Adams Debriefs Public On Brooklyn Terrorism Risk
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams today will hold a press availability to discuss an emergency meeting convened to address counterterrorism security at entertainment venues in Brooklyn, held in response to last week’s terror attacks in Paris.
The press debriefing follows a emergency conter-terrorism security meeting Adams is having with the NYPD, the Office of Emergency Management and entertainment venues from around the borough. Adams is a retired New York City Police officer.
The press conference is slated for 2:30 p.m., today at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street.
Greenfield Applauds Police Following Arrests In Bias Crime
Midwood/Boro Park City Councilman David G. Greenfield applauded the arrest yesterday of the alleged perpetrators who attacked members of the Boro Park community late last Friday night.
Two teens, 17 and 18-years-old, surrendered at the 66th police precinct this morning with a lawyer present. According to NYPD, they are charged with harassment, which is classified as a hate crime. Last Friday, on two separate occasions, eggs were thrown at three Jewish men in Boro Park by individuals who threatened and cursed at the Jewish men as well.
“I am proud of the swift action the 66th police precinct and the Hate Crimes Task Force took in tracking down and arresting the criminals who personally attacked members of the Boro Park community late last Friday. Hate crimes against anyone are unacceptable. Unfortunately, anti-Semitic crimes are on rise in New York City and we cannot ignore blatant acts of discrimination,” said Greenfield
While official police statistics in the 66th Precinct show overall felony crime is about even from last, violent felony crime is up in several categories including murder, rape and felony assault. As of June, anti-Semitic crimes throughout New York City had spiked 29 percent according to the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force.
Donovan Introduces Bipartisan Flood Insurance Act
Southwest Brooklyn Republican Congressman Dan Donovan and Democratic Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (NY-4) yesterday introduced the bipartisan Flood Insurance Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015.
The legislation combines ideas from both parties and both houses of Congress to improve the National Flood Insurance Program. Common among all of the reforms contained in the legislation is a commitment to putting the policyholder first. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is also leading companion legislation in the Senate.
“I’m proud of the collaboration between Republicans and Democrats in the two houses of Congress. Our bill will codify what should be a basic tenet of the National Flood Insurance Program: put the policyholder first,” said Donovan.
The Flood Insurance Transparency and Accountability Act requires post-disaster damage inspection reports to be provided to the flood insurance policyholder first, before any other agency or supervisor. This simple reform will prevent the type of engineering report fraud that victimized homeowners after Superstorm Sandy.
The bill also prohibits FEMA from denying flood insurance claims based on earth movement. Further, the legislation amends the flood claim appeals process to allow policyholders more time when considering their legal options. It also establishes a direct point of contact within the Flood Insurance Advocate’s office for policyholders to discuss their claims and appeals statuses.
“Three years after superstorm Sandy tore through New York, communities are still rebuilding and families are still fighting to put their lives back together,” said Gillibrand. “It is unacceptable that some New Yorkers were forced to face a burdensome and fraud-ridden flood insurance claims process. We need to reform the system and require more transparency to hold FEMA accountable so that homeowners are protected when the next storm hits.”
Richardson, Cumbo Hold Pre-Thanksgiving Day Events
Crown Heights/Lefferts Gardens Assemblywoman Diana Richardson and Fort Greene/Prospect Heights City Council Member Laurie Cumbo are each holding events tomorrow that includes free turkey giveaways as part of a pre-Thanksgiving Day holiday.
Richardson is throwing her first annual district Thanksgiving Block Party and Turkey Drive at 11 a.m. on Nostrand Avenue between Carroll and President Streets (in front of Brooklyn Community Board 9,). The event will include live performances, raffles, information tables from city and state agencies offering assistance, and giving away free turkeys to residents in need.
Cumbo, in partnership with ONOS Footprints will host a Turkey Giveaway and Wellness Day in Prospect Heights. Participants will learn healthy tips for holiday eating, undergo free medical screenings, enroll in health insurance plans through Emblem Health and receive a food package complete with a frozen turkey and trimmings.
The event is slated for between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until supplies last at the Prospect Heights High School Campus, 883 Classon Avenue.
