ReactionTo Labor Day Weekend Violence
As this went to post, Carey Gabay, a Harvard-trained attorney working in the Gov. Andrew Cuomo Administration as First Deputy General Counsel at Empire State Development, remained in critical condition, after being shot in the head while celebration the annual West Indian Day holiday weekend culminating with yesterday’s Labor Day Parade along Eastern Parkway.
Gabay lives in Clinton Hill with his wife. He was reportedly caught in the crossfire of two rival gangs having a shootout, and was one of several victims that marred the otherwise festive event. Additionally, one man was stabbed to death and several others were shot.
Below are comments from two officials.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo: “Carey is an outstanding public servant who joined our administration in 2011. He is a Harvard-educated lawyer who works for the State because he wants to give back to others and make a difference. He is just 43 years old and is a kind-hearted man. Carey is a friend to all who have the pleasure of meeting him. I ask that New Yorkers join us by keeping him, his wife Trenelle and his family in their prayers at this time.
“This tragic shooting – this one by another seemingly random bullet – is the latest heartbreaking reminder that the crime of gun violence must stop. Enough young, innocent people have died, and it must stop now.”
Public Advocate Letitia James: “Early this morning, a joyous occasion was marred by senseless violence on our streets. We now mourn the loss of a life, and serious injuries of several more – including Carey Gabay, Governor Cuomo’s First Deputy Counsel. My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the young man who was killed, and with the victims for whom we wish a speedy recovery. We must stand strong as a community in the face of such violence.”
Ortiz Keeps Heat On For Divestment In Fossil Fuel Companies
Sunset Park Assemblyman and Assistant Speaker Felix W. Ortiz along with Manhattan State Senator Liz Krueger and released the following statement today after California legislators last week passed a bill which would require the two biggest pension funds in that state to divest their holdings in coal:
“We applaud California’s leaders for taking this important step toward divestment. For the two largest public pension funds in the country to say no to coal sends a clear message that fossil fuels are an increasingly risky and morally unacceptable investment. We congratulate California on being the first state to take this step. But we’re not giving up New York’s environmental leadership just yet – we call on our colleagues in the legislature to support the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and make New York the first state in the nation to divest from all fossil fuels.”
The California law, called “Investing with Values and Responsibility,” is set to be signed by Governor Jerry Brown in the next few days. It requires the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) to complete divestment from all thermal coal holdings within 18 months.
Sen. Krueger and Assistant Speaker Ortiz co-sponsor the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act (S.5873/A.8011), which would require the State Comptroller to divest the New York State Common Retirement Fund from holdings in the top 200 largest publicly traded fossil fuel companies, as defined by carbon content in the companies’ proven oil, gas and coal reserves. Divestment from coal companies must be completed within one year, with divestment from all other fossil fuel companies completed by January 1, 2020.
Bichotte School Supply Giveaway At JCC of Marine Park
Midwood Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte was on hand Sunday at the Jewish Community Council of Marine Park to dole out school supplies to local kids returning to school and participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony of the new center at 315 Quintin Road between East 34th and East 35th streets.
“It was a pleasure to have partnered with Jewish Community Council Marine Park on their back to school event and the ribbon cutting of their new facility. I enjoyed sharing valuable time with families and residents of my community in preparation for school with back pack – school supplies give aways along with treats and summer fun,” said Bichotte.
“I thank the Jewish Council Community of Marine Park, particularly Shea Rubenstein and his staff for their commitment in bringing in community resources that are very much needed to our families.”
Deutsch Invites Public Participation in Asser Levy Park Renovation
Sheepshead Bay/Brighton Beach City Councilman Councilman Chaim Deutsch is inviting interested community residents to attend a scope meeting about Asser Levy Park with the New York City Parks Department tonight at 6 p.m. at the playground in the park.
Throughout the 20 months that Councilman Deutsch has been in office, he has allocated capital funding to several parks throughout his district, including Asser Levy Park, which is on the Brighton Beach/Coney Island border.
Now that the park project is fully funded, Deutsch is conducting a scope meeting to give community stakeholders an opportunity to give input on how the funding should be utilized within the Park. Planned upgrades include expanding and revamping the playground, adding a sprinkler system, modernizing benches, installing new chess tables, and improving the drainage system to prevent further ponding and flooding. Deutsch strongly encourages residents to attend the meeting to provide their distinctive perspective on what upgrades are ideal for Asser Levy Park.
The Councilman has also allocated $50K into improving the Asser Levy Park 9/11 Memorial and constructing a flagpole there, a project that is slated to be completed this month.
Adams Holds 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will host the first-ever 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in the rotunda of Brooklyn Borough Hall, bringing together the families of victims and fallen heroes with citywide leaders and local residents.
The event, commemorating the 14th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center, will feature interfaith prayer, readings and tributes by surviving family members, and selections from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. There will be a moment of silence at 9:59 AM, coinciding with the time of Two World Trade Center’s collapse, followed by the lowering of the American flag atop Brooklyn Borough Hall as well as the placement of a remembrance wreath outside the building by Borough President Adams and victims’ families.
Borough President Adams, who served in the NYPD during 9/11, will speak about the terror attack’s enduring impact on Brooklyn and New York City. Other citywide leaders scheduled to address the ceremony include City Comptroller Scott Stringer, NYPD Chief of Department James O’Neill, FDNY Brooklyn Borough Command Chief Wayne Cartwright, and USAG Fort Hamilton Commander Colonel Joseph Davidson.
The event is slated for 9 a.m. tomorrow Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
