Coney Island DMV To Close For Major Renovations
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) yesterday announced that the Coney Island DMV Office, at 2875 W 8th Street, will temporarily close its doors for extensive renovations beginning Friday, October 21. The facility is expected to reopen for business sometime in December.
The renovations at the Coney Island office will be consistent with the look and feel of other offices rolled out during the DMV’s Customer Service Initiative, which began in 2012.
“The renovations at the Coney Island office will continue our commitment to superior customer service and provide a more efficient facility for customers to conduct their transactions,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “We recognize that there are always ways to improve and believe that the finished product at our Coney Island Office will greatly enhance the DMV experience for both our customers and staff members.”
In the interim, DMV reminds customers near the Coney Island office that dozens of transactions often conducted in offices can also be done online at dmv.ny.gov. A few of these convenient options include renewing a vehicle registration and driver license, completing a change of address, and making an appointment.
While the renovations are ongoing, customers should review the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to find the nearest DMV office until the project is complete. Excluding Coney Island, there are currently 11 offices throughout New York City that customers can use until Coney Island reopens its doors.
Ortiz Supports Gonzalez As DA
Assemblyman and Assistant Speaker Felix W. Ortiz (Red Hook, Sunset Park) yesterday lauded Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s decision yesterday to keep interim District Attorney Eric Gonzalez as Brooklyn’s top prosecutor until next year’s election rather than appoint someone else to fill the late DA Ken Thompson’s term.
“The Governor made the right decision today when he appointed Eric Gonzalez to serve as Brooklyn’s interim District Attorney. Eric has the trust, dedication and vision necessary to carry on the mission started by the late Ken Thompson. I wholeheartedly support this appointment and look forward to working with the new district attorney,” said Ortiz.
“Eric Gonzalez is the first Hispanic to serve in this important office. His appointment sends a strong signal that the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office will have superb leadership in the days ahead.”
De Blasio Agrees To Revise City’s Flood Maps
Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) yesterday announced an agreement to revise New York City’s flood maps.
This is the result of the de Blasio administration’s 2015 appeal of FEMA’s flood risk calculations for New York City and the region, which mapped 35,000 more homes and buildings across the city into highest flood risk areas.
FEMA’s flood maps require homeowners in the highest flood risk areas to purchase flood insurance to cover the cost of flood damage, if they have a mortgage. Revised flood maps will provide City residents with more precise current flood risk data, in addition to providing a new map product reflecting future conditions that account for climate change.
The innovative revisions will assist the City in making coastlines more resilient and climate-ready, while ensuring homeowners are not required to purchase more insurance than their current flood risk requires.
“We are building a stronger, more resilient city to confront climate change. Our city needs precise flood maps that reflect real risks, both today and years from now—and we have to do that fairly. We will work closely with FEMA to ensure New Yorkers in the floodplain are prepared, and that the tools to make them more resilient, like flood insurance, remain available and affordable. We are grateful to FEMA to agreeing to this partnership,” said de Blasio.
Donovan Gets U.S. Chamber of Commerce Endorsement
Congressman Dan Donovan (Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) yesterday received the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business organization in his reelection bid on Nov. 8.
“Dan Donovan is a proven and trusted fighter for small business,” said Geoffrey O’Hara, VP of Regional Affairs and Advocacy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “He not only understands the challenges businesses are facing in this sluggish economy, but he recognizes the importance of a thriving private sector to grow the middle class. Whether it’s his fight to cut taxes, reduce energy costs or repeal harmful and costly regulations, the business community can know they have a real advocate in Dan Donovan. We are proud to once again endorse him as the clear choice to represent the 11th congressional district.”
“Small business is truly the backbone of our economy,” said Donovan. “Businesses like Piece A Cake and others across the district are contributing to our quality of life and the fabric of our community. But they are also struggling in a stagnant economy with over-regulation and high taxes. Every day I’m fighting for policies that will help new businesses to be created and our current ones to thrive and grow. I’m honored the U.S. Chamber has recognized that in their endorsement of my reelection.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
Golden Communications Director Helps Refurbish Brooklyn Playground
State Sen Marty Golden’s (Bay Ridge) Communications Director John Quaglione and his family, teamed up with the New York City Parks Department last week to repaint the hopscotch board in Russell Pedersen Playground on Colonial Road between 83rd and 85th Streets in Bay Ridge.
It was Quaglione’s daughter Natalie, who will turn 5 this week, who brought the conditions to his attention and the need for repair.
During the later part of the Summer, John was in the park with his daughter, who while walking over to the slide pointed out that the numbers on the hopscotch board needed to be fixed. Later that week, Quaglione contacted the Parks Department and was offered an opportunity to partner with the Parks Department to paint and renumber the hopscotch board.
“I really want to thank Patti Gracia and her team here in Parks District 10, and commend them for this unique opportunity for a civics lesson for both my daughter and niece,” said Quaglione. “What a great way for a child spend a day off from school, getting involved in beautifying the park where you so many times swing, slide and play.”
Quaglione is high considering a run for Bay Ridge City Councilman Vincent Gentile’s term-limited seat next year.
VIDA & State’s Top Pols Honor Annette Robinson
The Vanguard Independent Democratic Association (VIDA) will hold a reception recognizing the career of retiring Assembly Member Annette M. Robinson (Bedford-Stuyvesant) on Friday, October 28.
For over 40, Robinson has committed her life to uplifting the Central Brooklyn community as well as promoting the welfare of all New Yorkers. She began her political career as a member of the District 16 Community School Board, and went on to serve in the City Council before being elected to the assembly.
Robinson is also the female Democratic District Leader of the 56th Assembly District and is Vice Chair of the Kings County Democratic Party – the second in command after Chair Frank Seddio.
The hosts of the fund raiser reads like a who’s who of elected pols. It includes: NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, NYS Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, NYC Public Advocate Letitia James, Kings County Democratic Chair Frank Seddio, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Congress Member Hakeem Jeffries, Congress Member Nydia Velazquez, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Assembly Members Latrice Walker, Peter Abbate, Walter Mosley and James Brennan; City Council Members Robert Cornegy and Mathieu Eugene; and Democratic Nominee for the 56th Assembly District Tremaine Wright.
The event is slated for 7-9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28 at the TWU Local 100 Headquarters, 195 Montague Street in Downtown Brooklyn. For more information email Vanguard.Democrats@gmail
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, LLP Obtain $2.43 Million Verdict (Sponsored)
WRSH attorneys Robert Bellinson and Joseph Stoduto obtained a verdict in the amount of $2.43 million on behalf of a twenty-five year old nursing student from the Bronx.
The woman was driving her vehicle along a local roadway in the Bronx when a New York City Transit Authority bus struck her vehicle, causing a serious collision. As a result of the accident, the client suffered injuries to her lower back requiring surgery. During the course of the litigation, Joseph won a decision from the Court that the defendants were 100% responsible for the collision, despite the defendants contention that they did nothing wrong.
The defendants took the position that the client’s damages were minimal and they refused to make a settlement offer. Robert conducted a full and complete jury trial on the issue of damages, which was fiercely contested by the defendants and by the doctors which they had hired to examine our client and testify in Court against us.
At the conclusion of the trial, the jury awarded the client the total sum of $2,43 million for her damages.
The law firm of Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, LLP is one of the city’s top accident and medical malpractice firms in the city and is there to represent you. To get a free consultation click Here.
