Deutsch Meets With ConEd About Power Outages
City Councilman Chaim Deutsch (Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest) recently met with Con Edison officials to discuss the frequent power outages, brownouts, and flickering lights that commonly occur in areas of Southern Brooklyn.
In recent months, these power outages have affected thousands of homes, leaving residents without electricity. In particular, Deutsch conveyed a concern about seniors or others who may rely on life-sustaining equipment in these areas. It is crucially important for these residents to register with Con Edison. In the event of a power outage, the NYPD and the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) rely on information provided by Con Edison about those who may need emergency services. Furthermore, Con Edison can prioritize their homes for restoration during an outage.
There are many who use critical medical equipment, yet are not aware of how or why to register with Con Edison. For that reason, Deutsch has proposed legislation to mandate the Department for the Aging to provide informational materials to seniors who may utilize life-sustaining equipment; to educate them on the importance of registering their home address and apartment number with Con Edison. This will include posting information in senior centers, health clinics, hospitals, an libraries. Councilman Deutsch’s proposed bill will also ensure that the outreach is conducted in seven languages, so that information is widely disseminated in the many diverse communities throughout New York City.
“Power outages can disrupt our daily lives and create a dangerous situation for those relying on medical equipment,” said Deutsch. “This is a common sense legislative proposal, providing a method of escalating outreach efforts to protect those who are most vulnerable.”
Con Edison officials explained that they are in the process of major upgrades in the Manhattan Beach, Sheepshead Bay, and Gravesend neighborhoods. When completed, the multi-million project will significantly reduce the amount of people affected from a power outage.
In addition, Con Edison is working to resolve this, but cautioned that often this can happen when electric lines are disrupted because of weather conditions like wind, animal interference, or even mylar balloons, which have metallic surfaces. Deutsch urged constituents to contact Con Edison immediately upon noticing any type of power interruption at 1-800-75-CONED.
Adams Kicks Off Small Business Mentoring
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams today will cut the ribbon on a new small business mentoring center at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
The non-profit association SCORE NYC will manage the center and the site will expand the services available to the burgeoning start-up and small business community in Brooklyn, where the majority of businesses are companies with fewer than five employees and where the growth in the number of startups greatly outpaces the rest of New York City.
Adams will speak about the importance of nurturing small businesses in the borough to be a robust engine for local economic growth and job creation.
The event is slated for 2 p.m.
Then at 6 p.m., also at Borough Hall, Adams will launch his third annual Financial Education Empowerment Month, in which he will unveil a legislative proposal to help new parents in New York City save money for their children’s college education.
According to data from The Institute for College Access and Success, 61 percent of students graduating from four-year public and private institutions in New York State were left with debt. Adams, who last year announced a borough-wide challenge to tackle Brooklyn’s consumer debt crisis, will be joined by a number of community advocates and financial industry leaders to detail the plan along with a full calendar of upcoming events and workshops focused on advancing Brooklynites’ financial literacy.
Jeffries Applauds NYPD Promotions
Central Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries yesterday applauded the promotion of three Brooklyn NYPD officers of color to the rank of Inspector.
“It is with great pride that I congratulate Deputy Inspector Miguel Iglesias, Deputy Inspector Eddie Lott and Deputy Inspector Scott Henderson on their well-earned promotions to the rank of Inspector,” said Jeffries. “
Our city’s strength lies in its diversity. The New York Police Department should be commended for taking a meaningful step toward ensuring that its leadership reflects the community it serves. Special congratulations are in order to the Inspectors and their families.”
Golden Resolution Establishing Mother Teresa Day
Bay Ridge State Senator Martin J. Golden yesterday announced the passage of a resolution he sponsored, J.4582, proclaiming September 4, 2016 “Mother Teresa Day” in the State of New York.
“On behalf of a life well lived in service to God and to neighbor, I am proud to introduce this resolution that will appropriately honor Mother Teresa in New York State to coincide with her canonization as a Saint of the Roman Catholic Church. For years, Mother Teresa, through her founding of the Missionaries of Charity, devoted herself to serving the needs of the sick and poor,” said Golden.
“An international beloved symbol of hope, Mother Teresa born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu of to an Albanian family, beyond measure, made a difference in the world and New York will always remember and honor her.”
The resolution authorizes the designation of September 4, 2016 in New York State, in honor of Mother Theresa, on the date she will be declared a Saint at a canonization ceremony to be held at the Vatican.
In 2015, Pope Francis announced that Mother Theresa would be made a Saint after attributing two miracles to her.
Williams Has Two Measures Signed Into Law
Mayor de Blasio yesterday signed two pieces of essential legislation into law, both that City Cpouncil Member and Deputy Leader Jumaane D. Williams (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) sponsored.
The first measure, Intro 832-A, prohibits discrimination in housing accommodations on the basis of an individual’s status as a victim of domestic violence or stalking. Specifically, the bill amends the Human Rights Law to make it an unlawful discriminatory practice for landlords and other agents of real estate to refuse to sell, rent or lease, or otherwise deny or withhold an interest in a housing accommodation, because of an individual’s actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence or as a victim of sex offenses or stalking.
Victims of intimate partner violence frequently struggle with housing discrimination, including denial of new leases, refusal to renew leases, refusal of housing vouchers, evictions and being unable to temporarily leave their home to escape domestic violence. Nationally, 11 percent of evictions involved discrimination against domestic violence victims.
“We have a responsibility to do everything in our power to support and protect victims of domestic violence,” said Williams. “Too often, victims of domestic violence are evicted or prevented from renting apartments simply because they have been abused – this is not only wrong, it’s horrifying.”
The second measure, Intro 721-A, updates and strengthens the green building standards for certain city capital projects. The bill increases the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, green building rating which certain capital projects are required to achieve.
“As a city, we need to grapple with the increasing amount of new construction as climate change worsens. New York City has an obligation to ensure new construction is environmentally friendly particularly when it’s paid for by the taxpayers,” said Williams. “Now, city-owned buildings will be required to meet stricter, expanded green building standards.”
Bichotte Holds First Annual Women’s History Month Event
Flatbush Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte tomorrow will host her first First Annual Women’s History Month Event Honoring the shining stars in the community.
The event is scheduled for 6 p.m., tomorrow night at PS 269, 1957 Nostrand Avenue (between Foster Avenue and Farragut Road). For questions call 718-940-0428 or email derrickl@assembly.state.ny.us. Entertainment and light refreshments will be provided.
