James, Stringer, Bushwick Lawmakers Vow Help To Fire Victims
In response to the recent six-alarm fire that leveled half a dozen row houses and left dozens homeless, Brooklyn, Public Advocate Letitia James, Comptroller Scott Stringer, and Bushwick lawmakers State Senator Martin Dilan, Assemblymember Maritza Davila, and Council Member Rafael Espinal issued the following statement:
“Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the New Yorkers in Bushwick whose homes and belongings were destroyed in yesterday’s fire on DeKalb Avenue. Thanks to the fearless actions and swift responses from the FDNY and first responders, the situation was contained before any serious injuries occurred. While we are incredibly thankful that no lives were lost, there are many New Yorkers who are without homes and their belongings as a result of this fire. Now is the time for all of us to demonstrate our true New York values and lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need.
“As elected officials, we will work together to ensure that all of the displaced tenants are able to return to their rightful homes, and that any tenant who lived in a rent-stabilized unit will be guaranteed that same right upon return.”
New Yorkers wishing to support those impacted by the fire may contact:
Make the Road New York, 301 Grove Street, Brooklyn, New York 11237, 718-418-7690, or log onto www.maketheroad.org.
American Red Cross Greater New York, 520 W. 49th Street, New York, NY 10019, 877-733-2767, www.redcross.org/
Hikind Tackles Yeshiva Bus Parking
Fresh off his victory lap for getting the City to alter their garbage pick-up times in Boro Park, Assemblyman Dov Hikind announced Monday that he’s looking to find parking solutions for yeshiva buses in the community.
“I’m as determined as ever to work with bus drivers, including Head of the Yeshiva Bus Drivers Association Isaac Wallner, to identify potential parking locations for the buses,” Hikind said, adding with more than 400 yeshiva buses servicing thousands of children in Boro Park on a daily basis, buses have had no other option but to park on residential streets at night.
“Unfortunately, the people of Boro Park know far too well how frustrating it can be to find parking,” Hikind said. “With parking already at a premium, buses parking on our streets at night don’t make matters any better. We can alleviate our parking woes by finding a viable solution for these hundreds of buses.”
Hikind said he will explore every possible outlet to find a solution for these buses and proving that nothing is impossible if you’re willing to fight for it.
Central Brooklyn Lawmakers Explore Energy Access In Disadvantaged Communities
Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte (Flatbush) will host and Assembly Member Latrice Walker (Brownsville) will be the keynote speaker Saturday at a forum on energy access and disadvantaged communities.
The forum comes as high and unpredictable energy bills continue to plague working families and the elderly on fixed incomes.
Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, State Senator Kevin Parker (Flatbush, Midwood) and City Council Member Jumaane Williams (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) are the scheduled featured panelists.
The forum is slated for between 10 a.m. and 12 noon, Saturday, April 2 at the Flatbush YMCA, 1401 Flatbush Avenue.
Levin Measure Tracking Sexually Exploited Children Signed Into Law
A local law that City Councilman Stephen Levin (Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Williamsburg) sponsored requiring the Department of Youth and Community Development and the Administration of Children’s Services to report information on sexually exploited children was signed into law recently.
Under the measure, dates for which reports are due will be changed and reported information will also be placed online and other changes will be made to enhance transparency. The next report would be due to the Council on April 30, 2016 and then annually no later than April 1st.
“In order to combat the scourge of youth sexual exploitation, we must have a good handle on the facts. It is important that we give our agencies on the front lines adequate time to prepare on this important figure. It is better for us to know the true extent of the problem many youth face, so that we may take the proper steps to fight it,” said Levin.
Richardson Hosts Free Tax Filings Services
Assembly Member Dina C. Richardson (Crown Heights, Lefferts Gardens) along with the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)e will be offering free tax services this coming Saturday.
The services come as the tax filing deadline is April 15.
The services will be provided from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, April 2 at 1216 Union Street in Crown heights. Schedule to RSVP as follows: 718-771-3105
