Lancman’s Bill Ensuring Individuals Released from City Jails are Informed of Their Voting Rights Gets Hearing
City Council Member Rory I. Lancman (D-Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Electchester, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica) yesterday saw the Council’s Committees on Governmental Operations and Criminal Justice hold a hearing to consider his legislation on voting rights for justice-involved individuals.
Lancman’s bill, Intro. 514, would require the Department of Correction (DOC) to inform every released individual of their voting rights. The legislation was first introduced in the City Council in November 2016, and re-introduced earlier this year at the start of the new Council session.
Lancman’s legislation specifies that, upon release from custody, DOC must provide individuals with a written notice on the voting rights of formerly incarcerated individuals in New York State, including when they may become eligible to vote. DOC must also offer every released individual a voter registration form.
“We know from efforts around the country that the opportunity to vote and have a voice in government actually decreases recidivism for former offenders because of the greater investment they feel in their communities and the laws that govern them,” said Lancman. “But having the right and knowing how to use it are two different things. My bill will bring those poles closer together and as a consequence make our city more democratic, more engaged, and even more safe.”
The legislation will supplement new efforts by the City and the Legal Aid Society to help eligible-detainees on Rikers Island register to vote and cast their ballots. The city estimates that 6,000 individuals on Rikers Island are eligible to vote.
Addabbo’s BBQ A Big Hit With Vets
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.’s (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) ninth annual Veterans BBQ last Saturday was a big hit as over 100 veterans and their guests filled the Howard Beach Motor Club to enjoy the food and drink.
Among the local eateries and caterers that donated for the veterans event were DiVino’s Pizzeria, Hana Asian Bistro, Gino’s Pizzeria, CrossBay Diner, Ragtime Deli, Sugar Bun Bakery, Danny’s Szechuan Garden, New Park Pizza, Lenny’s Clam Bar, Bruno’s Ristorante, Carlos Pizzeria, Russo’s on the Bay, Carvel ice Cream, C&C Deli, and La Villa Pizzeria.
In addition to thanking all those doors, Addabbo also expressed appreciation to the Howard Beach Motor Boat Club for providing the site and to those in charge of cooking at the BBQ, Harold Lynch and Phil Lynch, as well as Laura Lee and Richie for the musical entertainment.
“For nine years now my staff and I have held this end of the summer BBQ for our veterans,” said Addabbo, the Ranking member of the Senate Veterans Committee. “As I like to say, every day is Veterans Day, and this is just a small way for my office and the community to say ‘thank you’ to the veterans. Veterans, who served in several wars — including two 97-year-old World War II veterans — came out for the event and made it a huge success.”
Katz Holds Regular Public Hearing on Land Use Items
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz (D) today will hold a Regular Public Hearing on the following land use items:
- Application submitted on behalf of Marathon Parkway Associates LLC for an extension of the term of a previously approved variance allowing the erection of a cellar and two-story professional and retail building in C1-2/R3-1 and R2A districts located within Community Board District 11.
Address of location at 45-17 Marathon Parkway in Little Neck.
- Application submitted on behalf of Northern Spots LLC for an extension of the term of a previously approved variance allowing an accessory parking facility for a one-story retail building on Northern Boulevard in an R2A district located within Community Board District 11.
Address of location is 43-20 Little Neck Parkway in Little Neck.
- Application submitted on behalf of Maximum Properties, Inc., for an extension of term of a previously approved variance for an additional ten (10) years for an existing gasoline service station located in an R3-1/C2-2 district within Community Board District 11.
Address of location is 184-17 Horace Harding Expressway in Fresh Meadows.
- Application submitted on behalf of Cohancy Realty LLC, for an amendment of the Zoning Map establishing within an existing R3X district a C2-2 district within Community Board District 10 in South Ozone Park. The amendment would cover an area bounded by Cohancy Street, a line 190 feet northerly of North Conduit Avenue, the northeasterly boundary of a Railroad Right-of-Way (NYCTA Rockaway Beach Division) and North Conduit Avenue.
The hearing is slated for 10:30 a.m., today, Oct. 4 at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens.
Constantinides, Johnson Kick Off City Council’s Town Hall Tour In Astoria
City Council Member Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside) and Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan) tonight will kick off the City Council’s town hall series in Astoria.Queens Borough President
On the agenda for discussion include recent budget victories for District 22, current legislation and future plans for Astoria.
The Town Hall is slated for 6:30 p.m., tonight, Oct. 4 at P.S. 171 Peter G. Van Alst, 14-14 29th Avenue in Astoria.
