Deutsch To Host Mayoral Town Hall
City Council member Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest) will host Mayor Bill de Blasio today at a town hall.
The event which is free and open to the public, will give residents an opportunity to pose questions directly to the mayor regarding transportation, housing, sanitation, water pollution and other problems facing the district.
The event is slated for 7 p.m., but doors open at 6 p.m., today, Sept. 14, at P.S. 811 Connie Leaks School, 2525 Haring Street in Sheepshead Bay.
Donovan’s FireFighter Health Bill Passes House
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) announced that the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday.
The bill focuses on saving lives by establishing a specialized database to study the high incidence of cancer among firefighters. Specifically, the legislation requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and maintain a voluntary registry to collect data regarding the incidence of cancer in firefighters. This will allow researchers to better understand the impacts of smoke inhalation and other occupational hazards on firefighter health to help determine new safeguards, equipment, and protocols that can better protect first responders while on the job.
Firefighters are exposed to a range of harmful toxins and dangerous fumes when responding to emergency situations, which put them at a higher risk for health problems. A recent study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety found that firefighters in the U.S. had a greater number of diagnoses and deaths for certain types of cancers, including digestive, oral, respiratory, and urinary cancers, when compared to the general public.
More than 3,400 Fire Department of New York (FDNY) members live in the 11th Congressional District .The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.
“The FDNY and firefighters across the nation are on the frontlines, risking their lives each day to protect our families and communities. By collecting, studying, and quantifying the risks of cancers for firefighters through this legislation, we will be better able to develop new and innovative ways of protecting them in the field,” said Donovan.
Espinal To Hold Hearing Repealing NYC Cabaret Law
City Council member Rafael Espinal (D-Bushwick, East New York), Chair of the Consumer Affairs Committee, will hold a hearing to repeal NYC’s Cabaret Law (Intro 1652) and enhance safety provisions at certain nightlife establishments today.
According to the bill, Intro No. 1652- would amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to security cameras and security guards at certain nightlife establishments and repealing subchapter 20 of title 20 of such code, relating to licensing public dance halls, cabarets and catering establishments
Late last month, Espinal’s bill, Intro 1688, to establish an Office of Nightlife and a Nightlife Task Force was passed by the City Council. The bills will establish a Nightlife Director appointed by the Mayor and a board comprised of 12 members to oversee all nightlife activities across the city including strengthening and monitoring the industry as well as workplace practices.
The meeting is slated for 1 p.m., today, Sept. 14, in the Council Chambers at City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
Cymbrowitz’ Bill To Increase Transparency Of Co-Op & Condo Boards Signed Into Law
Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz’s (D-) bill to improve transparency on co-op and condominium boards has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The new law (A. 8261-A) establishes a notification requirement so that directors of a co-op or condo board are made aware of certain existing laws. In addition, the law requires annual reports to be submitted to co-op shareholders and condo unit-owners that would disclose any contracts voted on which were subject to the existing laws governing interested party transactions or related party transactions.
The new law will take effect on January 1st.
“Condominium and cooperative housing boards of directors are supposed to be representative of the housing development and are trusted with promoting the best interests of the co-op or condominium tenants. However, that is not always the case. In some instances, a member of the board may be benefiting financially or by other means when a contract between a condominium or cooperative housing development and a third party is entered into,” said Cymbrowitz.
“[The bill will make it so] co-op and condo tenants as well as the board of directors can be sure of the integrity of the management as it relates to voting on contracts,” added Cymbrowitz.
Persaud Celebrated Seniors At Annual Fair
Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) demonstrated her commitment to seniors at her annual Senior Resource Day last week.
The event brought hundreds of seniors from across District 19 together who were able to access resources, discuss their concerns, socialize with their peers and celebrate their golden years.
Over 25 agencies were present to provide information and demonstrations uniquely geared toward the senior population including NYS Department of Public Service, Downstate Hospital, NYC Fire Department, Brookdale Hospital, NYC DEP, Brooklyn District Attorney – Elder Abuse and SNAP.
“It is not always easy to meet the needs of constituents. However, my interaction with seniors, as I visit them in the senior centers; in the district, in their place of worship and at my office informs me of their unique needs and concerns. It feels gratifying to hear them say that they are looking forward to next year. I feel a sense of duty to ensure that I allocate more resources so that our active adults continue to enjoy the benefits they deserve,” said Persaud.
