Clarke Denounces Drive-By Shooting In Brownsville
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Brownsville, Sheepshead Bay) denounced the drive-by shooting in Brownsville yesterday that killed one and injured four.
On Wednesday, a gunman inside an SUV opened fire from his car just before midnight at 333 Bristol Street in Brownsville. The man hit five men ranging in age between 18 and 21 were shot including an 18-year-old who died from his injuries at an area hospital. The four others remain hospitalized at Kings County and Brookdale hospitals.
Officers remained at the scene Thursday collecting evidence, and there were a dozen shell casings on the ground spanning from one side of the block to the other, according to initial reports.
“My condolences are extended to the family of the young man, only 18 years old, whose life was cut short due to gun violence and I hope for a speedy recovery for each of the other victims, currently recovering in Kings County and Brookdale hospitals,” said Clarke.
“Crime in Brownsville is down substantially from previous years, which is a testament to the strength, unity, and hard work in this dynamic community. This makes today especially difficult. Together we have, and will continue to keep violence of any kind out of our neighborhoods. We know that guns are neither manufactured nor legally sold in our community. We must continue to push for stricter gun laws in our nation. There must be real consequences for those who engage in illicit gun trade that brings death and mayhem to our community,” added Clarke.
Treyger, Maisel Call For NYC Ferry Service Expansion To Outer Boroughs
City Council member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) and Alan Maisel (D-Mill Basin, Canarsie, Flatlands, Bergen Beach, Floyd Bennett Field, Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Plum Beach) called on the City to move forward rapidly in expanding NYC Ferry Service to outer borough communities currently underserved by public transportation options.
The statement comes in response to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s announcement yesterday that the City will be investing $300 million into the NYC Ferry program over the next five years for new 350-passenger capacity ferries, improvements to piers and docks, and a second home port where ferries will be maintained and repaired.
The NYC Ferry Service currently operates four routes, with two announced routes slated to begin operation later this year. Current NYC Ferry routes include stops at docks near the Upper East Side, Midtown Manhattan, the Lower East Side, Downtown Manhattan, Astoria, Long Island City, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, DUMBO, Red Hook, Bay Ridge, the Rockaways, and Soundview.
“We join countless residents in outer borough communities across the city in continuing to be baffled by the fact that the administration has yet to implement ferry service in parts of the city that feature the lengthiest commutes and the most limited transit options. We are long beyond the point of needing to see fast and equitable expansion of the ferry program so that more of our city’s residents can benefit from this program, not just those who are fortunate enough to live in certain zip codes,” read a joint statement.
“This latest investment is simply further proof that there is a real demand for ferry service across the city. Yet City Hall persists in leaving southern Brooklyn communities like Coney Island and Canarsie and communities in the Bronx and Staten Island out of the ferry picture. New Yorkers from these communities, where bus or subway access is limited, if available at all, often endure commutes to school or work that are well over an hour long,” continued the joint statement.
Williams To Unveil Participatory Budget Winners
City Council member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) will announce the winning projects for the 45th District Participatory Budgeting elections at an assembly today.
The Participatory Budgeting elections, held in early April, were an opportunity for community members from age 11 up to vote on how $1 Million was spent in their community.
Voters selected between funding several community improvement projects for schools, senior centers, and more. The Council Member will unveil the winners of the election at the site of one of the proposed projects.
The event is slated for 10 a.m., today, May 4, at PS 208K Elsa Ebeling School, at 4801 Avenue D in East Flatbush.
Golden Continues Fight Against Planned Bay Ridge Hotel
State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, Manhattan Beach) will join Bay Ridge Community Council President Ralph Succar, concerned parents, community leaders, business owners and residents at a rally to protest the potential construction of a 63 room hotel in Bay Ridge today.
The proposed hotel would be located on a vacant lot at 9116-5th Avenue, across from PS/IS 104. However, Golden fears the hotel will become a hub of undesirable activity and could be used as a homeless shelter. The South Brooklyn lawmaker has also raised traffic concerns, noting a potential increase in congestion at Fifth Avenue and 91st Street.
Today’s rally against the hotel construction will give an opportunity for the concerned community to express opposition to the sale of the site for hotel purposes, and highlight the need for school classroom space or affordable senior housing in the neighborhood. Golden has committed himself to be at the vacant lot every week to stop the hotel from being built.
The event is slated for 2:30 p.m., today, May 4, at 9116 5th Avenue in Bay Ridge.
Bichotte Helps Bring $1.3 M For Schoolyard Renovation Project
Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park) announced $1.3 million in funding for a renovation of the schoolyard at Midwood High School yesterday.
The new schoolyard will include a farm-garden renovation allowing students from all three schools to learn about home gardening and the benefits of healthy eating. Additionally, the garden will be used as a teaching tool for urban sustainability. The presence of this redesigned schoolyard is critically important given that the 42nd Assembly District has very few open spaces.
The schoolyard will revert to park-like access, with recreational activities for children. Whenever the school is not in session, the entire community will be allowed to use the area. The schoolyard, is utilized by three local schools including Midwood HS, P.S. 152, and P.S. 315.
The funding is part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn project a community development and wellness initiative. The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit, has also been heavily involved in the redesign process. Over the past 20 years, through its NYC Playgrounds Program, TPL has built or designed nearly 200 playgrounds with NYC public schools and their communities.
“This project will be the first among many efforts to improve the quality of life for the people of the 42nd district. Our neighborhoods are only stronger when they are stronger together,” said Bichotte.
“All of our children should have access to open, green spaces. We want families and children to have access to playgrounds and open spaces throughout the district. We plan to go to every school and pitch a similar model so that all children can enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces in their communities,” added Bichotte.
