Gentile Announces Districtwide Traffic & Transportation Survey
City Councilman Vincent Gentile (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) yesterday announced he is seeking input for a districtwide traffic and transportation survey.
The survey comes as transit fare hikes are set to kick in, the imminent closure of the Bay Ridge Avenue station for renovations readies, the lack of public transportation options in Dyker Heights and Bath Beach continues, the aging elevated D-line subway structure along New Utrecht Avenue continues to need work , the elevator installation project at 86th Street is ongoing and the citywide ferry service rolls out this summer at the 69th Street Pier.
“I have always said I rely on my constituents to be an extra set of eyes and ears for me around the district. Now I am putting out the call for suggestions, solutions and ideas for ways to improve upon traffic and transportation issues in my district,” said Gentile.
“Whatever you feel is working and whatever you feel is not working; what’s broken and what needs to be fixed – whatever it is, if it’s traffic and transportation related, I want to hear it. Over the years, whether it was for a piece of legislation or a new community event, some of the best ideas have come directly from my the minds of my constituents – especially when it comes to making our daily lives just a little bit better. And with so many changes coming down the line as it relates to public transportation throughout the district, I want to hear from you!”
Gentile is asking his constituents to either call or email his office with any and all traffic and transportation-related ideas: jbrannan@council.nyc.gov or 718-748-5200.
Harris accepting nominations for 2017 Women of Distinction Awards
Assemblymember Pamela Harris (D-Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) yesterday announced she is seeking nominations for her 2017 Women of Distinction Awards.
“During Women’s History Month, we have the opportunity to reflect on how far women have come throughout history, from abolitionists and suffragists to modern-day pioneers who’ve made the freedoms we have today possible,” Harris said. “These awards bring the community together to celebrate the women who spend every day securing a brighter future for the next generation in Brooklyn, and help us recommit in the fight for progress.”
Harris has been a long-time champion for women by fighting to secure equal pay and protect women’s reproductive health rights. The first step toward achieving equality is recognizing and supporting women who are making a difference and helping level the playing field, Harris noted.
Residents can nominate a woman they know who has made an impact in fields including education, business, health care, volunteerism and community service. Nominees must reside in the 46th Assembly District, which includes Bay Ridge, Beach Haven, Brightwater Towers, Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Dyker Heights, Fort Hamilton, Luna Park, Sea Gate, Trump Village and Warbasse.
To submit a nomination, visit nyassembly.gov/Harris. All nominations must be received by Friday, March 10. Winners will be recognized at the Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony, which will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, March 25, at Tom’s Restaurant, 1229 Boardwalk in Coney Island.Nominations may be submitted until March 10. For more information, contact Assemblymember Harris at 718-266-0267, 347-560-6302 or harrisp@nyassembly.gov.
Cuomo Takes Action, Pols React To Spate Of Anti-Semitic Incidents
Gov. Andrew Cuomo yesterday ordered the State Police to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to investigate threats and apprehend those responsible for a string of anti-Semitic incidents across the state.
This includes another round of bomb threats, this time directed at Jewish Community Centers in Tarrytown, Staten Island, New Rochelle, and Plainview, which appear to be part of a recent wave of threats against JCCs in New York as well as similar threats and desecrations of Jewish cemetaries across the country.
“Make no mistake: these reprehensible and cowardly attacks are not limited to the Jewish community. They are assaults on all New Yorkers and I vow that we will do everything in our power to catch those responsible for this wave of hate crimes,” said Cuomo.
“I share the pain and the outrage of so many New Yorkers who are affected directly and those who are sickened by watching these attacks unfold. We will not allow anyone to intimidate or strike fear in the state of New York. The full force of government will be brought to bear in these efforts and these perpetrators will be punished.”
Several of Brooklyn’s elected officials yesterday also issued statements yesterday denouncing the recent threats against Jewish Community Centers, schools, and acts of vandalism against Jewish cemeteries. This includes U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Dan Donovan, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis and City Council Member Jumaane Williams.
Persaud Introduces Bill To Stem Firearm Violence
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, Sheepshead Bay) last week introduced a bill (S4363) aimed at creating a firearm violence research institute.
The purpose of this institute would be to advise the governor and governmental agencies on matters relating to violence in New York State. The bill aims to increase sensitivity to firearm concerns among state and local government.
The bill’s objective includes the prevention and treatment of firearm violence at the individual, community and societal level. The institute to be established will be funded at a cost of $2 million.
It is unknown at post time what kind of support the bill has or when/if it will come out of committee.
Brooklyn GOP Holds Mayoral Candidate Forum
The Brooklyn GOP and the Kings County Republican Party Executive Committee cordially invites members of the press and the community to the first New York City Mayoral Candidate Forum featuring Republican Mayoral hopefuls Reverend Michel Faulkner and Paul Massey as both present their vision for a better New York City.
In 1988, Faulkner and his family moved into NYC, a place he fell in love with during his time with the NY Jets, to run a soup kitchen serving the homeless and poor in the old dilapidated Times Square. Since that day, he have been serving the people of NYC. Faulkner sees running for Mayor as nothing more than an extension of that service. www.faulknerfornewyork.com.
Massey is an independent-minded small businessman who built a successful business with operations in every neighborhood in the City’s five boroughs. Massey is running for Mayor to deliver leadership that works for the people of New York, and he will address the City’s problems the same way he built his business: with hard work, a bold vision and integrity. www.masseyformayor.com.
The Brooklyn GOP Mayoral Candidates Forum is slated for 7 p.m., tomorrow, March 1 at the Dyker Beach Golf Course and Catering, 1030 86th Street (off & 7th Ave) in Dyker Heights.
Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez & Judicial Candidates to Address Bay Democrats’ Meeting
Acting Brooklyn District Attorney, Eric Gonzalez, as well as Supreme Court candidate Judge Andrew Borrock and Civil Court candidate Consuelo Melendez will address the monthly Bay Democrats’ meeting tomorrow.
The evening’s agenda also includes updates from local elected officials and community leaders and a discussion of local political events. Democratic District Leaders Ari Kagan and Margarita Kagan invite all community members to attend the meeting.
The 45th Assembly District includes all or parts of Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Homecrest, Midwood, Gravesend and Marlboro.
The meeting is slated for 7 p.m., tomorrow, Wednesday, March 1 at 2508 Coney Island Avenue (corner of Avenue V) , 2nd floor in Sheepshead Bay. Refreshments will be served. For further information, please call (646) 797-6552.
