Deutsch Hosts Meeting With DOH Over eVital Religious Problems
Council member Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach) recently hosted a meeting at City Hall with the Department of Health (DOH) to address serious religious concerns about the impending launch of the City’s eVital system.
The meeting specifically covered death and burial procedures related to the record keeping system. Launched back in 2017, eVital was initially plagued with system failures, and eventually had to be pulled back. Religious burial requirements for those of Jewish and Muslim faith are extremely time-sensitive, and problems with the original eVital caused severe delays in the process that affected thousands of burials. Jewish and Muslim burials mandate that a person be buried as close to the time of death as possible, which can be made more difficult when waiting for a certificate of death.
The event also included representatives from the Jewish and Muslim communities as well as officials from Councilman Justin Brannan and Speaker Corey Johnson’s offices. the office of Speaker Corey Johnson, and a representative of City Councilman Justin Brannan.
“Last week’s meeting offered an opportunity for community leaders in the funeral and burial field to address concerns directly with the Department of Health. There needs to be significantly better communication between the community and the DOHMH moving forward, so that the problems we’ve experienced with eVital in the past are not repeated,” said Deutsch.
“We had a substantive discussion, and DOHMH has committed to joining us for a follow-up meeting in August to report back about accommodations and adjustments made based on the recommendations of these experts. Trouble-shooting in advance will make the system run smoother for those with religious concerns as well as general users,” added Deutsch.
Brannan, Lander Denounce Expiration of Speed Cameras
City Council members Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst) and Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington) denounced the expiration of the state’s pilot speed camera program yesterday.
On Wednesday, State Senators waged war as they attempted to pass legislation aimed at expanding and preserving the school safety program. Mayor Bill de Blasio, with help from the state legislature, rolled out the cameras in 2014 on a trial run. The photo equipment has been used to ticket drivers going at least 10 mph above the speed limit during school hours.
Nonetheless, De Blasio said yesterday that the city will continue to call on the state senate to return to Albany to pass S6046/A7798-C. The measure has passed the Assembly and currently has 34 co-sponsors in the State Senate where only 32 votes are needed to pass any given bill, he said.
“Petty politics strikes again. We must do everything in our power to prioritize pedestrian safety and speed cameras are a proven way to do that. However, just because the State Senate failed us today, this does not mean they cannot go back to Albany and pass a new bill. It is, after all, their job,” said Brannan.
“As you may have heard, today, the New York State Senate GOP allowed New York City’s school-zone speed camera program to expire. Despite months of notice, weeks of promises, and extraordinary advocacy by family members who lost loved ones to reckless driving, the State Senate failed to extend NYC’s life-saving school-zone speed camera program to protect the lives of our kids.There is strong evidence that more drivers will speed, more crashes will take place, and more of our kids will be killed,” said Lander.
Treyger Stands Up For NYCHA Residents
City Council member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) called on the City and the Health Department (DOH) to address the rat problem at New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Carey Gardens earlier this month.
The resident’s at the Coney Island housing complex claim they have a rodent infestation problem that has gone unaddressed in recent weeks by city officials, according to initial reports. Additionally, some residents fear the rodent problem is a serious safety issue due to the number of children living at the site and the daycare center nearby.
In June, DOH officials inspected one of the Carey Gardens buildings in response to a complaint and now are working with NYCHA to exterminate the pests. NYCHA officials say they’re increasing their extermination efforts with new treatments such as dry ice.
According to data compiled by RentHop on 311 calls, Brooklyn experienced the highest number of calls made to operators on the issue of rats or rat sightings, at 7,253 compared to 4,507 for Manhattan. Late last month, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams held a Rat Summit amid the growing problem across the borough.
“NYCHA residents in my district, who already have a lot to deal with, are now encountering enormous rats when entering or leaving their homes. Parents shouldn’t have to worry about their children possibly being bitten by rats, and seniors should be able to enjoy the nice weather in the areas around their home without fear of disease or injury from vermin and pests. The City, NYCHA, and Health Department must get it together, do their jobs, and start treating our kids, seniors, and families like human beings. It’s 2018, and this is completely unacceptable! “said Treyger.
