Ortiz Lets de Blasio Know About Sunset Park Traffic
Sunset Park Assembly Member Assistant Assembly Speaker Felix W. Ortiz let Mayor Bill de Blasio know during his recent trip to Albany that the redevelopment of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal should not create an additional traffic burden in Sunset Park.
Ortiz expressed his concerns after reports that over 50,000 more trucks will travel through Sunset Park’s streets after the Terminal reopens. Ortiz asked for environmental impact studies and coordination with the community before the Terminal conducts business.
“I asked the Mayor to order adequate environmental studies before more traffic comes to our neighborhoods. We have too many residents suffering from asthma and bronchitis to allow this to happen. It’s also important that Sunset Park residents have priority when hiring takes place after the Marine Terminal reopens, said Ortiz.”
Ortiz also discussed the Governor’s Medicaid proposals that could place too much of a burden on New York City.
De Blasio was in Albany on Tuesday to testify before the state legislature’s joint fiscal committee hearings.
Cymbrowitz To MTA: Make Stations More Accessible To Seniors
Sheepshead Bay Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz has $1.3 million to spend on MTA capital projects in his southern Brooklyn district and he wants the money to be used to help make local subway stations more user-friendly to seniors and people with disabilities.
In a letter to new MTA President Veronique Hakim, Cymbrowitz said he’s “looking forward to working with the MTA” to identify ways to promote accessibility — a glaring problem in a district that includes 25,000 seniors, or more than 21 percent of the population, a number higher than the citywide average.
While his expansive district, which also includes Midwood, Manhattan Beach, Gravesend and Brighton Beach, is served by 14 subway stations on four different lines, only one station, Kings Highway (B/Q), is currently equipped with an elevator. No other station is handicapped accessible.
“Look on a map. We’re a no-man’s land as far as subway accessibility is concerned, and this is unacceptable,” said Cymbrowitz, Chair of the Aging Committee in Albany.
“Right now the options are to rely on buses, which are less predictable than trains and require multiple transfers for inter-borough travel, and Access-a-Ride, which is both costlier to the MTA and notoriously unreliable,” he said.
The lawmaker said lack of accessibility is a frequent complaint from his constituents, and it’s one he expects to hear even more often in the coming years as the senior population increases. That’s why he wants some action now.
“I understand that $1.3 million may be just a fraction of what it will cost, but I’m demanding that the MTA turn its attention to the district that needs these accessibility projects the most,” he said.
“By the year 2030 the population of older adults is expected to comprise a quarter of New York State’s population. Many people who don’t fall into this category now certainly will then, so some appropriate planning is required,” he said. “As we look to find ways to help more seniors remain independent and in their own communities, it would be prudent to work together now in order to make our city more navigable.”
Malliotakis, Ortiz, Harris Shed Bipartisan Light On Spousal Refusal Laws
Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R- Bay Ridge, Staten Island), Assemblyman Felix Ortiz (D-Sunset Park) and Assemblywoman Pamela Harris (D-Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) will hold a press conference tomorrow calling for the protection of spousal refusal, a provision in state law that helps care-giving individuals afford long-term care for their spouses.
Currently, spouses and children of elders that need longterm care are able to utilize Medicaid and Medicare to house these elders while able to keep some savings. Under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Budget spousal refusal protection will be eliminated.
The three lawmakers will shed light on the law at 11 a.m., tomorrow, January 29 at the St. Nicholas Home, 437 Ovington Avenue (between 4th and 5th Avenue) in Bay Ridge.
Mosley Meet & Greet Fundraiser Tonight
Fort Green/Clinton Hill Assemblyman and Democratic District Leader Walter T. Mosley will have a meet and greet fundraiser tonight.
Born and raised in the Crown Heights and Clinton Hill sections of the 57th Assembly District, in which he represents, Mosley is a life-long resident of Brooklyn and proudly serves the downtown and central Brooklyn communities with unparalleled accessibility and a commitment to equality and fairness for all Brooklyn residents.
Mosley graduated with honors from the Pennsylvania State University at University Park with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and minors in African Studies and American History. In 1998, Mr. Mosley received his law degree from the prestigious Howard University in Washington, D.C.
The meet and greet fundraiser is slated for 6-9 p.m., at 95 South Restaurant & Bar, 778 Franklin Avenue on the Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy border.
If you’d like additional information or to RSVP, please contact Louis at (212) 239-7323.
Washington Gets Black History Month Honors
Brooklyn Young Republican Club President and Canarsie native Brandon Washington recently was named one of NBC’s top 28 most influential young black leaders of 2016.
The national television network will air a documentary on Washington’s life as part of NBC’s black history month special on Monday.
“Not too sure why I was picked but I’m truly blessed to have an opportunity to represent my party’s values and my black community. Thank you to all of our friends, club members and supporters who’s leaving their mark on Brooklyn,” said Washington on Facebook.
Washington is currently in the U.S. Army, has launched the Global Community News and is held in very high regard among Brooklyn Republicans and as president of the BYRC.
Washington is scheduled to interview Bay Ridge Congressman Dan Donovan at 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 31 at the No Quarter Tavern, 8015 5th Avenue in Bay Ridge.
