Never Let a Good Crisis Go To Waste
The old political axiom, “Never let a good crisis go to waste” received a hearty workout the past few days as Brooklyn’s elected officials sent out warnings that Brooklyn is expecting a possible record snowstorm this weekend with possible flooding in coastal areas. To wit, here are a few abridged releases and social media warnings from the borough’s elected officials:
Sheepshead Bay City Councilman Chaim Deutsch: “I have been in communication this afternoon with the NYC Office of Emergency Management as well as NYPD, FDNY, DSNY, DOT, DEP, NYC Parks, the MTA, the National Weather Service, National Grid, & Con Edison, and I would like to share some updates with you regarding the impending snowstorm.
“The National Weather Service is currently predicting 12 – 18 inches of snow in New York City. There is a blizzard warning in effect through Sunday. There is a potential for coastal flooding at high tide, and OEM & NYC Parks will be continuously monitoring our coastal areas, including Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Coney Island. In addition, NYC Parks has placed berms in four key locations along our waterfront, to act as a barrier against any storm surges. NYC Parks & the Fire Department have a joint Downed Tree Task Force that is on standby to respond to any emergencies.
As a reminder, my office will be open and operational on Saturday night & Sunday. My office can be reached at 718-368-9176.”
Park Slope City Council Member Brad Lander: ‘You might have heard somewhere these past few days, but we’re expecting a bit of snow this weekend. We’ve seen what happens when we under-prepare, as well as what happens when we over-prepare. But the bottom line is we just don’t know how much snow we’re going to get – so it’s best to be ready.
“Since the Snowpocalypse of 2010 the City Sanitation Department and the City Council have done a lot to make sure NYC is ready for whatever winter weather comes our way. New York City has set up a great Severe Weather Update website which is the best source for up to the minute information on city operations (and you can even track the progress of City snow plows).
“A few other things that may be helpful to know.
- We don’t anticipate any closure to mass transit.
- All scheduled Saturday trash, recycling and organics collections are suspended because of snow clearing operations.
- Alternate Side Parking will be suspended for Saturday to facilitate snow removal. Parking meters will remain in effect.
- The Department of Education is cancelling all DOE events forSaturday and Sunday, including Gifted and Talented testing, Middle School Applicant Interviews, SAT administration and more. Full information here. As of now schools are scheduled to be open on Monday
- Make sure you stay out of all parks until after the storm is over.
Flatbush City Council Member Mathieu Eugene: “New York City may receive between 12 and 18 inches of snow.
Central Brooklyn State Sen. Jesse Hamilton: “Winter’s first big storm has the potential to dump a foot of snow on New York City and flood the city’s coastline this weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Early Thursday morning, the NWS issued a “blizzard watch” for the entire metropolitan area, lasting from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.”As we watch the weather predictions and reports carefully, we are reminded to take care to prepare our households and to watch out for the welfare of our neighboring families, seniors, children and pets.”
Crown Heights/Lefferts Gardens Assemblywoman Diana Richardson: “New York City Emergency Management has issued a hazardous travel advisory forSaturday, January 23, 2016 through Sunday, January 24, 2016. The National Weather Service has also issued a Blizzard Warning for all of New York City fromSaturday morning through Sunday afternoon.
“The system is forecast to bring heavy snow along with strong and potentiallydamaging winds, and will create slick and hazardous travel conditions. Total snow accumulation is expected to be between 8 – 12″. Use caution when driving and allow for additional travel time, as roads will be dangerous due to the weather conditions.”
Midwood, Ditmas Park Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte: “From the 70th Precinct: As you are aware, the National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Alert in the New York City and Southern NY State area for Saturday morning, January 23, 2016 through Sunday afternoon, January 24, 2016. Expect heavy snow fall and potentially damaging winds. Snow is expected to accumulate up to 6 to 10 inches. The temperature will be below freezing for the next several days; this will lead to treacherous road conditions throughout the area, please drive cautiously by being aware of pedestrians and other vehicles on the road. If possible, don’t drive, take Mass Transportation. Please prepare for cancellations, delays and power outages. Be kind; watch out for your elderly neighbors.”
KCP wishes all its viewers and followers, etc, a great weekend!
