Meeks Calls Emergency Meeting to Address Rockaway Beach Closure
U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, Far Rockaway, JFK Airport) yesterday called for an emergency meeting regarding the city’s surprise announcement it will be closing Rockaway beach from 91st to 102nd Street due to sand erosion just as the summer season is set to begin.
“I am both surprised and dismayed by the city’s announcement that the busiest stretch of Rockaway beach will be closed this summer. This is a failure on the part of the city to alert lawmakers with sufficient time to act, and a failure to communicate with the community,” said Meeks.
“Since Hurricane Sandy ravaged the Rockaways, I have worked side by side with the Army Corps of Engineers to allocate millions in funding to study, repair, and safeguard our coast from future storms. While I understand that an unprecedented four Nor’easters impacted New York this spring, the need for sand replenishment should have been identified sooner so that a solution could have been reached.
“The City must make clear the process by which it assesses coastal erosion and informs elected officials and the public. In addition, I am calling for an emergency meeting with the City, the State, and the Army Corps of Engineers to explore options available this summer, whether we can expedite current plans to build groynes along the ocean front and back bay, and relief for local businesses affected by this abrupt closure.”
Ulrich, Holden Host Successful Pet Adoption Event
City Council Members Eric Ulrich (R-Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Ozone Park, Rockaway, Beach, Rockaway Park, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven) and Robert Holden (D-Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood,) hosted a mobile pet adoption event at Forest Park with Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) this past weekend and despite the inclement weather, several animals found their new homes.
“I’d like to thank ACC, Councilman Holden and all of our adopters for making this weekend’s event such a success. Despite the rainy weather, six animals found loving homes,” said Ulrich. “I look forward to continuing our partnership with ACC and hosting more adoption events so that we can end animal homelessness in New York City.”
In total, six animals were adopted, including two kittens, Jeffrey and Julixza; one adult cat, Nina; one small dog, who now goes by Coco; one medium mixed breed dog, Ziggy; and a 7-month-old bulldog mix, Biggie. Biggie’s adopter, a Queens native, had recently just lost his bulldog of 11 years and was thrilled to add Biggie into his life.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who came out to this weekend’s adoption event, and especially to ACC for working so hard to connect animals to forever homes,” said Holden. “I look forward to hosting more events like this in the future.”
Cuomo Applauds Legislature for Appointment Of Underwood as Attorney General
Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) yesterday applauded the state legislature for appointing acting Attorney General Barbara Underwood as the interim AG until this year’s regular election in November.
Underwood replaces former AG Eric Schneiderman, who recently resigned following allegations he assaulted four women.
“I commend the Legislature for its sound and prudent decision to appoint acting Attorney General Barbara Underwood. She is a brilliant legal mind and an extraordinarily qualified attorney who has argued 20 cases before the Supreme Court, and she will provide strong leadership and important continuity in the office of Attorney General during these challenging times. I am proud to have first appointed Barbara as Solicitor General, and I look forward to continuing to work with her through the remainder of her term to fight for New Yorkers and stand up to an administration in Washington that wants to take us backwards,” said Cuomo.
Sanders Holds Spring Clean Up
State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Rosedale, parts of Far Rockaway) yesterday announced his annual park clean ups.
Enjoy fresh air and exercise while beautifying your community and spending time with your neighbors and fellow residents. Bring your youth and seniors. It will be fun for the whole family.
The first cleanup is slated for between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., this Saturday, May 26 at the Baisley Pond Park Lakeview Playground bordering the neighborhoods of South Jamaica, Rochdale, and St. Albans.
RSVP by calling 718-327-7017 or 718-523-3069.
