Golden Lauds Expected MTA Vote Improving R Train Service
Bay Ridge State Senator Martin J. Golden, a member of the Metropolitan Transit Authority Capital Review Board, yesterday announced that when the MTA board meets tomorrow they are expected to approve several measures that would improve subway and express bus service in Southwest Brooklyn.
The two plans set to be approved include the extension of late night R train Shuttle Service from the 36th Street Station in Brooklyn to Whitehall Street-South Ferry in Manhattan. Currently, late night shuttle service operates in Brooklyn seven nights a week only between the 36th Street and 95th Street stations. This then requires transit riders to or from the section of Bay Ridge of Brooklyn, to transfer to a D or an N train at the 36th Street Station to reach their destination. Late night subway service operates at a 20-minute headway, and thus the wait time in between transfer can be quite lengthy.
This extension of late night R Shuttle will give R train riders direct service between Lower Manhattan and Bay Ridge, as well as Sunset Park, Greenwood Heights, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights. This also assists customers in direct transfer station connections to seven additional subway lines including the 1 at White Hall –South Ferry, the 2 and 4 at Court Street-Borough Hall, the 2,4 and Q at the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center, the A and F at the Jay Street-MetroTech, the F and G at 4th Avenue-9th Street, and the Q at DeKalb Avenue.
Additionally, the MTA Board is expected to approval a proposal reinstating X 28 weekend express bus service, long sought for restoration by residents of Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst and Bath Beach. Golden had spearheaded a petition drive calling on the MTA to restore the service in 2013, and is pleased to announce that the X28 weekend service will again operate as it did when it was reduced, in June 2010.
Golden held countless advocacy discussions on these important transportation needs of the community, and organized a 2013 petition drive calling for the restoration of weekend express bus service on the X 28.
“I ask that tomorrow, when the Metropolitan Transit Authority reviews and votes on the proposal for better R train service and weekend express bus service, they recognize that they are taking a measure that will improve the compute for thousands of New Yorkers. With that in mind, and that alone, I urge them to approve the proposals, and look forward to their implementation in the near future if passed,” said Golden.
Adams Puts On His Dancing Shoes
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams today will show off his moves at the Brooklyn’s “kick”-off of New York City Dance Week, a ten-day, five-borough celebration of dance through Friday, June 24 with local dance studios opening their doors to the public for free dance, fitness, and wellness classes and exhibitions.
The celebration will feature performances in Albee Square by Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, Jamie J Dance Company, Jeté Dance Center, Mark Morris Dance Center, Ms. Kay’s Dance Academy, PS 105 Dance Team, and Williamsburg Movement and Arts Center.
Adams will also unveil his new report on advancing the local arts scene, and will discuss the importance of benefits of dance to maintaining physical fitness and enjoying creative self-expression, as well as its contributions to the vibrant culture of Brooklyn.
The Kick-Off for Dance Week is slated for 5 p.m., today in Albee Square (Intersection of Fulton & Bond streets) in Downtown Brooklyn.
Department Of Corrections Holds Job Fair
The New York City Department of Correction will hold a career fair this weekend providing candidates with insight into non-uniform positions with career paths in various divisions including –IT, Finance, Legal, Social Services and others departments.
“The Department of Correction is a major city agency with a workforce of more than 10,000,” said Commissioner Joseph Ponte. “Whether you’re a cook, an investigator, an instructor or attorney, we can use your skills. Each staff member plays a pivotal role in helping the Department run seamlessly. We are recruiting the most qualified and dedicated candidates for our team.”
The Career Fair is slated for between 10 a.m.-3 p.m., this Saturday, June 18 at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn. NYCDOC hiring managers will also be providing information on how to become a Correction Officer.
For more information about these or other recruitment events, please contact Malika L. Granville at malika.granville@doc.nyc.gov.
Harris Bill Licensing Pathologist Assistants Passes Assembly
Assemblymember Pamela Harris (Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) announced yesterday that her bill providing for licensure of pathologists’ assistants has passed the Assembly (A.10408).
“Pathologists’ assistants are highly trained professionals who offer critical health care services,” said Harris. “By providing them with their own licensure, we acknowledge the training and expertise needed to take on this unique role and ensure patients are getting high-quality care.”
Pathologists’ assistants (PAs) work in a variety of health care settings. While they are primarily responsible for processing laboratory specimens in order to assist with a physician’s diagnosis, they perform a range of other activities, including postmortem exams, conference planning, training and administration. Most PAs work in hospital settings, but some work in private practices as consultants, as well as private laboratories and other facilities.
Until now, PAs have lacked their own path to licensure in New York. They have been licensed under the Clinical Laboratory Technology Practice Act, which is currently scheduled to sunset in September 2016. No other existing licensure adequately addresses the training and expertise required for a pathologists’ assistant, noted Harris.
“The demand for PAs is growing, as they are instrumental in delivering cost-effective health care. That’s why we need a path for licensure now,” said Harris.
Hamilton Gets Senate Approval On Youth Violence Prevention Task Force
Central Brooklyn State Sen. Jesse Hamilton announced yesterday the senate approved the creation of a state-wide Youth Violence Prevention Task Force (Senate Bill S6220B).
Hamilton spearheaded the proposal as part of his “Contract for a Better New York,” which created a seven member task force charged with “studying and evaluating the effectiveness of current and existing programs related to the prevention of youth violence.
In addition, Senator Hamilton hopes the task force will also consider:
- Increasing awareness of resources, jobs, and opportunities to prevent violence
- Assisting violence prevention groups, including religious institutions, community based groups, and other providers of safe havens for youth, young adults, and seniors
- Creating, developing, and implementing social and educational initiatives for at-risk youth
- Organizing community mental health providers in at-risk communities
- Providing resources to public schools to assist with behavioral health
- Assisting in providing jobs, resources, and opportunities for at-risk youth
“I appreciate my Senate colleagues unanimous approval for a Youth Violence Prevention Task Force. The urgent need must be matched by urgent action on our part here in Albany. In addition to gun violence, intimate partner violence, hate-based violence targeting people because of their religion, sexual orientation or background, intimidation, harassment, and bullying, all these comprise aspects of the challenge we as New Yorkers face,” said Hamilton.
Parker Measure Makes Bias-Related Graffiti A Hate Crime
State Senator Kevin Parker (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope) issued the following statement in response to the passage of his legislation, Senate Bill S.2655, which addresses bias-related graffiti in hate, crimes:
“I am proud to have the support of my colleagues in the State Senate in passing this piece of legislation to ensure that graffiti that includes any racial, ethnic, or religious epithets are classified as hate crimes and carry a tougher penalty if convicted,” said Parker.
“It is important that we continue to protect the quality of life for all New Yorkers and sending a message that bias attacks of any kind will not be tolerated must be part of our strategy. I urge the Assembly to pass this bill in their house and get it to the Governor’s desk before we concluded the Legislative Session this week.
For additional information regarding S.2655, visit – https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2015/S2655
Mosley Supports Bill For More Nurses
Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley (Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) yesterday announced the Assembly passage of the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act to ensure there are enough nurses in hospitals and nursing homes.
The legislation establishes nurse-to-patient ratios to improve working conditions for nurses as well as ensure patients receive the best care possible (A.8580-A).
“Right now, many nurses are overworked and assigned too many patients – it’s an unsafe situation that isn’t good for anyone, nurses or the people they care for,” said Mosley. “Because the number of nurses and the quality of care they’re able to provide can mean the difference between life and death, this legislation sets nurse-to-patient ratios to ensure nurses can dedicate the time they need to ensure their patients are properly cared for.”
The Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act would mandate that hospitals and other acute care facilities submit staffing plans that meet minimum requirements for nurse-to-patient ratios as well as staff hours of care per resident per day. Requiring these minimums would help ensure patients receive quality care. The bill also outlines minimum staffing levels for residential health care facilities.
