BP Adams, Parker Bill Would Check Social Media History Before Firearm Sale
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and State Senator Kevin Parker (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, Park Slope) today will unveil a legislative proposal that will authorize State Police and/or local law enforcement authorities such as the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to review three years of social media history, as well as of one year of internet search history, of any person purchasing a firearm.
Federally licensed dealers would do the social media and internet background check , as part of the regular background check process so as to identify any patterns of engaging in violent hate speech and/or posting threats of imminent violence to themselves or others as part of the criteria used in determining permit approval.
Adams and Parker will discuss the critical importance of passing this measure in the upcoming legislative session, following last week’s massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and other public safety threats, including this month’s nationwide mail bombing attempts, which could have been identified through suspects’ threatening posts on social media platforms.
The lawmakers will discuss the proposed legislation at 12 noon, today, Nov. 2 at 1 Police Plaza in Lower Manhattan.
Education Chair Treyger Weighs In On DOE’s Proposed Schools Capital Plan
City Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend), Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Education, said yesterday the city’s announced schools five-year 2020-2024 capital spending plan of $17 billion is a good start to worthwhile investments.
Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza and School Construction Authority President and CEO Lorraine Grillo today unveiled the capital plan, which advances the city’s Equity and Excellence for All agenda by making unprecedented investments in school buildings and facilities.
The proposed plan includes $750 million for accessibility initiatives and dedicates $8.8 billion for capacity projects, including funding for 57,000 seats over the next five years, meeting the administration’s commitment to create 83,000 seats citywide. The plan accelerates the capital funding dedicated to the Mayor’s AC for All initiative, which will allow the city to provide air conditioning to all classrooms by 2021, one year early.
The plan also dedicates $230 million to continue to remove Transportable Classroom Units (TCU’s), $750 million towards improving internet bandwidth and technology at schools and $550 million for new Pre-K and 3-K centers.
“Updating our city’s stock of aging school buildings can help address some of the most significant challenges facing our school system, and I am excited that the administration has heeded this call from the City Council, students, families and advocates. Over 80% of our schools are not fully accessible, and that is simply unacceptable,” said Treyger.
Treyger said under the leadership of Speaker Corey Johnson, Finance Chair Danny Dromm, and his office, the city council worked with the administration to secure a $150 million investment in the most recent budget towards improving school accessibility. It was a start, but not nearly enough. The figures we see in this initial Capital Plan proposal – a commitment of $750 million into improving school accessibility – signal a greater vision from the administration toward a more equitable school system, inclusive for every child and family, Treyger said.
“Similarly, I appreciate that the administration recognizes the importance of addressing our school system’s growing overcrowding crisis. Earlier this year, the City Council released a report, Planning to Learn, with recommendations about alleviating the growing pressure that overcrowding is placing on the system. There is still a lot of work to do, but I commend Mayor de Blasio, Chancellor Carranza, and President Grillo for working to create more space for our student population.
“Finally, it is encouraging that the administration is aligning with the Council in recognizing the need to hasten the installation of air conditioners in our classrooms and upgrade bandwidth at our schools. Our students, their families, and our educators and school staff all deserve safe, comfortable environments in which learning and education can thrive. They also deserve adequate capacity so modern technology and resources can augment curricula and empower our students with a 21st century education. Committing to these integral needs is a positive step in the right direction.”
Williams Responds To Halloween Night Shootings
City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) elected officials, anti-gun violence advocates and community leaders today will come together to speak out against the violence that led to the shooting of a 14-year-old boy on Halloween night.
According to media reports the shooting occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Hillel Place near the intersection of Flatbush Avenue near Brooklyn College. Police say there was some kind of argument between a group of teenagers when someone pulled out a gun and shot the 14-year-old in the face.
The victim was taken to the hospital in stable condition with a gunshot wound to the mouth. He is expected to survive. So far, police have no arrests and no description of the suspect.
About three hours later, near East 23rd Street and Ditmas Avenue, there was another incident that left a 17-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the leg. Media sources reported the victim started running after the shooting and was found unconscious a few blocks away. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Representatives from East Flatbush Village, Inc., the Flatbush Business Improvement District, members of the clergy, and other community groups and leaders will join Williams to speak.
The event is slated for 2:30 p.m., today, Nov. 2 at 2146 Nostrand Avenue, Intersection of Nostrand Ave. and Hillel Place in Flatbush.
Colton, Tong Hold Successful Candy Giveaway To Neighborhood Kids For Halloween
Assemblyman William Colton (D–Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights) along with 47th Assembly District Democratic Leader Nancy Tong hosted a very successful Halloween candy giveaway. Over 600 bags filled with candies, Halloween safety tips for parents and puzzles for the children were distributed yesterday in front of his community office.
“Originally Halloween started as a religious holiday on the eve of All Saints Day on November 1st. European immigrants brought Halloween to the United States, in the 1800s, when Irish-American immigration exploded.Since then it became yearly tradition for nearly all Americans,” Colton said.
“For the past few years my office has been hosting candy distribution for the children in the neighborhood. I know that it’s a lot fun for kids, which makes me extremely happy. It is very important to keep our community united no matter what your background is,” he added.
“I hope that an event like this brought a positive attitude in parents and happiness for all kids. As a kid I absolutely loved Halloween and hope that everyone had joyful, safe and Happy Halloween,” said Tong.
