Malliotakis Takes Action To Prevent Drug Injection Sites in NYC
Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R,C,I-Staten Island/Brooklyn) has taken action in an attempt to stop Mayor de Blasio’s planned government-sanctioned drug injection sites across New York City.
Malliotakis wrote to State Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and is introducing legislation to strip state funding from organizations that administer such centers.
In her letters, Malliotakis asked for assistance and swift and determined action to keep heroin shooting galleries from becoming a reality. The South Brooklyn lawmaker claims the centers flagrantly violate federal law and compromise quality of life in the city.
“Authorizing these facilities will redefine the way we combat drug use and addiction on the most fundamental level. Rather than educating youth about the dangers of opioids, focusing on getting hardened drug dealers poisoning our children off the streets, and offering addicts effective treatment, we will instead signal to users that addiction is a manageable condition and you can partake in illegal opioid use nearly risk-free,” Malliotakis cautioned in a letter to United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
“This [legislation I will introduce] will ensure that taxpayer money is being directed to programs that rehabilitate addicts and help them overcome their destructive addictions, not incubators that enable drug dependency to persist,” added Malliotakis.
Deutsch Applauds FDNY’s Quick Response To Synagogue Fire
City Council member Chaim Deutsch (D-Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Marine Park, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay) applauded members of the city’s FDNY Engine 276/Ladder 156 for their efforts in putting out a blaze at a local synagogue.
Last Sunday afternoon, a fire broke out in a Shul in Flatbush, at 1782 East 28th Street, at “Bais Moshe Shmiel Kozeva” (Rabbi Rottenberg’s Shul). According to initial reports, the fire reportedly started in the basement where the Mikva is situated. The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical, and it spread through towels that ignited. The FDNY was able to bring the fire under control after a short while and no injuries have been reported.
“I must commend the FDNY Engine 276/Ladder 156, based out of the East 14th Street fire house. When a synagogue in our community experienced a fire this week, the firefighters were extremely quick to respond. They demonstrated exceptional sensitivity to the unique conditions in the synagogue, including making a point to ask about the holy Torah scrolls, and rushing in to remove them,” said Deutsch.
“They also remembered the Rabbi’s elderly father from a previous call, and their very first question when arriving at the scene was his location, to ensure his safety. Thank God, the fire was quickly placed under control, and nobody was injured. Our community is very lucky to have extraordinary members of the Fire Department and the Police Department that serve us. Let’s all remember to follow Rabbi Rottenberg’s example and thank New York’s Bravest and Finest when we see them,” added Deutsch.
Clarke, Velázquez Applaud SBA Restoring LGBTQ Resources to Website
Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan), the Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, and Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Brownsville, Sheepshead Bay) applauded the restoration of the LGBTQ resources to the Small Business Administration (SBA) website yesterday.
Over one year ago, shortly after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, Democratic Staff of the House Committee on Small Business pressed Small Business Administration (SBA) officials over the disappearance of LGBT resource pages on the SBA’s website.
At the time, Committee Staff were reassured that the pages would be reactivated in the near future, yet they remained missing until this week. The restored online resources assist Lesbian, Gay and Transgender (LGBT) entrepreneurs.
“We’re pleased Administrator McMahon has taken our concerns seriously and reinstated these resources. It is important that all federal agencies are inclusive and work proactively to serve the needs of all Americans,” read a joint statement.
“We also continue to be concerned as to why these resources were originally removed and took so long to be restored. It remains our hope that SBA will answer our letter, provide that information and include any previous communication between SBA staff and other Administration officials on this topic,” continued a joint statement from the Congresswomen.
Treyger Hosts Discussion On Benefits Of Economic Growth On Local Communities
Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) was the guest speaker at a meeting of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee meeting this week.
On Wednesday, Treyger lead a discussion about the need to continue building capacity in communities across the city to promote sustained and equitable economic growth that positively impacts more local residents.
“We need to continue working to make sure that the economic revitalization we are witnessing is reaching more New Yorkers. The inclusive, equitable economic development our city’s residents deserve has to start with practical investment at the community level. The communities I represent face many of the same challenges as others across the city,” said Treyger.
“I’m working to increase workforce development and provide more funding for adult education so our residents are better prepared to take advantage of the employment opportunities that come with economic expansion. I’m also fighting to help build clean, safe, and cohesive commercial corridors so our small businesses can thrive, as well. If we give our communities the right tools, we will see innovative, sustainable economic growth that benefits more New Yorkers,” added Treyger.
Bichotte, BK Lawmakers Call For “Little Haiti” Designation
Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park) alongside Assemblyman Nick Perry, State Senator Kevin Parker, Council Member Jumaane Williams, Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo, Borough President Eric L. Adams, will call on the City Council to officially designate a Little Haiti Cultural and Business District in Brooklyn this week.
On Friday, the coalition will host an event in support of the designation that will feature rooklyn lawmakers and community leaders speaking to the significance of a Little Haiti Cultural and Business District in Flatbush.
The proposed Little Haiti Business and Cultural District, will be defined as the area between Avenue H and Parkside Avenue, East 16th Street and Brooklyn Avenue, and Church Avenue and Albany Avenue. The moniker would not only recognize the unique contributions of Haitians to the US but will also provide economic opportunity, according to Bichotte. Last year, Adams designated Flatbush and Prospect-Lefferts Gardens from Empire Boulevard down to the Brooklyn College junction where Nostrand and Flatbush avenues meet as the “Little Caribbean.”
The event will also feature the unveiling of a new sign for Toussaint L’Ouverture Boulevard along portions of Nostrand Avenue and the kickoff of Haitian Flag Day Selebrayson. Toussaint L’Ouverture is credited with leading the Haitian armies against the French during the Haitian Revolution until his death in 1803. The day will end with
“The Little Italy model provided a blueprint of sorts for Little Haiti. And we believe that with this designation we will see an infusion of tourism and business activity similar to the foot traffic seen in the Lower East Side after the designation of Little Italy,” said Bichotte.
The event is slated for 11 a.m., Friday, May 18, at the corner of Nostrand and Newkirk Avenues in Flatbush.
Espinal Launches This Year’s the “Cabaret of Life” Annual Dance Parade
City Council member Rafael Espinal (D-Bushwick, East New York) launched the the 2018, 12th Annual Dance Parade and Festival yesterday.
Espinal has been designated as the Grand Marshall for this year’s Dance Parade, themed the “Cabaret of Life”. The honor comes off the heels of his legislative victories in repealing the city’s antiquated cabaret law and creating NYC’s Office of Nightlife.
The parade is the largest dance event in the Northeast with more than 100,000+ dancers in costumes and elaborate outfits dancing to a variety of songs and traditional melodies.
The event is slated for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 19, starting at 21st and Broadway in Midtown Manhattan.
