Adams Renews Call For Expanded Ferry Service To Coney Island
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams unveiled his Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) recommendations to approve the Sea Park North Rezoning that included a renewed call for the City to expand NYC Ferry service to Coney Island.
On Wednesday, Adams approved with conditions the zoning map amendment to rezone portions of a block bounded by Mermaid and Neptune avenues at West 29th Street. The proposal would facilitate the development of the Harbour Houses project, including two eight- and seven-story buildings with a total of 153 residential units, all of which will be affordable including 25 percent permanently affordable units.
In his recommendations, Adams once again urged the City to expand NYC Ferry service to Coney Island in order to meet the commuting needs of an expanding local population as well as to facilitate much-needed economic development through year-round tourism; specifically, he recommended a dock siting on Coney Island Creek at West 21st Street along Neptune Avenue.
“It’s time to fully utilize Brooklyn’s waterways and expand NYC Ferry service to the transit-challenged community of Coney Island. I have long advocated for the construction of a dedicated ferry dock along Coney Island Creek, and the popularity of our citywide ferry network is proof positive that this investment would be sound and successful. Advancing this mission through the ULURP process is the next logical step in this neighborhood’s advocacy. From Coney Island to Marine Park to Canarsie, ferry service to southern Brooklyn is a matter of transit equity whose time has come,” said Adams.
Donovan Introduces Bill Targeting Vehicular Terror Attacks
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, introduced the Shielding Public Spaces from Vehicular Terrorism Act yesterday.
The legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate to research and develop new tools and effective safeguards to combat emerging terrorist threats, including vehicular attacks. The bill also ensures that first responders can use vital Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security Initiative funding to address security vulnerabilities of public spaces, such as bus stops, bike paths, and other mass gathering locations.
The legislation was developed in response to the deadly October vehicle terror attack in Manhattan and other attacks across the globe, that show terrorists are increasingly using vehicles as weapons.
Earlier this year, Donovan joined Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-Manhattan) in introducing the Stopping Threats on Pedestrians (STOP) Act, bipartisan legislation that provides funding to cities to install safety bollards in high pedestrian areas to prevent attacks.
“Just this week, we were reminded of the heightened terror environment our nation faces when an ISIS inspired operative detonated a bomb in a New York City subway. Not only are these types of lone wolf attacks becoming all too common, but terrorists are increasingly turning everyday tools, such as vehicles, into weapons. Violent extremists will continue to try and undermine our way of life, and it’s necessary that we bolster our anti-terror capabilities. This legislation will help us do just that,” said Donovan.
CM Williams To Mark 5th Anniversary of Sandy Hook Massacre
City Council member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) will deliver the keynote address at a vigil marking the 5th Anniversary of the Sandy Hook massacre today.
Williams’ address will focus on advocating for an end to gun violence nationwide with a focus on the Sandy Hook Massacre that left 20 children and 6 adults dead. The address will be part of a vigil for the victims of gun violence not only in Sandy Hook, but across America.
Williams is the founder of the National Network to Combat Gun Violence, and has discussed the issue both throughout and outside of New York City. Additionally, Williams co-sponsored legislation that created the Mayor’s Office to Prevent Gun Violence.
The event is slated for 7 p.m., today, Dec. 14, at Rutgers Presbyterian Church, at 236 West 73rd Street in Upper Manhattan.
Espinal Pushes For Electrical Buses During L Train Shutdown
City Council member Rafael Espinal (D-Cypress Hills, Bushwick, City Line, Oceanhill-Brownsville, East New York) will participate in the Public Transportation Committee Hearing on the L Train Shutdown today.
The hearing will feature Espinal’s bill Reso. No. 1443 that calls upon Governor Andrew Cuomo to use electric buses as a major replacement service during the L train shutdown.
The L Train shutdown is expected to commence in April 2019 and last 15 months. The closure will be between Manhattan and Brooklyn and is expected to affect over 200,000 riders. The MTA announced the plans to repair the battered train tunnels in the wake of Hurricane Sandy earlier this year.
“The L train tunnel closure could be an environmental crises in addition to a logistical nightmare. I look forward to tomorrow’s hearing where we can begin working together to plan a strategy that would have the least negative impact on people’s lives, health, and the environment,” said Espinal.
The event is slated for 10 a.m., today, Dec. 14, in the City Hall Chambers in Lower Manhattan.
Savino Pushes Banning Guns From Domestic Abusers
State Senator Diane Savino (D-Coney Island, Staten Island) applauded Governor Andrew Cuomo for announcing stricter gun laws for domestic abusers as the first proposal of his 2018 State of the State address yesterday.
The proposal will remove all firearms from those who commit domestic violence crimes. The legislation will require all domestic violence crime convictions, including misdemeanors, to result in the immediate removal of all fire arms and will add measures to keep firearms out of the hands of those who commit domestic violence with the goal of preventing additional tragedies. The bill was first introduced by Savino back in May 2017.
Currently, the State requires surrender of hand guns for either an order of protection issued by a judge or a firearm license suspension/revocation due to a felony or “serious” offense conviction or a mental health disqualification by a health professional. However, this surrender does not always apply to long guns, such as rifles and shotguns. Additionally, judges currently issue orders of protection in domestic violence cases after an individual is arrested, but before they are convicted. These orders result in the suspension of firearm licenses. However, these orders are issued at the judges’ discretion and may not occur in every domestic violence case.
“A glaring loophole exists that permits convicted domestic violence perpetrators to possess firearms, putting the lives of women and the public at serious risk. Most recently, the madmen responsible for mass shootings in Las Vegas, Northern California and Sutherland Springs had records of domestic violence. We must take aim at this flaw in the law and ensure firearms never wind up in the hands of domestic abusers in our state,” said Savino.
Hamilton Calls On Cuomo To Sign Brooklyn Asthma Study Legislation
State Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign the Brooklyn Asthma Study legislation (Senate Bill S5770) and released a related report entitled “Struggling to Breathe: Brooklyn’s Asthma Epidemic” yesterday.
The Brooklyn Asthma Study legislation requires the NYS Department of Health (DOH) to study the incidence of asthma and related disorders in Brooklyn. DOH must then report to the Governor and Legislature as to remedial plans to address the needs of high-risk neighborhoods. DOH is to take into consideration a variety of factors including inequalities in income, public and private housing, race and ethnicity, proximity to major sources of air pollution (e.g. highly trafficked roadways and solid waste processing facilities). The legislation also requires DOH to report on the effectiveness of existing medical facilities in the treatment of these pulmonary disorders.
In June this year, the New York State Senate unanimously passed the legislation followed by an overwhelming vote in favor of the bill by the State Assembly. The legislation currently awaits signature by Governor Cuomo.
“We need renewed focus on the health disparities facing New Yorkers. Higher incidence of emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to asthma in neighborhoods I represent requires the urgent attention of our public health professionals,” said Hamilton.
“The City reported child asthma hospitalization rates as three times as high in Brownsville than in Park Slope. This Brooklyn Asthma Study will help us get the expert analysis we need to provide better care, make informed public policy, and deliver healthier communities. I see this legislation as complementing the existing efforts underway to improve the health and well-being of Brooklyn residents like ‘Vital Brooklyn.’ I urge Governor Cuomo to sign this bill and help give Brooklyn families the peace of mind they deserve,” added Hamilton.
