Cymbrowitz’ Mute Swan Bill Signed into Law
Noting that the third time was the charm, Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz (Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach) announced last night that his legislation (A.9289) saving the state’s mute swans from a government-sanctioned death sentence – vetoed twice previously despite igniting the collective passions of thousands of animal-loving New Yorkers and wildlife advocacy groups — has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo.
“The people have spoken and I’m pleased that the Governor has listened,” Cymbrowitz said. “Tens of thousands of New Yorkers signed petitions, sent letters and emails to the Governor’s office, and, in my community, called my office to tell me how much they enjoy watching the swans in Sheepshead Bay and Manhattan Beach. People were very vocal about their support of this bill, and I have to believe it made all the difference.”
The new law will establish a two-year moratorium on the Department of Environmental Conservation’s controversial plan to exterminate New York’s mute swans by 2025 and declare the birds a “prohibited species.” The law also requires DEC to demonstrate that the swans have caused actual damage to the environment or to other species, including humans.
In its most recent swan management plan released in March 2015, DEC unearthed a lone 1970 swan-on-human attack as evidence of the birds’ aggressive tendencies. In the 1960s, world scientists declared the mute swan the international symbol of world peace.
Queens Sen. Tony Avella was the bill’s Senate sponsor.
Lentol, Assembly Brooklyn Delegation Announce New Technology for BPL Branches
Assemblyman Joe Lentol (Williamsburg, Greenpoint), chair of the State Assembly’s Brooklyn delegation, along with other Brooklyn Assemblymembers, will visit the Central Library to celebrate the delivery of technology funded by the members to every branch in the Brooklyn Public Library system.
The Assemblymembers secured $3 million in state funds which have allowed the library to introduce technologies and equipment that it would not otherwise have been able to purchase. The equipment will help BPL establish a baseline level of technology in each branch and customize digital offerings to meet the unique needs of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods.
Also present at the press conference will be many of the Library’s technology resource specialists, the staff members who helped choose the equipment and will now help patrons make use of it. Each branch has a TRS, and each offers STEM programming that will be augmented by the new technology.
The equipment to be received by each branch includes:
- Video game console: Xbox, PS4, or Wii
- Portable PA system (for the 2/3 of our branches who do not already have)
- 5 iPad Airs 2
- MacBook Pro
- Windows Laptop
- Flatscreen TV 50 – 55″
- Lego Robotics kits
- Little Bits kits
The celebration is slated for 10 a.m., today, Nov. 29 at the Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza in Central Brooklyn.
Cumbo, Council’s Women’s Caucus Introduce Package Of Legislative Bills
City Council Member Laurie Cumbo (Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights), co-chair of the 14-member City Council Women’s Caucus, along with the other co-chair Helen Rosenthal (Manhattan), today will announce a legislative package of bills and resolutions, during an Equality Rally.
The legislative package will advance issues that affect all people, with a unique focus on women. Elected officials, advocates, and New Yorkers of all backgrounds will stand in solidarity against hateful rhetoric resulting from a divisive presidential campaign to trumpet positivity and to pronounce the various measures that New York City Councilwomen are realizing this year that will continue to protect freedoms, rights, access, safety, choice and expression under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
The legislative package will provide greater transparency of City programs and annual reports, creation of new services and resources; recognize the contributions of women; increase access to higher education and hygiene products; protect survivors of domestic violence; curb sexual violence against all; and end gender- based pay discrimination.
The Equality Rally is slated for 11 a.m., today, Nov. 29 on the steps of City Hall in lower Manhattan.
Williams Holds All-Encompassing Town Hall Tonight
City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood), along with Male Democratic District Leader Josue Pierre, East Flatbush Village, Radio Soleil, and Life of Hope tonight will hold an all-encompassing Town Hall Meeting.
Constituents and interested members of the public will have the opportunity to learn about city initiatives, and raise issues of concern with Williams and representatives from various City agencies. Areas of discussion include issues pertaining to, quality of life, transportation, small businesses and education.
Representatives from the following offices, agencies, and organizations:
- Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
- Department of Buildings
- Department of Consumer Affairs
- Department of Education
- Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Department of Homeless Services
- Department of Sanitation
- Department of Small Business Services
- Fire Department
- Human Resources Administration
- Brooklyn Legal Services
- Flatbush Tenants Coalition
- New York Legal Assistance Group
The Town Hall is slated for between 6-8 p.m., tonight, Nov. 29, at P.S. 181, 1023 New York Avenue in East Flatbush.
Walker Holds Wine Reception Fundraiser
Brownsville Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, tonight, will have a Wine Reception fundraiser.
Lystra Collis will host the event in Ditmas Park. It is slated for 6 p.m., tonight, Nov. 29 at 220 Marlborough Road, (between Beverely and Albermarle Road).
To RSVP please make a contribution here and/or email rebekah.monize@gmail.com. If you are not able to attend, please consider making a donation and forwarding the invitation to colleagues.
Greenfield Convenes Day-Long Land Use Symposium
City Council Land Use Chairman David G. Greenfield (Borough Park, Midwood, Bensonhurst) on Friday will convene a day-long symposium of land use experts at Brooklyn Law School to discuss zoning Brooklyn for the next 100 years.
The symposium’s featured speaker will be Alicia Glen, NYC’s Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development.
Since her appointment as deputy mayor in 2014, Glen has led the administration’s efforts to grow and diversify New York City’s economy. She oversees more than 40 city agencies, including the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development; the Economic Development Corporation; the New York City Housing Authority; and the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Under Glen’s leadership, the city has invested more than $200 million in the Brooklyn Army Terminal and Brooklyn Navy Yard innovation hubs. Glen is overseeing the implementation of the mayor’s affordable housing plan, which aims to build or preserve 200,000 affordable apartments by 2025.
“Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen knows how important Brooklyn is to the city’s future. We are honored to have her as our featured speaker,” said Greenfield.
The conference will include three discussion panels featuring a wide range of experts from all sides of the development discussion. The panels will touch on a variety of topics, including the politics of land use, how zoning is done in Brooklyn, and the future of IBZs and manufacturing zones in Brooklyn.
The symposium will also feature a boxed lunch hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who will have the opportunity to offer his own perspective on the key development issues facing Brooklyn.
The event is being co-sponsored by the New York City Council, Brooklyn Law School, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and The Real Deal magazine.
Admission to the symposium is $50 that must be received by Dec. 1. Those interested in attending can register by clicking here. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
The event is slated for 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, Dec, 2 at Brooklyn Law School, 250 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
