Squadron Measure Stiffening Penalties For Climbing Brooklyn Bridge Passes Committee
Northern Brooklyn State Senator Daniel Squadron announced yesterday unanimous passage of the Critical Infrastructure Safety Act though the Senate’s Codes Committee.
The legislation (S.2190/A.6792) would increase penalties for trespassing on critical infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels. Squadron introduced the legislation in response to a string of trespassing incidents on the Brooklyn Bridge in 2014, along with Williamsburg Assemblymember Joe Lentol, in collaboration with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
“Trespassing stunts on bridges, tunnels, and other critical infrastructure raise security concerns, and waste emergency personnel resources,” said Squadron. “I’m pleased the Codes Committee unanimously passed the Critical Infrastructure Safety Act today, and urge a full Senate vote. I thank Borough President Adams, Assemblymember Lentol, and Senator Schumer for their continued work on this important issue.”
“As an elected official, the safety of my constituents and all New Yorkers is my number one priority. When people decide to climb bridges or other critical infrastructure they are putting the lives of all New Yorkers in jeopardy. The NYPD and FDNY do not take these actions lightly, as it ties up critical resources that can be helping others with life threatening emergencies. I am hopeful my colleagues in the legislature understand the importance of this legislation,” said Lentol.
“In this age of global terror, when the threat of attack is real for every city in the world, we have a responsibility to protect the critical infrastructure on which the people of New York City depend. The law should clearly state that nobody has the right to interfere with our bridges, tunnels, and other secure facilities for any reason, and that we will prosecute to the full extent of the law anyone who attempts to undermine our security,” said Adams.
Menchaca Holds First-Ever Budget Hearing Focussing On Immigrant Services
City Council Member Carlos Menchaca, chair of the Immigration Committee, yesterday held the Council’s first-ever budget hearing of all City budget activity involving immigrant services, with relevant agencies, service providers, and community-based organizations all present in one room.
Among the agencies presenting testimony included the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Human Resources Administration, the Department of Youth and Community Development, and City University of New York. This hearing’s aim was to present the successes of immigrant programs in the City, while also highlighting the needs that have gone unaddressed over a period of years.
In the past, budgetary discussions about City immigrant services occurred among several large agencies and within a few different Council committees, leading to conversations that were fragmented, marginal, and limited. This historic decision to grant the Committee its own budget hearing will foster a more cohesive conversation about immigrant services and needs and, most importantly, will help develop better budgetary oversight of vital immigrant resources.
Immigrants make up 37 percent of the City population, with the largest numbers coming from Latin America and Asia.
“This hearing is only the beginning of what I consider to be a real effort to integrate immigrants in all aspects of our City, including the process of creating a budget that carefully and intentionally addresses the very real needs of immigrants in our community,” said Menchaca. I am proud of all the work that has gone into making this hearing a reality and, in contrast to the anti-immigrant rhetoric that we are witnessing at the national level, I look at this as a stepping stone towards creating a New York City that is more welcoming of immigrants than ever before.”
Adams Celebrates Women’s History Month At Borough Hall
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams today will hold a daylong celebration of Women’s History Month at borough hall starting with a 9 a.m. “Creating Women’s History,” panel discussion addressing the health, nutritional, financial, and emotional stages of women throughout the life cycle.
Following the panel discussion, borough hall will host a series of workshops with leading experts will address topics such as menopause, breastfeeding in the workplace, postpartum depression, and women’s health equity.
Then at 6 p.m., Adams will conclude his daylong celebration with a “Beauty, Brains, and Business,” career panel and networking mixer for young entrepreneurs. The evening will feature appearances from celebrity guests including stylist Cat Wennekamp, who will be part of a free raffle giveaway for an all-star day of glamour.
Brooklyn Borough Hall is located at 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Cymbrowitz Sponsors Rain Barrel Giveaway
Due to popular demand, Sheepshead Bay Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz will sponsor his second rain barrel giveaway this Sunday to help homeowners cut down on their water bills and become more environmentally friendly in the process.
The rain barrel connects directly to the home’s existing downspout and, once it’s full, excess rainwater drains normally into the city’s sewer system. A rain barrel can collect up to 60 gallons of rainwater at a time. Each barrel weighs 20 pounds empty and can weigh up to 500 pounds when full. The barrels come with complete instructions on installation and winterization.
“New York City started the rain barrel program in 2008 and since then it has become enormously popular with residents who use the stored rainwater to water their lawns, wash their cars, keep their houseplants healthy and manage runoff during rainstorms,” said Cymbrowitz. “If you have kids at home, using a rain barrel is a great way to teach them about conservation and the importance of going ‘green.”
Supplies are limited and will be given out on a first come, first served basis. The barrels will be available for pickup from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., this Sunday, April 3 at Manhattan Beach Jewish Center, 60 West End Avenue.
Maisel Holds Lien Sale Outreach Event
City Council Member Alan Maisel (Canarsie, Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, Marine Park) in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Environmental Protection last night held a Lien Sale Outreach Event at P.S. 276, 1070 East 83rd Street between Avenues J & K.
A lien is a legal claim against real property for unpaid property taxes, water and sewer charges, and other property-related municipal charges, including the interest due on these charges. When debt has been delinquent for a legally specified period of time, the City is allowed to sell the debt-this is a lien sale. This year’s lien sale will occur on May 12, 2016.
Maisel scheduled this event to help property owners in his district understand their options and have an opportunity to resolve any outstanding municipal debt. Residents facing City liens are able to set up a reasonable payment agreement to avoid further action and to prevent the debt from being sold to a private collector.
For more information or to find out if your property is on the Lien Sale list, contact Maisel’s office at (718) 241-9330.
