BK Pols Applaud Mayor’s Car-Free Prospect Park Change
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams alongside City Council members Laurie A. Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights) and Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Gowanus) and Assembly member Jo Anne Simon (D-Downtown Brooklyn, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill) applauded the new car-free Prospect Park policy yesterday.
On Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that starting Jan. 2, Prospect Park’s entire loop drive would be permanently car-free for the first time since the inception of the automobile. The change was first announced in October 2017, and came as a direct response to the success of the park’s first car-free summer trial last year. The car-free hours received enormous support from the park’s recreational users – walkers, joggers, and cyclists — who had outnumbered cars by more than 3-1 during peak morning hours. Prior to Tuesday’s change, Prospect Park’s East Drive had been open to traffic during weekday morning rush hour, between 7 and 9 am.
“A new year means a new chapter for Prospect Park, a chapter that once and for all has permanently removed cars from Brooklyn’s backyard. I applaud all of the incredible community members whose years of advocacy have translated into action. It is a pleasure to be part of this meaningful decision that will advance safety and serenity in this signature park,” said Adams.
“A car-free Prospect Park means millions of parkgoers can now discover the true essence of Brooklyn’s backyard – an oasis of tranquility, recreation, and culture in the midst of a natural landscape. For generations, Brooklyn families have walked, cycled, and jogged throughout this cherished green space. Today marks another step towards a healthier park and future for our children, seniors, and families,” said Cumbo.
“A car-free park is a more peaceful park, a more beautiful park, and — most important — a safer park. Thanks to Mayor de Blasio, to Commissioner Trottenberg, to decades of advocates, and to everyone who made this day a reality,” said Lander.
“I am very pleased that Prospect Park will be permanently car-free. A car-free Prospect Park is a safer and healthier park for all park users. I thank Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Polly Trottenberg for ensuring that the park is a safe and enjoyable destination for park-goers,” said Simon.
Persaud Announces Legislation to Combat Sexual Harassment In The Workplace
State 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) announced support for a package of bills to combat workplace sexual harassment yesterday.
The package of bills introduced will work to combat sexual harassment in the public and private sectors. The bills will address recent revelations of ongoing, systemic sexual harassment in the workplace and help ensure employees in private and public sector offices are treated with respect and equality.
The legislation advanced by the Senate Democratic Conference includes bills that will:
- Make State Legislators Personally Liable for Settlements of Claims of Sexual Harassment made Against Them, bill S.7196, that would ensure that any settlement amounts provided by a house of the State Legislature to the victims of sexual harassment perpetrated by a member of the State Assembly or State Senate be reimbursed by the offending legislator;
- Hold Public Officers to a Higher Standard, bill S.6975, that will add provisions to the Public Officers Law explicitly prohibiting acts of sexual harassment;
- Strengthen Anti-Retaliation Provisions, bill S.7192, that will ensure employees who report incidents of sexual harassment to the State Division of Human Rights are guaranteed job security and shielded from retaliation;
- Crack Down on Sexual Harassment in the Private Sector, bill S.7193, that will codify sexual harassment as an unlawful discriminatory practice and ensure that employees of small businesses may bring a claim of sexual harassment/gender discrimination against their employer.
- Provide Fairness in Arbitrations and Limit Confidentiality, bill S.6382-A, that will void most confidentiality agreements for settlements of sexual harassment cases.
- Crack Down on Sexual Harassment in the Public Sector, bill S.7195, that will require the adoption of a strong managerial policy against harassment by all Executive agencies and the State Legislature.
“No one should be forced to endure harassment at their workplace. Sexual harassment is inappropriate and must be confronted by state government. That is why I am proud to join with my colleagues to advance common sense bills to protect public and private sector workers from sexual harassment. I urge the Senate Majority to work with us and pass these bills immediately so we can send a strong message that this behavior will not be tolerated in New York State,” said Persaud.
South BK Pols Renew Call for Pedestrian Safety Measures
City Council Members Mark Treyger (D-Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Gravesend), Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest),and Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) renewed their call for the City to implement safety measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists at two of Southern Brooklyn’s most popular public spaces yesterday.
On Tuesday, the group of legislators called on the city to protect pedestrians at the Coney Island Riegelmann Boardwalk and the Gravesend Bay Promenade/Shore Parkway Greenway. The move comes off the heels of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s announcement yesterday that the City is investing $50 million to install 1,500 permanent bollards at ten high-profile city locations, including Times Square.
Treyger and Deutsch sent letters to the Mayor, the New York Police Department (NYPD), NYC Parks, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) back in November, calling for the installation of retractable, fortified safety bollards at all Boardwalk entry points wide enough to provide vehicular access. A response from NYC Parks and NYPD later that month confirmed that the City was evaluating the proposal.
“Last year’s tragic incidents in Tribeca and Times Square were a painful message that we need to move swiftly to provide enhanced protection for pedestrians and cyclists at the City’s heavily-trafficked locations. I commend the Mayor for acting to implement safety measures at Times Square, at the American Veterans Memorial Pier, and at ten other high-profile locations, but I remind the Mayor that there are many other locations popular with pedestrians and cyclists which lack these same kinds of protective installations. The Coney Island Boardwalk and the Gravesend Bay Promenade are the pride of Southern Brooklyn, where local families and tourists alike come to walk, jog, cycle, and roller blade, yet continue to be vulnerable to potential vehicular attacks,” said Treyger.
“I join with my colleagues Council Members Mark Treyger and Justin Brannan in renewing our calls for the City to provide this same protection to the Coney Island Boardwalk. Millions visit the Boardwalk each year, and it is imperative that we ensure their safety. Any tourist attraction can become a target, and I encourage the administration to invest in pedestrian safety bollards at the Riegelmann Boardwalk,” said Deutsch.
“It is common sense that anywhere you have a high concentration of pedestrians and cyclists alongside a high speed roadway there must be some type of protective barrier or guardrail. I support the Mayor’s efforts to better protect pedestrians throughout other parts of our city and join my colleagues in urging City Hall to implement similar safety measures along the Belt as soon as possible,” said Brannan.
Golden’s Bill To Prevent Child Abuse Gets Signed Into Law
State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) alongside Assemblywoman Sandy Galef (D-Westchester/Putnam) announced that Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed into law his bill to prevent child sexual abuse yesterday.
Cuomo signed S.233A/A.5769A, that will establish a temporary New York State Commission to study child abuse prevention and make recommendations for the implementation of child abuse prevention programs in New York State. Child abuse prevention programs not only address child abuse prevention but other aspects of family dynamics that threaten child and family well-being. These threats include preventable health conditions such as low birth weight, infant mortality, drug-addicted babies and more. These programs often provide referrals, education, expertise and stability for at-risk families. Some of the programs offered also focus on training for new parents.
Child abuse and neglect has been rising across New York State and more resources are being expended to treat the consequences including incarceration, court costs, foster care and more. A study by Prevent Child Abuse New York estimated these costs to be approximately $2.4 billion each year, while the amount spent on primary prevention is more than $30 million.
“I thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for signing this bill because New York State must take a stand against child abuse and increase prevention opportunities. There is no place in our homes, schools or society for child abuse, and the unfortunate reality is that it is happening all too often in New York. We must truly examine and figure out how to stop this violence that is destroying too many children reverse this trend that is damaging many families,” said Golden.
“Reports indicate that there are approximately 80,000 children found to be victims of child abuse and maltreated in New York State each year. This Commission must get to work so that we can prevent the abuse of children and save families in our State,” added Golden.
Bichotte Denounces Cuomo’s Veto On MWBE Bill
Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park), Chair of the Subcommittee on the Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) is joining members of the business community in expressing their disappointment with Governor Andrew Cuomo for vetoing the only MWBE bill last week.
Cuomo recently vetoed bill A.2819/S.3018, that would have eliminated a cap on the personal net worth for certification for MWBEs and would have allowed small businesses to remain competitive. Currently, New York State has a personal net worth cap of $3.5 million and is 1 of only 2 states in the country that also underwent the highest scrutiny standard, i.e. a disparity study, that has included a personal net worth cap in its statute. All other state programs, including most cities that have MWBE programs, find the personal net worth more damaging to MWBEs and also having a personal net worth cap does not allow those small businesses with capacity to participate in the program.
Last year, the Governor offered to eliminate the personal net worth through a proposed chapter amendment, only if his staff via internal policies and regulations had control of who received a cap or not. The chapter amendment would have also enabled his staff to increase or lower the cap based on the industry. However, Bichotte argued that the subjectivity of the selection process and the decision on arbitrary numbers to be used as a cap threshold would put the integrity of the program at risk and would open the door for potential “pay to play” type of dealings.
“Governor Cuomo’s decision to veto a bipartisan bill that would have leveled the playing field for minority and women-owned businesses is deeply discouraging. This bill would have made it easier for Minority and Women business owners to compete with larger contractors and continue to thrive,” said Bichotte.
“The Governor’s veto is especially troubling given that much of the statistical data, including the data provided by Mason Tillman who was hired by the State to conduct the 2016 Disparity Study, has noted that adding a personal net worth cap requirement has been shown to impede many MWBEs’ ability to access capital and bonds. This is especially true with small businesses in the construction and financial sectors. In turn, this lack of access to capital leaves many MWBEs in a space where they are found too small to win contracts or too large to remain certified,” added Bichotte.
