Congressional Primary Day Information
Today is Congressional Primary Day and Brooklyn voters registered with the Democratic Party have choices in two of the five Congressional Districts of Brooklyn.
In the 10th Congressional District, incumbent Jerrold Nadler faces challenger Oliver Rosenberg. The Brooklyn portion of the district includes Borough Park, Kensington, and parts of Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Red Hook, Sunset Park and Midwood.
In the 7th Congressional District, incumbent Nydia Velazquez faces challengers Yungman Lee and Jeff Kurzon. The Brooklyn portion of the district includes all or part of Sunset Park, Red Hook, Bushwick, Vinegar Hill, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Greenwood, DUMBO and Cobble Hill.
Democratic incumbent Congress Members from Brooklyn that face no opposition are Hakeem Jeffries and Yvette Clarke. GOP Congressman Dan Donovan also faces no opposition today.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you’re not sure of your polling place, Click here to find it.
De Blasio On Rent Guideline Board Decision
The Rent Guidelines Board voted last night to freeze rents on one-year leases and raise rents by 2 percent on two-year leases for all rent stabilized apartments.
In NYC, rent stabilized apartments are generally those apartments in buildings of six or more units built between February 1, 1947 and January 1, 1974. Approximately 1.6 million New Yorkers live in rent stabilized apartments that have leases coming up for renewal during the term affected by these guidelines.
Mayor Bill de Blasio controls the majority of appointees on the Rent Control Guidelines Board.
“This year, the facts demanded a rent freeze. More than a million people will now have more security and a better shot at making ends meet. And the financial health of our buildings will remain protected because declining fuel costs have offset other expenses. In short, tonight’s decision by the Rent Guidelines Board reflects what’s actually happening in our neighborhoods,” said de Blasio.
“We are fighting displacement and protecting affordable housing on every front. From putting shovels in the ground for more affordable housing than any time in 40 years, to increasing free legal services for tenants ten-fold, to this rent freeze, we are turning the tide to keep this a city for everyone.”
The new rent rates will apply for all leases signed starting Oct. 1, 2016 and ending Sept. 31, 2017.
Adams, Treyger, Harris To Cut Ribbon On Coney Island Amphitheater
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, City Council Member Mark Treyger (Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) and Assembly Member Pam Harris (Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) tomorrow will cut the ribbon for The Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk.
The 5,000-seat covered open-air venue will host a mix of concerts, family shows, sports, comedy and multicultural events and will be the new permanent home of the free Seaside Summer Concert Series.
The amphitheater will have its grand opening weekend July 1-4, when it hosts The Impractical Jokers on Friday, July 1, Sting & Peter Gabriel on Sunday, July 3, and The Beach Boys on Monday, July 4.
The ribbon cutting is slated for 11 a.m., tomorrow, June 29 at the Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk, 3052 West 21st Street. For a full schedule of events at the venue visit coneyislandlive.com.
Golden, Lentol Bill Extending CUNY Tuition Waiver For Cops Passes
Senator Marty Golden (Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend) and Assemblymember Joseph Lentol (Greenpoint, Williamsburg) last week saw their bill that extends for two-years a tuition waiver for one course for police officer students in baccalaureate or higher degree programs at the City University of New York pass both legislative chambers.
The legislation extends a program that dates back to 2004 which provides a one-course tuition waiver (no limit as to the number of credits for the one course) for members of the New York City Police Department employed in the rank of police officer who are enrolled in programs leading to a baccalaureate (four-year) or higher degrees at one of CUNY’s senior colleges. The course must be related to the police officer’s employment with the Department.
The current waiver program is scheduled to sunset on July 1, 2016. The legislation, which is awaiting action by Governor Cuomo, would extend the waiver until July 1, 2018.
“Our modern society requires a well educated police force. The waiver gives our police officers an incentive to attend College,” said Golden, a former city police officer.
James Commends Indictment of Driver in Killing of Victoria Nicodemus
New York City Public Advocate Letitia James yesterday lauded the indictment of Marlon Sewell, 39, with second-degree manslaughter in the crash that killed Victoria Nicodemus in Fort Greene last Dec. 6.
Sewell, who has been free without bail since he struck and killed Nicodemus, 30, and injured two others when his car jumped the curb at Fulton Street and South Portland Place, was initially faced misdemeanor charges of driving without a license or insurance.
“Today, we begin achieving justice for Victoria Nicodemus, who was legally and safely walking down Fulton Street with her boyfriend when she was fatally hit by an unlicensed driver,” said James.
“While no sentence will bring Victoria back to her family and friends, this is a big step towards ensuring that there are teeth to Vision Zero and that reckless and illegal drivers are held accountable for their actions. I want to thank District Attorney Ken Thompson for his continued commitment to serving justice for Victoria and all her loved ones.”
Gillibrand Fights For Safer Meat Inspection
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, together with a group of federal lawmakers yesterday wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture urging them to revise current pathogen testing protocols to improve test accuracy and protect the public health.
The members wrote to USDA Secretary, Thomas J. Vilsack in response an article published this month by the Agricultural Research Service entitled, “Effect of Simulated Sanitizer Carryover on Recovery of Salmonella from Broiler Carcass Rinsates,” suggested the agency’s use of three antimicrobial sanitizers commonly used to reduce pathogens on poultry carcasses may cause false-negative results for Salmonella.
Testing for Salmonella plays a critical role in the Department’s inspection program to protect the safety of the food supply and the public’s health. Given the diversity of processing plants in the country and recent results of the Broiler Carcass Rinsates study, the members are calling on the Department to ensure that the use of chemical sprays and dips do not create false negative test results.
“We have to be vigilant when it comes to monitoring the safety of our food. This report is a reminder of the importance of good and efficient oversight when it comes to maintaining a safe food supply.” said Gillibrand, the first New York Senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years. “We should never be placed in the position to question testing results in our poultry. The USDA should provide a thorough risk assessment and respond to the recent scientific findings of false-negative results to ensure we can remain confident in the safety of the food we buy for our families.”
Harris Gets 1199 Endorsement
Assemblywoman Pamela Harris (C0ney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) announced yesterday that she has received the endorsement of the largest healthcare union in the nation, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East (1199SEIU), in her bid for re-election.
1199SEIU is the largest union in New York and the largest healthcare worker union in the nation representing over 220,000 nurses and healthcare workers in New York City.
“As a lifelong resident of Coney Island, I’m committed to creating more opportunities that help local families succeed, including ensuring good jobs with secure benefits to the hardworking families who call Brooklyn home,” said Harris. “I look forward to working with 1199SEIU members, who have always been deeply connected to their communities, to ensure good jobs for our economy, safe neighborhoods and the highest standards of care at our hospitals, nursing homes and for the frail and elderly in their homes.”
Harris is expected to face a stiff challenge from Kate Cucco in the September Democratic primary.
Squadron Awards Local Students With Government Engagement Awards
State Senator Daniel Squadron (Northern Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan) yesterday awarded Service and Government Engagement (SAGE) certificates to graduating students at 44 local schools in his district in lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Started by Squadron in 2009, the SAGE Award recognizes students of all ages who have demonstrated an interest in government, civic engagement or dedication to their communities.
“The SAGE Award recognizes the contributions that students have made outside of the classroom, and the potential kids of all ages have to positively impact the world around us,” said Squadron. “I’m truly inspired by this year’s graduates and SAGE recipients. Thank you to teachers, staff, and families throughout the district. Congratulations to the class of 2016, and keep up the good work!”
Squadron personally presented the award at nine schools, including: PS 1, PS 2, PS 20, PS 42, PS 126, PS 130, PS 140, PS 142, and PS 307.
The SAGE Award’s goal is to foster a lifelong commitment to public service by encouraging recipients to continue their efforts on behalf of communities around New York and to dedicate themselves to working towards a better society.
