Ulrich Urges DOT to Install Speed Cameras Near PS 207 Rockwood Park in Howard Beach
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Rockaway Park, Roxbury, South Ozone Park, West Hamilton Beach, Woodhaven) is calling on the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) to install speed cameras near PS 207 Rockwood Park in Howard Beach.
In a letter penned to DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Ulrich urged the DOT to expedite a study of the area and take the appropriate measures to include PS 207 on the list of slated protected school zones.
“It has been proven these speed cameras deter drivers from accelerating down busy school streets and create a safer environment – not just for our children, but for the entire community,” wrote Ulrich. “The area near PS 207 in Howard Beach is particularly high-traffic. There are 725 students are enrolled at the school – many of whom walk to school or are met with the commotion of early morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.”
In September of this year, the City Council and Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a new bill that aims to preserve and expand the use of speed cameras near schools. The new law allows the City to install speed cameras at an additional 150 schools, increasing the total number of school zones protected to 290. With the school season in full swing, the lawmaker whole-heartedly believes that the city should do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our children.
“In far too many instances, the city does not investigate hazardous conditions until it is too late,” Ulrich notes. “It is imperative that we proactively take the steps needed to achieve the City’s Vision Zero goal before a tragedy occurs. On behalf of all the concerned parents, I implore DOT to expedite a study of the area and take the appropriate measures to include PS 207 on the list of slated protected school zones.”
Lancman to Host Film Screening of NYPD Chokeholds and the Eric Garner Tragedy
City Council Member Rory I. Lancman (D-Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Electchester, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica) tonight will host a film screening and panel discussion of “By Any Means Necessary,” a new documentary examining how and why Police Departments use force, like chokeholds, against non-violent minor offenders.
“By Any Means Necessary,” directed and produced by first-time filmmaker Damian Kudelka, is told primarily through the lens of the Eric Garner tragedy.
At the conclusion of the film screening, Lancman, Damian Kudelka, Gwen Carr (nother of Eric Garner), and individuals featured in the documentary will take part in a panel discussion on policing practices, use of force, and the need for reform.
Lancman introduced legislation in the city council to ban Police Officers from using chokeholds after the tragic death of Eric Garner in 2014. Despite opposition from the Mayor, Lancman has continued to advocate strongly for the legislation, and recently reintroduced it in the city council.
The film showing is slated for 6 p.m., tonight, Oct. 18 at the Central Library Auditorium, 89-11 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica.
Meng Leads Group Of Lawmakers In LIRR Flushing Station Opening
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth) will be among a host of Queens lawmakers taking part in the opening of the new Flushing-Main Street Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station, a project for which she has strongly advocated since it was first announced many years ago.
Among the other elected officials expected to be on hand include Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky, Assembly Member Ron Kim and City Council Member Peter Koo, along with Former Queens Borough President Claire Schulman – all Democrats.
The ribbon cutting ceremony is slated for 11:30 a.m., Today, Oct. 18 at the Flushing-Main Street LIRR Station, Main Street & 40th Road in Flushing.
Queens County Young Democrats Meeting Coming Up
Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Flushing, Queensboro Hill, Hillcrest, Fresh Meadows, Oakland Gardens, Bayside, Douglaston) are the scheduled guests for the Queens County Young Democrats general membership meeting next Tuesday.
“Come have a drink on QCYD while hanging with fellow members and elected officials & campaign reps out here in Northeast Queens. As we approach the midterms, let’s talk how crucial it is for all of us to get out for Democrats this Election Day and make the #BlueWave a reality,” the political club said in its release.
The meeting is slated for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 23 at One Station Plaza 213-10 41st Avenue in Bayside. RSVP on Facebook.
