.
Adams Signs Sister City Agreement With Part of Istanbul
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, last week, signed a sister city agreement between Brooklyn and the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, in a ceremony held in Nevmekan, a cultural center in Üsküdar’s Bağlarbaşı Cultural Complex.
The establishment of this exchange, intended to further collaboration in cultural, economic, educational, and municipal affairs, has been a highlight of Adams’s five-day visit to Turkey, organized to help advance cultural exchange and transatlantic commerce with Brooklyn.
The borough has a growing Turkish population, with significant populations in Brighton Beach, Midwood, and Sheepshead Bay. Adams spoke to the importance of growing ties between Brooklyn and Turkey as part of his global vision for the borough.
“I am honored to represent Brooklyn and its great diversity to the people of Turkey, and I appreciate this opportunity to have a visit of mutual benefit,” said Adams. “Brooklyn doesn’t have a MetroCard future with city-bounded limits; it has a passport future with a world of boundless potential in which we can grow and thrive together. I am pleased to help build greater bridges between our borough and Turkey, the bridge between Europe and Asia as well as a partner in growing international trade and fighting radical terrorism. This visit also underscores the deep importance of our own Turkish community and their contributions to our One Brooklyn family.”
During the trip, Adams met with local leaders, including Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş, to further ideas such as promoting Brooklyn tourism, growing relationships between young people of different cultures through digital platforms, as well as battling terrorism and radicalization.
Richardson Spreads Word On Non-Profit Funding Opportunities
Crown Heights/Lefferts Gardens Assemblywoman Diana Richardson is spreading the word that the Brooklyn Community Foundation has launched the Crown Heights Grant Program for non-profit organizations and residents of Crown Heights.
Under the program, qualified residents and organizations working within the borders of Community Boards 8 and 9 are eligible for up to $100,000 in grants. The grants will be issued for programs designed to offer services to residents in the areas of Housing Rights, Cross Cultural Learning & Relationship Building, Youth Opportunities and Transparent and Accountable Policing.
