Cymbrowitz Urges Passage of Bill Condemning Anti-Israel Boycott
Sheepshead Bay Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz yesterday called for the quick passage of legislation he is co-sponsoring (A. 9036) that would make New York the newest state to condemn the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The bill, which passed the Senate last Wednesday, would bar New York State from doing business with companies that seek to harm Israel and other American allies through boycotts and discriminatory economic agendas. Midwood Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein is the bill’s prime sponsor in the Assembly.
“Israel is our greatest ally and we have a responsibility as people and as a State to stand by our friends,” said Cymbrowitz said. “The BDS movement has proven time and again that its ideology is built on a foundation of anti-Semitism and its primary goal is for Israel to cease to exist. Companies that support this hateful agenda have no place doing business with New York State.”
Current law prohibits New York State and City from directly engaging in an international boycott against American-allied nations. The new legislation would expand New York’s law by prohibiting state contracting with, or state investment in businesses or individuals that promote or engage in activities to boycott, sanction, or divest in Israel and other American allied nations.
By passing the law, New York would join South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Indiana in taking similar action against BDS.
Harris Says Snow Clearers Still Wanted For Day Work
Coney Island Assemblymember Pamela Harris announced yesterday that the City’s Department of Sanitation is still seeking temporary employees to help remove the remnants of the weekend’s snowstorm. She also asked Brooklyn residents to let her know which streets still need to be cleared.
“City employees and emergency workers were tireless in the face of the massive snowstorm this past weekend, and I commend them for their dedication to making sure we’re safe during major weather events,” Harris said. “It’s our turn to help now, whether by calling about uncleared streets or putting on a warm coat and pitching in.”
Harris’ announcement followed requests by Mayor Bill de Blasio and Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia for additional emergency snow laborers. Some important areas like bus stops, crosswalks and fire hydrants are still covered by ice and snow.
Individuals interested in helping with snow removal can register at local sanitation garages every day this week between7 a.m. and 3 p.m. A full list of garages can be found online at tinyurl.com/SanitationGarages. Snow laborers will be paid $13.50 per hour, then $20.25 per hour after 40 hours are worked in a week.
Applicants should be at least 18 years old and capable of performing heavy physical labor. Those hoping to register should bring two small photos of themselves, two original forms of identification and one copy of each and a Social Security card or Tax ID number.
Cumbo Holds Street Safety Town Hall Tonight
Fort Greene City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo tonight will join the City’s Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and senior leadership from both the NYPD Transit Bureau and the 88th Precinct to present a Street Safety Town Hall.
The evening will consist of a community conversation on the ongoing efforts and challenges faced by the participating city agencies to reduce crashes, increase enforcement, and improve pedestrian safety in Fort Greene through Vision Zero.
The town hall comes in the wake of the traffic-related death of Victoria Nicodemus was killed in a crash caused by an unlicensed driver on Dec. 6. Growing concerns from local residents and advocacy groups prompted the Town Hall to discuss the city’s progress in the implementation of Vision Zero.
The Street Safety Town Hall is slated for between 6:30-8 p.m., tonight at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, 85 South Oxford Street in Fort Greene.
Greenfield Introduces Three Parking-Related Bills
Midwood/Borough Park City Councilman David G. Greenfield introduced three bills in the City Council last week intended to make parking easier for the residents of his district and all New Yorkers.
“I am committed to making life easier for all of New York’s drivers,” Greenfield said. “These bills are each designed to solve a real problem in a practical way. I will continue to promote common-sense reforms such as these that will help to ease some of the congestion and headaches that have historically come with driving a car in New York.”
The first bill will allow parking in front of non-functional fire hydrants as many of the city’s fire hydrants are not functional and simply have not been removed. The bill will see non-functioning fire hydrants painted green so that drivers will know which fire hydrants they may park in front of.
The second bill will prohibit the city from towing any vehicle unless that vehicle has first been immobilized with a wheel lock for at least 72 hours beforehand. This rule would not apply to vehicles illegally parked at bus stops, fire hydrants, crosswalks, or in tow away zones, that are blocking legal driveways, or when the immediate towing of the vehicle is required as a matter of public safety. The bill will make it easier for drivers to regain access to their cars without having to search nearby streets or journey to impound lots, while still holding accountable those who violate parking and traffic laws.
The final measure will do away with the requirement to feed parking meters on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Black Friday is often the most-ticketed day of the year, as shoppers find themselves waiting in long lines, unable to return to move their cars or feed the parking meter.
Greenfield’s bill would allow these shoppers to support New York’s local businesses without fear of coming back to a ticket on their windshield.
