Greenfield’s Multi-Million Dollar Park Renovation Ahead Of Schedule
Councilman David G. Greenfield (Borough Park, Midwood) announced yesterday that improvements to the 18th Avenue Park will be completed this Fall, likely shortly before the Jewish Sukkot holiday in October.
Although the $7.25 million project was initially scheduled for completion by December 2016, Greenfield advocated for a faster timeline because he felt that it was important for work to be finished while the weather would still permit area residents to take advantage of the new amenities.
The renovation includes four brand new playgrounds, two new baseball fields, and brand new basketball and handball courts. Additional swing sets are also being constructed, and the renovated park will feature additional paths, landscaping, and seating areas.
“I used to play in this park when I was a kid, and unfortunately parts of it haven’t seen any significant renovations since then,” Greenfield said. “When I got elected, fixing the 18th Avenue Park was my first priority. After so many years of hard work, I’m thrilled that we are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. This is going to be the nicest park in southern Brooklyn.”
Greenfield has secured $35 million for new and improved parks throughout his district including Borough Park’s first new park in years, which is located at the P.S. 192 schoolyard. Slated for future renovations are Seth Low Park, Kolbert Park, Di Gillio Playground and Friends Field.
Mosley Helps Passage Of New Utility Consumer Advocate Office
Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley (Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown HeightsD-Brooklyn) this week announced the Assembly passed a bill that would create a state Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA) to protect New York residents from excessive rate increases and represent consumer interests in residential utility matters at both the state and federal level (A.180-A).
New York is the largest state without an independent agency advocating for utility ratepayers.
“Having an independent consumer advocate would give New Yorkers a voice at the table and could significantly reduce rates,” said Mosley. “Especially in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, and in the event of future extreme weather events, it is clear that this legislation is needed to protect New Yorkers from price-gouging and other unfair business practices.”
New York’s utility consumers are currently represented by the Public Service Commission and the Utility Intervention Unit, though neither entity is designed solely to represent utility consumers.
The UCA, on the other hand, would be truly independent – as the position would be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate for a six-year term – to ensure consumers are properly represented in state and federal regulatory proceedings.
Donovan Hails House Passage Of Bills Fighting Opioid Epidemic
Southern Brooklyn/Staten Island Congressman Dan Donovan and the U.S. House of Representatives passed a package of 18 bills this week taking aim at the opioid epidemic that has claimed lives from every reach of Staten Island and South Brooklyn.
The Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Reduction Act authorizes grant funding for local governments and non-profit providers to improve substance abuse education, treatment, and enforcement. Donovan successfully offered an amendment to direct grants to treatment providers to assist pregnant women struggling with addiction.
“Any solution requires a three-pronged approach – education, treatment, and enforcement. Today’s youth have to be educated about the dangers of addiction; local treatment experts who have been in the trenches for years need resources to expand capacity, because nobody who is ready for treatment should be denied a bed; and law enforcement needs tools to choke off the supply. The package passed today hits all three,” said Donovan.
Nationwide, the number of heroin-related deaths has quadrupled since 2002. In New York City, nearly 797 people died from unintentional overdoses in 2014, with 57 percent of them involving heroin. This year, more Staten Islanders have died from overdoses than from car crashes and homicides combined.
The House and Senate will enter a conference committee to resolve differences before sending the bill to the President’s desk.
Parker Hosts 9th Annual Prom Dress Giveaway
State Senator Kevin Parker (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, Park Slope) in partnership with Macy’s, Lydia’s Closet and Delta Rho Omega will provide free prom dresses for young women graduating high school in New York City.
Over 300 students are expected to attend and receive free prom dresses in
addition to enjoying free make-up and hair styling consultations, raffle prizes and
giveaways from HOT 97.
The event is slated for 12 noon, tomorrow, May 14 at the Samuel J. Tilden High School Campus, 5800 Tilden Avenue between E. 58th Street and E. 59th Street.
Deutsch To Give Away Free Rain Barrels
Councilman Chaim Deutsch (Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Homecrest, Brighton Beach) is partnering with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to offer free rain barrels to homeowners on Sunday.
Nearly 200 rain barrels have already been reserved, and Deutsch is reminding constituents to call his office at 718-368-9176 to reserve a rain barrel in advance.
Rain barrels are used to collect excess rainwater and can hold up to 60 gallons at a time. The barrel connects directly to a roof gutter, and can be easily hooked up to an outdoor garden hose. This can greatly benefit homeowners, who can save money on their water bills by utilizing the stored rainwater to water lawns, wash cars, and water plants. In addition, using a rain barrel decreases the amount of water flowing through the City sewer system, which can be particularly significant during rainfall to reduce the chances of flooding.
“Having a rain barrel provides homeowners with the opportunity to go green and have a positive impact on the environment. At the same time, this will lower your water bills,” said Deutsch. “I encourage you to join me on Sunday and pick up a free rain barrel for your home.”
The rain barrel giveaway is slated for between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday May 15 at the handball court of Madison High School, 3787 Bedford Avenue on the corner of Bedford Avenue and Avenue P.
Brooklyn Senior Games Closing Ceremony
Central Brooklyn State Senator Jesse Hamilton and the City’s Parks Department will host the closing ceremony of the Brooklyn Senior Games Saturday with highlighting of the senior athletes that participated and especially those that won bronze, silver or gold medals.
The Brooklyn Senior Games promotes a positive senior image and encourages life-long fitness activities. The Games celebrated active Brooklyn seniors (age +50) while offering competitive games like bowling, swimming, table tennis, basketball and track and field.
Hamilton and the Parks Department hosted the games in partnership with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, City Councilman Robert Cornegy, State Senator Kevin Parker.
Community partners included the New York Police Department, New York Department of Transportation and the Fire Department of New York. Additional sponsors of the games include Dr. Lipnitsky of Pain Free NYC, Emblem Health, New York Road Runners (NYRR), Golden Krust, Humana and Super Food Town.
The closing ceremony is slated for 11 a.m., tomorrow, May 14 at St. John’s Recreation Center, 1251 Prospect Place in Crown Heights.
