Ortiz Calls For Increased Safety Precautions On Construction Sites In Wake Of Wall Collapse
Assembly member Felix Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) denounced the recent construction site incident that took the life of one man in Sunset Park last week.
At around 1:30 p.m., Sept. 12, a wall at a construction site on 39th Street and 7th Avenue collapsed, leaving six workers trapped under the rubble. The firefighters who responded to the distress call were able to locate and rescue five of the victims initially with one going unaccounted for.
Luis Almonte, 47, was found the following day buried under the debris of the 20-foot brick wall, which collapsed on top of him. Emergency responders spent hours searching for the Inwood resident who was pronounced dead on the scene according to an New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesman.
“There are currently six major construction sites in the 51st Assembly district. These sites must be deemed safe for workers, local residents in adjoining and nearby buildings, pedestrians and vehicular traffic alike,” said Ortiz.
“I am asking the Mayor to direct city agencies, including the Department of Buildings, NYPD and FDNY, to investigate all the local construction sites and to let the public know that they are safe or that remedial action is necessary. I am also asking the District Attorney to look into the accident that took the life of Luis Almonte’s at the 714 49th Street site this week. Safety must always be our paramount concern,” added Ortiz.
Colton Forms Coalition To Save Specialized High Schools Admissions Exam
Assembly member William Colton (D-Gravesend, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights) held a meeting alongside concerned parents last week in support of saving the Specialized High School Admission Test (SHSAT).
The South Brooklyn Coalition for Quality Education (SBCQE) is made up of local residents, community leaders and parents who plan to fight the Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposal to do away with the controversial test.
At the meeting, the group formed a committee to prepare a questionnaire to send to all South Brooklyn elected officials and their respective challengers about their stance regarding the admission test. The group will aim to base their voting decisions in the November general election on the responses in the questionnaire.
“We have been opposing the Mayor’s proposal to eliminate the SHSAT and make a drastic change of criteria for admissions to our Specialized High Schools Admission Test. I am a former educator and believe that all children deserve a chance to demonstrate their talents and skills. I strongly believe that you cannot punish students who work hard; our kids are the future of our Country,” said Colton.
“We cannot allow New York City Mayor De Blasio and New York City Schools Chancellor Carranza to destroy the future of many hard working students. Our system has failed our children far too long and we will not allow it to continue! Keep the SHSAT and implement more gifted programs from the early grades on in all schools districts,” added Colton.
Deutsch To Hold Drive-In Movie Night
City Council member Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Midwood) will host a drive-in movie night next week.
The event’s featured film will be the box office favorite The Greatest Showman, the new musical that has become an instant hit for kids and adults. All residents are invited to attend and kosher popcorn will be served.
The event is slated for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the Manhattan Beach Parking Lot (corner Oriental Boulevard and Irwin Street).
