Adams Calls For Investigation Following Latest Construction Death
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams yesterday called for a comprehensive City investigation and possible private legal action following the fatal construction accident last Wednesday in Bedford-Stuyvesant that killed the 44-year-old day laborer Over Paredes.
Paredes, a father of four children, was working on the roof of the construction site, located where the Cascade Linen factory once stood, when a large piece of metal-framed wall fell on him, as a result of a wind gust knocking over the wall as well as the manual forklift that had hoisted it up.
I stand with the family of Over Paredes in calling for a comprehensive City investigation and possible private legal action following the fatal construction accident,” said Adams, adding that both union and non-union fatal construction accidents continue to happen at an alarming rate.
Adams also detailed a number of concerns about the work site and the subcontractor that employed Paredes, as well as his brother and two of his sons.
Deutsch Committee Holds Hearing LGBTQ Veterans Rights
City Councilman Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Midwood), chair of the council’s Veterans Committee, today will have the committee hold a hearing on a proposed bill that would require the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) to offer assistance to veterans discharged other than honorably from the military solely on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The bill would upgrade these veterans’ discharge papers or change the narrative reason for their discharge. The bill would also extend all city benefits and services to LGBTQ veterans who have bad discharge papers solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The bill would also require DVS to issue discharged LGBTQ veterans a certificate of eligibility that can be used as proof that a discharged LGBTQ veteran is eligible for certain city benefits or services available to veterans.
The hearing is slated for 2 p.m., today, Nov. 26 at 250 Broadway in Lower Manhattan.
PA James Condemns NYCHA Heat & Hot Water Outages
Public Advocate and Attorney General-Elect Letitia James yesterday condemned the continued reports about heat and hot water outages at New York City Housing Authority developments throughout the city in the past week.
Among the reported outages in Brooklyn were at the Brownsville, Farragut and Cooper Park Houses.
“It is completely unacceptable that New Yorkers are being denied heat and hot water in their homes during this time of year, especially at the hands of our city. I am deeply concerned that NYCHA continues to be plagued by such serious and widespread problems that put children and seniors at risk,” said James.
“Once again, NYCHA has demonstrated a complete failure to ensure tenants are living in safe homes and instead is subjecting them to dangerous and illegal conditions. We cannot wait any longer to see real action and improvements at NYCHA – the health of New Yorkers is at stake,” she added.
Hamilton On Death Of State Sen. Peralta
State Sen. Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) over the weekend issued the following statement on the sudden death of Queens State Sen. Jose Peralta.
Peralta, 47, died last Wednesday of a heart attack, according to preliminary reports. Both Hamilton and Peralta were members of the now disbanded senate Independent Democratic Conference, which had a ruling coalition with the senate majority Republicans. Progressive, mainstream and extreme Democratic idealogues put up candidates and beat almost all of the former IDC members.
“My condolences to the family and friends of Senator José Peralta. I am deeply saddened by his loss. I treasure the opportunity I had to know José as a colleague, as a passionate advocate for all our communities, and as a friend. As we all give thanks with loved ones today, I give thanks for José’s spirit as a dedicated public servant. I appreciate his more than two decades of public service – from upholding workers’ rights and strengthening unions in our communities to fighting for the New York State DREAM Act and to ensure street safety around our schools,” said Hamilton.
“Though there were those who turned their backs and falsely vilified him because of the IDC, those who knew him best never failed to appreciate the fact that he always remained a strong advocate for his community throughout his career. His legacy shines on as the first Dominican-American elected to the New York State Senate, as a legislator who advanced the well-being of New Yorkers, and as a devoted husband and father,” Hamilton added.
Reform Party Holds Public Advocate Candidate Forum
The New York State Reform Party tonight will hold a candidate forum for all the announced/potential candidates for NYC Public Advocate.
The city is expected to hold a special election for the position in February. The seat will open up in January and current Public Advocate Letitia James assumes the State Attorney General office.
The forum is slated for 7-9 p.m., tonight, Nov. 26 at Bklyn’s Pizza, 1406 86th Street in Bay Ridge.
