Adams Backs De Blasio On Providing NYCHA Heat
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams yesterday applauded Mayor Bill de Blasio for making a $13 million investment to help NYCHA rapidly respond to heating emergencies and replace failing equipment.
The funding will replace several boiler systems experiencing chronic outages, secure mobile boilers for emergencies, hire temporary repair staff and seal windows to reduce heat loss. It comes as a number of New York City Housing Authority Developments (NYCHA) have lost heat this winter, leaving thousands of residents in the cold.
“NYCHA residents deserve what every New Yorker deserves: safe communities, healthy living conditions, and brighter futures. This record-cold winter pushed our public housing’s outdated infrastructure to the breaking point and, in many cases, beyond. Too many tenants did not get the services they deserve, and I appreciate that our City recognizes the need for immediate action,” said Adams.
“The more than $13 million emergency investment in repair staff, window hardware, and boiler equipment, including mobile units and structures at developments like Independence Towers in Williamsburg, meets a critical need. While others may point fingers, we are pointing toward solutions. I thank City Hall and NYCHA for working with me to respond to the concerns of public housing residents across Brooklyn, and I will continue to work with them in identifying additional ways we can improve our developments.”
Golden Rallies With Corrections Officers
State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach), a former police officer, yesterday joined the city’s corrections officers on the steps of City Hall for a rally for safer jails.
“Today we reaffirm our commitment to do more to protect the men and women who are New York’s Boldest from the dangers they face while performing their duty. Over the last several years, jail violence has risen in all major categories,” said Golden.
“Let us stop talking about closing Rikers and let us start real conversations on how to make our jails safer for all. We must ensure that corrections officers have the resources, programs, equipment and technology that creates a safer jail facility. Our Corrections Officers patrol the toughest jails in the nation and we owe them every opportunity to return safely to their loved ones the end of their shift.
Thank you to Elias Husamudeen, President of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association for his hard work, dedication and advocacy on behalf of the 18,000 active & retired COBA members.”
Jeffries To Deliver State of the District Address
U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Canarsie, East New York, Coney Island), a member of House Democratic Leadership and the Congressional Black Caucus, will deliver his annual State of the District address next week.
Jeffries will discuss the reckless Republican tax bill, growing affordable housing crisis, immigration reform efforts and racially polarizing presidential behavior, among other issues.
The address is slated for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23 at Brooklyn Technical High School, 29 Fort Greene Place in Fort Greene.
Brannan, Ampry-Samuel Join Council’s Progressive Caucus
Newley elected City Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Bedford-Stuyvesant) and Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst) announced this week they have joined the council’s Progressive Caucus for the 2018-2021 term.
The Progressive Caucus’ stated objective is to create a “more just and equal New York City, combating all forms of discrimination, and advancing policies that offer genuine opportunities to all New Yorkers, especially those who have been left out of our society’s prosperity.”
“The key word in Progressive is Progress and it is my job, along with my colleagues of the caucus to ensure that our great city is moving in the progressive direction that can be the standard for many cities to follow across the country,” said Ampry-Samuel. “It is my duty to work with my colleagues in the council to stand for those who are looking to us for that progressive leadership, which in turn will provide upward mobility, equality and fairness to all New Yorkers.”
“In order for our government to be a tool to advance equity, it must function efficiently and it must serve all people. From protecting immigrants to making it easier for working families to put food on the table, the goal will always be making New York City work for everybody. I look forward to working with the Progressive Caucus to make real differences in the lives of New Yorkers,” said Brannan.
City Council Member Antonio Reynosa (D-Williamsburg, Bushwick) chairs the Progressive Caucus, and 21 of the 51 city council members belong to the voting bloc.
