Mosley Gives BQX Thumbs Down
Assemblymember Walter T. Mosley (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) over the weekend decried Mayor Bill de Blasio‘s new plan to build the Brooklyn-Queens Connector (BQX), a multi-billion dollar trolley plan to run along the East River Water Front from Red Hook to Astoria Queens.
“With new plans announced for the Brooklyn-Queens Connector (BQX), I once again denounce this project for its lack of comprehensive community outreach and engagement, as well as its inability to meet current and future transportation demands. In the mayor’s eagerness to push forward a project that has little public support, the City did not make any major changes to the route in spite of probable capacity needs, nor did it adjust with the MTA’s recent announcement to completely revamp its bus route system,” said Mosley.
“Given the current state of our trains and buses, it is ridiculous that the city would pour more money into this project rather than put that money towards the fiscally constrained MTA. This project can not pay for itself and would only harm our communities. A far better plan would be to institute a more flexible bus route that can meet capacity and the ever-changing demands of the future. If the city wishes to move forward on this project, they must engage with the community and consider all community member input, as well as work with the MTA to ensure the route works in concert with all other transportation,” he added.
Deutsch, Espinal, Brannan Push Kosher, Halal Lunch In Public Schools
City Council Members Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Midwood), Rafael Espinal (D-Bushwick, East New York) and Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) today will join other elected officuals to announce a $1 million pilot program to launch kosher and halal lunches in New York City public and nonpublic schools.
The pilot program was approved as part of the last city budget, which went into effect in June. Other elected officials expected to be on hand are Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan), Comptroller Scott Stringer, Councilman Daneek Miller (D-Queens) and Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Queens) – all advocates for the program.
The announcement is slated for 12 noon today, Sept. 4 on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
Cuomo Announces 2018 Carey Gabay Scholarship Awards Winner From Brooklyn
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) yesterday announced that one of the five winners of the 2018 Carey Gabay Scholarship Program was from Brooklyn.
The scholarship program was created to honor the legacy of Carey Gabay, an attorney and public servant, who was tragically killed as an innocent victim of gun violence during J’Ouvert in September 2015 at the age of 43. Each scholarship covers all costs of attendance, including tuition, room and board, college fees, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses.
“Carey Gabay was an inspiring public servant who dedicated his life to building a better future for others, and these outstanding students exemplify his selflessness and commitment to service and social justice,” Cuomo said. “I applaud the recipients of the Carey Gabay Memorial Scholarship and look forward to seeing them carry on Carey’s extraordinary legacy and help create a better New York for all.”
Carey grew up living in public housing and attending public school in the Bronx. After a successful high school career, he went on to graduate from Harvard University and Harvard Law School. He had a longstanding commitment to public service and giving back to those around him, and while at Harvard University, he ran to become the president of his undergraduate student body. More recently, he worked tirelessly in public service, first as an Assistant Counsel to Cuomo and later as First Deputy Counsel for the Empire State Development Corporation.
The Brooklyn winner is Joselyn Garcia, who has overcome incredible challenges in her life. When she was only 7 years old, her mother was murdered by her fiancé. She has grown up in public housing in Brooklyn. While in high school, she managed her studies and extracurricular activities while also holding two part-time jobs outside of school. She has an interest in a career in criminal law, with the goal of a career in public service. Joselyn will attend SUNY Albany.
New York City Asian-American Dem Club Denounce City’s Jail Plan
The New York City Asian-American Democratic Club held a press conference in Brooklyn Sunday to express outrage at the city’s decision to build a new jail at 80 Centre Street in Manhattan without any community input.
“We are enraged and outraged that once again, as with the city’s proposal to scrap the SHSAT (Specialized High School Admissions Test), our community does not have any say in this process. There were no public hearings for the Chinese community to respond to or discuss this very important issue
that will directly affect our community. We oppose any plans to rebuild or expand the participation. This process is completely lacking in transparency and is insulting to our community,” the club stated in a press release.
The meeting was held at Golden Imperial Palace, 618 62nd Street in Sunset Park.
Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club, Seddio Issue Call For Volunteers
Kings County Democratic Party Boss Frank Seddio issues a call to all Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club members and volunteers to show up at the club this week and help with the mailing.
“Thank you to everyone who came to the club last week and helped us with our mailing. Your contribution is appreciated. However, we are not done. We still have one week before the primary and we need at least a hundred people on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to help us get the remaining mail out to the electorate.
The club will be open at 7 p.m., tonight, Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 4, 5, and 6. It is located at 77 Conklin Avenue in Canarsie. Bring friends, family and acquaintances. Time is of the essence.
New Kings Democrats Meeting This Thursday
The New Kings Democrats (NKD) political club monthly meeting is slated for this Thursday.
“We’ll be talking about NKD’s plan to prepare for the September County Committee meeting (and why it’s so important to attend, whether or not you’re a County Committee member). We’ll also discuss how to get out the vote for NKD’s endorsed candidates in the final week leading up to the September 13 primary,” the club stated in an email.
The meeting is slated for between 7-9 p.m., this Thursday, Sept. 6 at the YWCA Brooklyn, 30 3rd Avenue in Boerum Hill. (The YWCA is wheelchair accessible). RSVP here
