Hikind Works To Repair Ocean Parkway
Borough Park Assemblyman Dov Hikind last week sat down with State Department of Transportation Director of Government Affairs Charles O’Shea to discuss a three-year project on Ocean Parkway to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.
“This is a major thoroughfare that thousands of people use on a daily basis,” Assemblyman Hikind said, “so we need to ensure residents of our community that this process will go as smoothly as possible.”
The construction project, slated to begin in the spring of 2016, will feature updated traffic signals, signage and ramps to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, as well as traffic flow. To conclude construction, Ocean Parkway will undergo a concrete pavement makeover instead of asphalt, providing for a much sturdier and long-lasting thoroughfare.
After meeting with O’Shea, Hikind offered suggestions to further improve the traffic flow along Ocean Parkway.
“Through looking over the construction plans for Ocean Parkway, there are certainly some things we can address moving forward,” said Hikind, who expressed gratitude for the meeting. “It is our hope that with the help from the New York State Department of Transportation, we can help make traveling along Ocean Parkway a much more pleasant experience for all parties involved.”
Harris Reminds Residents About HEAP, Wants To Hear Their Concerns
As the winter weather and cold temperatures are in full swing this month, Assemblymember Pamela Harris (Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) is informing residents of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and is requesting tenants to voice their concerns on heat and apartment conditions to ensure a better quality of life.
“As your Assemblymember, the most important part of my job is to listen to your questions, concerns and opinions, while also keeping you informed on programs that are already out there that can make lives a little easier,” said Harris. “Harsh winters mean high utility bills that can make us cringe. I want to ensure that our families are safe and comfortable in their homes.”
For those who meet certain guidelines, HEAP provides assistance to qualified homeowners and renters to pay bills for heating fuel, equipment and repairs. The following services are provided:
Regular HEAP is based on income, household size, primary heating source and whether a member of the household is under the age of 6, over the age of 60 or permanently disabled.
Emergency HEAP provides additional assistance to households whose utility service is scheduled for shut off or has been shut off; or those that have less than one-quarter tank of oil, kerosene or propane or less than a 10-day supply of other deliverable fuel.
Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement (HERR) is also provided to help with repairs or replacements of any damaged or non-functioning equipment.
Assemblymember Harris noted that residents can call 800-692-0557 and find a checklist along with vital information on her website (bit.ly/Heat_Up_HEAP), including how to obtain an application in a different language.
Additionally, Assemblymember Harris wants to hear tenant concerns and ensure that Brooklyn landlords are in full compliance with all the laws and housing regulations. To voice your concerns, complete the survey here.
“I want to make sure that I represent you the best I can,” said Harris. “I strongly encourage families who are eligible to apply to do so as soon as they can and encourage tenants to work with me to ensure our loved ones are safe and warm this winter.”
Cumbo Leads Electeds In Street Safety Town Hall
City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo announced an upcoming street safety Town Hall in conjunction with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Public Advocate Letitia James, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, New York State Senator New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery , Assembly Member Walter T Mosley and 57th Democratic District Leader Olanike Alabi.
Special guests include NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and the advocacy group, Transportation Alternatives.
The town hall is slated for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26 at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, located at 85 S. Oxford St. in Fort Greene.
Parker Celebrates MLK Day With Free Concert
State Sen. Kevin Parker (Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington) and A Shared Dream Foundation are hosting their 12th Annual A Shared Dream MLK Concert at the Walt Whitman Theater at Brooklyn College.
One of the largest Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr holiday celebrations in New York City, this year’s tribute will feature gospel musician, producer and songwriter Ricky Dillard as the headliner.
This free annual musical tribute hosted by WBLS Radio Personality Liz Black features a diverse array of musical acts including community groups such as the Brooklyn United Marching Band, and Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy. A Shared Dream has been attended by thousands of concertgoers from all five boroughs over the last 11 years.
Parker, the founder of A Shared Dream Foundation which produces the event, will be joined on stage by community, religious, and political leaders to reflect upon and pay tribute to Dr. King’s life and legacy.
The event is slated for 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 18 at Brooklyn College -Walt Whitman Theater, 2900 Campus Road.
Other MLK Weekend Events
The following is a list of a few other events featuring local officials in the lead-up to Martin Luther King Day on Monday. Kings County Politics wishes to thank Olanike (Ola) Alabi, 57th Democratic Assembly District Leader for providing this information.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
First Baptist Church of Crown Heights
450 Eastern Parkway – 10:30 a.m.
Speaker: Rep. Hakeem Jeffries
Pastor: Rev. Daryl Bloodsaw
Monday, January 18, 2016
Concord Baptist Church 833 Gardner C. Taylor Blvd – 10am (Marcy Ave.) Speaker: Assembly Member Charles Barron Pastor: Rev. Dr. Gary Simpson
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
30th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
30 Lafayette Ave. – 10:30am
Speaker: Michael Eric Dyson
The event is free, but tickets will be distributed
on a first come, first served basis.
Sponsors: BAM, Borough President Eric Adams, Medgar
Evers College
Emmanuel Baptist Church
279 Lafayette Ave. – 10:30am
Theme: “Living Out the Legacy of Sacrificial Service”
Speaker: Dr. Harry White (Raleigh, NC)
Pastor: Rev. Anthony Trufant
Zion Baptist Church
523 Washington Ave. – 11am
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Gus Roman (Philadelphia, PA)
Pastor: Rev. M.M. Peace
Metropolitan Baptist Church
“I Have A Dream: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King & Family.”
Speaker: Rev. Walter Deloatch, Sr. (Brooklyn)
869 Halsey St.- 12pm
Sponsors: Pastor Walter Alston, Jr. & District Leader Anthony Jones
Central Brooklyn Martin Luther King Commission
31st Annual Family Celebration of Dr. King’s Work And Legacy
Prospect Heights Educational Campus
883 Classon Avenue
Doors Open: 12:45pm
Program: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
NOTE: Every child attending will receive a gift. Free raffle drawing.
Winners of Essay, Poetry and Art Contests will present work.
Appearances by special guests.
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
(NOBLE)
MLK Celebration
Christ Fellowship Baptist Church
11 Sumpter Street – 2pm
Pastor: Dr. David Kelley, II
