Gentile Gets Tough On Illegal Conversions
Bay Ridge City Councilman Vincent Gentile will hold a press conference this morning at a “Stop Work Order” site located at 941 78th Street in Bay Ridge.
Gentile alleges the stop work order is likely related to yet another illegal conversion site in his district. The Department of Buildings notice lists several violations including “electrical work without a permit and unlicensed worker also observed installing the general wiring”.
Gentile’s office says that illegal conversions pose serious harm for the safety of future dwellers as well as uniformed servicemen such as FDNY and NYPD officers. Construction LLC’s are habitually abusing self-certification and other special permits at the expense of the safety of future inhabitants, according to Gentile’s office.
The press conference is slated for 10 a.m. today at 941 78th Street.
Cumbo Launches Fitness Program In District
Fort Greene City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo yesterday launched Fit in the 35th, a new health initiative to promote a healthier lifestyle and physical fitness within the 35th Council District.
The initiative is in partnership with the Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center, and involves hosting a free Zumba class open to ages 14 – 114 years young in Fort Greene.
TJ Club To Pick Their Candidate For Assembly
Canarsie’s powerful Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club will announce their candidate for the open 59th Assembly District seat on Thursday at their regular weekly meeting.
The seat opened up last week after former Assembly Member Roxanne Persaud won her election to the state senate. TJ Club member and Kings County Democratic Party Boss Frank Seddio has previously represented the 59th Assembly District, and was succeeded by his former Chief of Staff Alan Maisel, who now represents the area in the City Council.
The meeting is slated for 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12 at 77 Conklin Avenue in Canarsie. All are welcome to attend.
Clarke Champions Crime Victims Fund
Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette Clarke announced she will continue her effort to restore $1.5 billion from the Crime Victims Fund – about ten percent of the fund – that was removed in the bipartisan budget agreement passed to prevent a default on the federal debt and to keep the federal government in operation.
The fund was established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to collect fines and penalties paid by corporations and individuals convicted of federal crimes and to offer resources to crime victims such as medical costs, funeral and burial costs, mental health counseling, and lost wages or loss of support from a parent or spouse.
The primary contributors to the fund are banks, other financial institutions, and pharmaceutical companies that violated federal laws.
“I voted for the budget agreement because I believed that Congress could not in good conscience allow a default on the federal debt or a shutdown of the federal government. But there are several provisions of the agreement with which I am deeply concerned, such as the continuation of reductions in Medicare reimbursements, reduced payments for outpatient services at neighborhood health clinics, and the removal $1.5 billion from the Crime Victims Fund. This fund provides critical resources to the victims of crime and their families at a time of serious need, when people are particularly vulnerable. We should not eliminate resources for these individuals. I will work with my colleagues to restore the Crime Victims Fund to provide crime victims with the resources needed to rebuild their lives,” said Clarke.
Donovan, Gillibrand Differing Views On Keystone XL Pipeline
Republican Southwest Brooklyn Congressman Dan Donovan and Democratic U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand offered differing views of President Obama’s recent rejection of the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline, which would have allowed the building of an oil pipeline running from Canada to several distribution points in the United States.
“The President’s decision to reject the Keystone XL Pipeline is simply wrong,” said Donovan. “The project has bipartisan support because it would create jobs, lower energy prices, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil – and can be done without compromising the environment. The United States must take advantage of every opportunity to accomplish these objectives. Economic and energy policy shouldn’t hinge on the whims of legacy creation.”
But Gillibrand maintains Obama made the right decision.
“I have long opposed this project and I am glad this export pipeline won’t be moving forward. The United States and our communities would have shouldered all the risk for this export pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico only to ship oil to our competitors in China. Instead we should be looking for opportunities that create jobs in renewable industries, foster energy independence and curb global climate change,” she said.
