Elected Officials React To Brussels Terrorist Attack
The following are some statements that some elected officials made following yesterdays terrorist attack in Brussels that left at least 30 dead.
Southern Brooklyn/Staten Island Congressman Dan Donovan: “Here at home, we’re much too familiar with the pain and suffering that dozens of Belgian families feel right now. To those who are injured, Serena and I pray for a speedy recovery; to those who were lost, we pray for their loved ones.
“It’s tragically clear that the threat level against the West – including New York City – is the highest it’s been since September of 2001. Our vigilance must keep pace. Last week, I chaired a hearing on the importance of consistent homeland security funding for American cities. Last night, the House voted for more stringent standards on international travel to prevent foreign fighters from reaching our shores.
“Protecting the homeland is government’s most fundamental responsibility. Political differences should never stand in the way of working together to get the job done.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio: “NYPD is on increased alert across our city. While we take this threat seriously, we will not live in fear. Our lives will continue today in honor of those lost to terrorism. Securing New York City is our show of solidarity with the people of Brussels and the victims of terrorism worldwide.”
Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton: “Terrorists have once again struck at the heart of Europe, but their campaign of hate and fear will not succeed. The people of Brussels, of Europe, and of the world will not be intimidated by these vicious killers. Today Americans stand in solidarity with our European allies. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded, and all the people of Belgium. These terrorists seek to undermine the democratic values that are the foundation of our alliance and our way of life, but they will never succeed. Today’s attacks will only strengthen our resolve to stand together as allies and defeat terrorism and radical jihadism around the world.”
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams: “Brooklyn mourns the horrendous murder of innocents in the Belgian capital of Brussels, a tragedy that is only compounded by further acts of terrorism that have been committed in recent days in Israel, Mali, Turkey, and elsewhere. New Yorkers cannot, must not, and will not cower in the face of mass violence; we will stand tall as a pillar of strength and resolve to help support our global community. In this trying hour, I hope that peace and comfort come to all suffering from these attacks, just as I pray that swift justice come to those soulless individuals responsible for these atrocities.”
Adams, Bratton Announce J’Ouvert Safety Measures
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and New York City Police Department Commissioner William J. Bratton will hold a press availability to update the public on ongoing efforts to combat violence at J’Ouvert celebrations.
J’Ouvert is the night before Brooklyn’s annual West Indian Labor Day Parade, and is often marred with violence and shootings.
Adams will convene a closed-door meeting including community advocates, local elected officials, J’Ouvert organizers, and NYPD leadership prior to the press availability.
The press availability will take place immediately following the meeting with key stakeholders, including Trenelle Gabay, whose husband Carey was fatally shot last September during the festivities.
The press conference is slated for 5:30 p.m., today at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Eugene Bill Providing Services To At-Risk Youth Passes Council
A measure (554-A) that Flatbush City Council Member Mathieu Eugene sponsored that would bring together several city agencies under a coordinator to identify runaway, homeless or sexually exploited youth and connect them with appropriate services passed the City Council yesterday.
Under the legislation, the Mayor’s office will appoint the coordinator, who will work with the Administration for Children’s Services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Homeless Services, and the Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services to determine the employees who are in contact with youth and best suited to receive the training. The coordinator will also be responsible for outreach efforts to other entities including, but not limited to, the Department of Education, Police Department, Department of Probation, health clinics, libraries and hospitals.
“As we all know, runaway and homeless youth experience life-threatening situations on our streets. To address this unfortunate reality, I introduced Intro. 554-A, which requires City agencies to properly identify young people who are interacting with them, and send them to places where they can be provided with services that are appropriate to their needs. As the Chairman of the Youth Services Committee, I firmly believe that we as a City should do everything possible to fulfill the needs of our young people, especially those who are the most vulnerable members of our society, and this legislation will have an immediate and positive impact on their lives,” said Eugene.
Harris Hails Allowance Of Mixed Martial Arts In State
Assemblymember Pam Harris (Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) yesterday hailed the Assembly’s passage of bill making the sport of mixed martial arts legal in the state.
The bill which also passed the senate and has Governor Andrew Cuomo’s support is estimated to generate over $135 million each year in the state including Brooklyn, where Barclays Center is expected to host MMA events regularly.
“I’m honored to have helped pass this bill and look forward to the measure being enacted into law as soon as possible,” said Harris. “It’s an exciting moment for New York fans as we join the rest of the nation in legalizing the sport. This will help jump-start our state’s economy, attract tourism, create jobs and bring in additional tax revenue.”
In addition to allowing the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) to regulate MMA similar to other combative sports – boxing, wrestling and kickboxing – the law institutes stringent safety standards. Under the law, sports promoters would be required to provide at least $50,000 in accident insurance coverage for competitions and at least $1 million, with a separate insurance benefit, for life-threatening brain injuries.
Park Slope Key Food Stakeholder Group Issues Statement
As the Key Food Supermarket property on Fifth Avenue readies for closing and redevelopment, the Park Slope Key Food Stakeholder Group and developer Avery Hall Investments released the following statement.
“We are now engaged in a constructive dialogue about AHI’s proposal for the Park Slope Key Food site on Fifth Avenue. This dialogue reflects the community’s core concerns, which were expressed loud and clear at the February public meeting: a large, affordable and community-oriented supermarket with a long-term lease; long-term deeply affordable housing that serves local residents, including those who have been displaced from the neighborhood; and meaningful community input into the design and operations of the proposed development. We anticipate that the conversations will continue in good faith, with the goal of reaching agreement on a plan that meets the community’s needs.”
The Park Slope Key Food Stakeholder Group was convened by the Fifth Avenue Committee, in conjunction with City Council Member Brad Lander. It includes a range of neighborhood organizations and leaders from Park Slope, Boerum Hill, Gowanus Houses, Wyckoff Gardens, and Warren Street Houses.
Participating groups include: the Fifth Avenue Committee, Forth on Fourth Avenue Committee, Park Slope Civic Council, Park Slope Neighbors, Park Slope North HDFC, the Fifth Avenue BID, Families United for Racial and Economic Equality (FUREE), the Boerum Hill Association, Inquilinos Unidos, the newly formed Save the Key Food advocacy group, and Brooklyn Community Board 6.
Participating elected officials include: City Council Member Brad Lander, City Council Member Stephen Levin, Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Borough President Eric L. Adams, Comptroller Scott Stringer, and Public Advocate Letitia James. Representatives of the de Blasio Administration have also participated in the group.
