Williams Reminds Residents About City ‘Heat Season’
City Council Member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) residents that as temperatures drop outside he has his Local Law 86 of 2017 in place, which requires landlords to maintain safe, livable internal temperatures within their residential buildings.
The law requires that during ‘heat season,’ which spans October 1 to May 31 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. inside temperatures must be maintained at a minimum of 68 degrees Fahrenheit when the outdoor temperature falls below 55 degrees; and that from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. indoor temperatures must be maintained at a minimum of 62 degrees, regardless of the outdoor temperature.
“The right to adequate heat is not only one of quality of life, but of health and safety, especially for our seniors and young people,” said Williams. “While any responsible landlord should already have been ensuring that this basic need for their tenants was fulfilled, the legislation we passed last year with Borough President Gale Brewer helps to guarantee it. Raising minimum overnight temperatures to 62 degrees, as well as increasing temperatures during the day to safer, more comfortable levels was a necessary protection. I am hopeful that thanks to these efforts, New Yorkers will no longer have to struggle to keep warm inside their homes this heat season.”
Adams Discusses DT Brooklyn Shootings
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams today will discuss a public safety meeting convened to address issues in Downtown Brooklyn.
The meeting is being held following a series of daytime shooting incidents and greater concerns about gang-related activity threatening children, families, and seniors around the Fulton Mall area. The meeting will include law enforcement officials, community stakeholders and residents.
Adams will discuss the results of that meeting with the press at 12 noon, today, Oct. 19 at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Treyger Bill Would Monitor DOE Use Of Forcing Some Students To Use Back/Side Door Entrance
City Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Gravesend) introduced legislation this week that would require the Department of Education to track and produce data reporting on the pervasiveness of a practice that forces some students – particularly students with disabilities – to use side or back entrances at school buildings.
Int. 1175 would require the Department of Education to report on the policy regarding the use of general education entrances for District 75 students and parents, where a District 75 school is located in the same building as a general education school.
District 75 schools provide highly specialized instructional support for students with significant challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, significant cognitive delays, emotional disturbances, sensory impairments and multiple disabilities.
“All of our city’s students deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Treyger, chair of the council’s Committee on Education. “No child should be forced to use side or back entrances at school. This harmful practice deprives children from opportunities that can be beneficial for their academic, social and emotional development, and sends a horrible message to students and families who have historically been marginalized in our school system. My bill would provide data to measure the pervasiveness of this issue so we can stop stigmatizing children and create a system that is more inclusive for each and every one of our students.”
Treyger introduced the bill after hearing from parents and families across the city, who were told their children had to use back or side entrances when entering or leaving their school buildings.
Golden Partners To Hold Free Thyroid Cancer Screenings
State Sen. Martin J. Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, parts of Sheepshead Bay, Borough Park, Midwood) will partner with the Federation of Italian American Organizations and HeartScan Services to offer Free Thyroid Cancer (Nodule) Screenings before the end of the month.
“I am pleased to have allocated funding to support this partnership with HeartScan Services and offer this opportunity for my constituents to get tested for thyroid cancer. Clinical findings show that the chance of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer has risen in recent years. Furthermore, thyroid cancer is also one of the top five cancers contracted by 9/11 first responders,” said Golden.
“Even though a diagnosis of cancer can be terrifying, thyroid cancer is treatable and has one of the highest patient survival rates among all types of cancer. Early detection is key so sign up today and get tested, because this ultrasound screening can help save your life,” he added.
The screenings are slated for between 4-7 p.m., Monday, Oct 28, at the 11 Centro Italian Cultural Center, 8711 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst. For more information, please contact Senator Golden’s office at (718) 238-6044.
Lander, Menchaca Host Public Forum on Charter Revision Ballot Proposals
City Council Members Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington) and Carlos Menchaca (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) will host a public forum to learn about the three Charter Revision ballot proposals on the back of the ballot this November 6.
The forum will include a presentation on the proposals, a question and answer session and breakout discussions on the proposals. Also involved in the forum are the Theatre of the Oppressed, Brooklyn Community Board 6, The Participatory Budgeting Project, Civic Engagement Table, Park Slope Civic Council, Brooklyn Voters Alliance, Arts & Democracy and constituents.
The forum is slated for between 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Brooklyn Central Library, Dweck Auditorium, 10 Grand Army Plaza in Grand Army Plaza.
