Cumbo, Adams, Williams Laud De Blasio Creation Of Office To Prevent Gun Violence
City Council Members Laurie Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights), and Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams (D) Friday lauded Mayor Bill de Blasio’s creation of the Office To Prevent Gun Violence.
The office, housed within the Mayor’s office of Criminal Justice, came out of legislation that Cumbo sponsored. It will oversee an expansion of effective, innovative violence intervention strategies. The City is investing $22.5 million this fiscal year, split between the Administration and the City Council, and in the future the Administration is investing $16 million annually.
“The most challenging aspect of being a New York City Council Member is receiving the call that a member of your community has been killed as a result of a senseless act of gun violence. I proudly introduced legislation to create the first ever Mayor’s Office to End Gun Violence in the nation,” said Cumbo.
“As the Trump Administration calls for archaic and ineffective practices such as stop and frisk and bringing in the national guard to address gun violence in urban cities, I am inspired that this legislation will create a national model that does not see the NYPD as the only solution to ending gun violence but rather a new strategy that involves New York City agencies, not-for -profit organizations, schools, houses of worship, mental health practitioners and most importantly the members of the community,” she added.
“For too long, the only people we sent to these communities were police officers. That was unfair to the police, and was unfair to the people they supposedly came to serve. It’s been hard to change that message, but with my colleagues in government, we have really turned the ship. We have begun to change the dynamic of what public safety means, and who is responsible for it, and that is critical,” said Williams.
“The fundamental message is that we have to continue to push the idea forward that police is not the only answer. They are a part of the solution; and while these communities do ask for police, they also ask for jobs, housing, and better education. We have to respond to those asks as well,” he added.
“I have committed my entire career to combating the senseless bloodshed in our streets, and I could not be prouder of the incredible work that violence interrupters and community advocates have achieved in advancing peace across our city. The City’s Crisis Management System works because it invests in proven public health strategies that address the societal challenges associated with gun violence, and we need to keep investing in its growth and development. Community and police, in partnership, are making reductions in violence possible,” said Adams.
. I stand shoulder to shoulder with Mayor de Blasio as well as every woman and man who has dedicated their heart and soul to making New York City a safer place to raise healthy children and families,” said Adams.
Jaime Williams Gets Safety Funding For Bayview Houses
Assembly Member Jaime Williams (D-Canarsie, Georgetown, Mill Basin, Marine Park and Gerristen Beach) in conjunction with the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York announced Friday she procured funding for additional safety measures in Canarsie’s Bayview Houses.
Williams state allocation will fund 58 cameras: 40 exterior cameras, and 18 lobby cameras with more security cameras on their way. She also procured 9 Low Voltage Centers for Bayview. The use of Low Voltage Centers establishes a “smaller footprint” for environmental conditions while still allowing for the high performance and reliance needed in a housing complex such as Bayview.
“Federal funds that once money helped pay for security cameras were eliminated in 2003 and the assistance and cooperation of State elected officials is needed to help preserve a strong standard of safety for community residents of Bayview,” said Williams.
IDC, Hamilton, Savino Expand Immigration Defense Coalition
The state senate’s eight-member Independent Democratic Conference, which includes Brooklyn Senators Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) and Diane Savino (COney Island, Staten Island), announced an expanded on the recent creation of its Immigrant Defense Coalition.
The expansion includes a new emergency hotline and partnerships with immigrant groups that will provide expanded immigrant services through partner organizations, such as assistance with visas, green cards, deportation issues and questions regarding actions by the federal government. Members will also be distributing literature throughout their districts as well as distribute additional information and helpful numbers from partner organizations.
Partnership organizations providing assistance through the Immigrant Defense Coalition include the Vera Institute for Justice, Northern Manhattan Immigration Coalition, New York Immigration Coalition, The Black Institute, Brooklyn Legal Services, Urban Justice Center’s Domestic Violence Project, Caribbean Women’s Health, CAMBA Legal Services, American Friends Services Committee, MFY Legal Services and Central American Legal Assistance.
“At many events I’ve attended since the impact of President Trump’s executive orders were first felt, I have heard many question where they can find help and resources. Though I hope that we can find a long-term solution to these issues, I am dedicated to providing these resources now. These new services and 1-800 number will reassure those in my community that help is a quick phone call or visit to my office away,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Brooklyn).
“The administration’s poorly written and hastily issued executive order left many in our immigrant communities confused and looking for answers. The IDC’s established emergency hotline will provide guidance and help to those who need it,” said Senator Diane Savino (D-SI/Brooklyn).
Those needing assistance with any immigration matter are urged to call 1(800) 213-6385.
Golden, Malliotakis Proposed Bill Curbs Those With More Than Two Felony Convictions
State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Bay Ridge, Staten Island) today will hold a press conference to put the spotlight on a bill (S27/A3404) they have sponsored in the Senate and Assembly, that would narrow the eligibility requirements for those entering judicial diversion who have more than two prior felony convictions.
Dubbed ‘Officer Randolph Holder’s Law,’ the measure is named for NYPD Officer Randolph Holder who on October 20, 2015 was on patrol in East Harlem. Responding to a report of gun shots in the area, he was senselessly murdered. The person who senselessly committed this crime has five previous drug convictions, was wanted by the police in connection with a September 1, 2015 shooting, and had a warrant open for failing to participate in court ordered treatment.
Court records show that despite a lengthy criminal history, the shooter was approved by the Court for a drug treatment program over the objections of the prosecutor, who argued in favor of incarceration given
the history of violence this criminal had displayed.
This bill would also require the court to consider and make a finding of fact on the record, regarding the risk a defendant might pose to public safety. Additionally, it would require the consent of the district attorney before a defendant is granted entry into a diversion program.
The press conference is slated for 11:15 a.m., today, Feb. 6 in the Senate Majority Conference Room in Albany. Representatives from law enforcement will also be among the participants.
Harris, Treyger to host disaster preparedness event
Assemblymember Pamela Harris (D-Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) is partnering with City Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Bath Beach, Gravesend) and Governor Cuomo’s office this week to host a free Citizen Preparedness Corps training session.
“Disasters like Superstorm Sandy can devastate our homes and neighborhoods quickly and without warning,” said Harris. “We experienced firsthand on Coney Island how much of a toll weather emergencies can take. I’m working to ensure all of our families have the proper tools and resources to be safe and prepared in case disaster strikes again.”
A trained disaster specialist will be there to lead the training and answer questions about how to handle a crisis situation, what supplies to have on hand, what resources are available and how to quickly respond to and recover from an emergency. Families will receive a free Citizen Preparedness Corps Response Starter Kit, while supplies last.
“For coastal areas like ours, we always have to be ready,” said Treyger. “Never again should our families have to experience the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy. This session is a must.”
The event is slated for 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at Liberation Diploma Plus High School, 2865 W. 19th Street in Coney Island. Registration is required. To sign up, please visit www. prepare.ny.gov. For more information about this or any other community issue, contact Harris’ office at 718-266-0267, 347-560-6302 or harrisp@nyassembly.gov.
Colton, Tong Do Their Part To Stop 5-Cent Fee On Plastic Bags
Assemblyman Bill Colton (D-Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) and Nancy Tong, the female Democratic District Leader of the 47th Assembly District announced they successfully contributed to a coming state stoppage of a local city ordinance that would have impose a five cent fee on plastic bags obtained by customers in city supermarkets and grocery stores.
Colton and Tong circulated petitions to stop the 5 cent fee, while Colton signed on to legislation introduced by Staten Island Assemblymember Michael Cusick and State Senator Simcha Felder (D-R-Boro Park, MIdwoon, Bensonhurst) prohibiting such a fee and proposed legislation to introduce other methods of reducing the use of plastic bags without imposing a “Tax” on consumers and seniors who can least afford such and burden.
The state measure puts a moratorium of the 5-cent plastic bag fee until at least 2018. This will give the next City Council to be given a chance to reconsider its plan and then if the State Legislature is not satisfied that any new City Council bill resolves the objections, the State Legislature will have nine months to come up with its own statewide plan to reduce the use of plastic bags before the city plan can go into effect.
“This agreement which will be voted on by both the State Assembly and the State Senate shows how government officials responded to the concerns of people. Many seniors and middle and low-income families sounded the alarm that this proposed tax unfairly burdens their lives. Now there will be time to find a better plan to solve the problems caused by plastic bags,” said Colton.
Madison-Marine-Homecrest Civic Association Sets First 2017 Meeting
While the first 2017 meeting of the Madison-Marine-Homecrest Civic Association is not until March 16, it is now time to renew membership.
Annual dues are $10 per household or business, payable to Madison-Marine Civic Association. Checks may be sent to: M.M.H.C.A., PO Box 432, Homecrest Station, Brooklyn, NY 11229.
Meetings take place 7:30 p.m., at the Carmine Carro Community Center in Marine Park. For additional information: phone 718-375-9158; email coachedj@aol.com. Members are invited to the annual Mary Powell Memorial Celebration, a free luncheon with entertainment at 12 noon, March 18 at the Carro Center.
