Deutsch, Brannan Bill Would Require City To Paint Curbs Near Fire Hydrants Red
City Councilmembers Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Midwood) and Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst) yesterday with support from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. (D) introduced a bill that would require the city to paint curbs next to fire hydrants and bus stops red for the exact distance that parking is illegal.
The colored paint would be used to alert motorists as to where they can and cannot park.
Tickets are frequently issued to motorists unaware of the exact distance they must clear from a fire hydrant, or of exactly how far a bus stop extends. The measure aims to remove the guesswork when a driver goes to park close to the space reserved for a hydrant or bus stop.
“I’m glad to partner with Councilmember Brannan and Borough President Diaz, Jr. to introduce this bill. Painting curbs around hydrants and bus stops will ensure that motorists have a clear picture of where they can and can’t park. This will both ensure fewer summonses are issued to cars parked illegally unintentionally, and open up parking spots where people may be overestimating the amount of space needed. I will continue to pursue efforts to increase parking in our city, including speaking with the FDNY to determine the feasibility of shortening restrictions around fire hydrants,” said Deutsch.
“This is a commonsense measure all about getting everyone on the same page,” said Brannan. “If the City is going to make people pay for parking illegally, it owes them absolute certainty of where they can and can’t park. We all know that street signs can be hidden or unclear, making life harder for drivers and enforcement alike. I’ll always fight to make our city fairer, and this is one way we can do it.”
Having been introduced, the bill must pass through committee hearings and a final Council vote.
Colton Concerned Over Empire/Anthem Insurance Company & Health Providers Contract Negotiations
Assemblyman William Colton (D– Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) yesterday sent a letter to the Empire/Anthem Insurance Company President & CEO Gail K. Boudreaux, regarding the contract negotiation with all New York-Presbyterian facilities, as well as Weill Cornell Medicine, Colombia Doctors, and physicians of New York-Presbyterian Medical Groups.
Colton noted the contract with Empire/Anthem Insurance Company is set to expire at midnight on December 31, and if it does it will be considered out-of-network providers for all Empire/Anthem members as of January 1, 2019.
“What really concerns me here is that the constituent that is seeking help was simply notified that this negotiation can affect her ability to choose the high-quality care she is now receiving,” said Colton.
“This is disgraceful and unacceptable that Empire/Anthem Insurance Company is demanding deep cuts that would slash more than $200 million in payments to New York-Presbyterian, while the insurance massive generates billions in profits for its major shareholders. I believe that all their members deserve broad access to the very best healthcare services. I believe that everyone should be able to choose their doctors and where they will receive their health care.
“People are relying on their medical coverage to survive. The health issue that the patients are encountering is frustrating itself and already has had a terrible impact on them and their families. This lack of agreement is further stressing out already ill people. Health care is a critical public concern; therefore Empire/Anthem must work out a good faith negotiation. The duty of the Empire/Anthem is to find a way to respect the choice of all the New Yorkers, and come to a reasonable agreement and resolve this matter as quickly as possible,” added Colton.
Espinal and Community Gardens Demand Citywide Moratorium on Destruction of Green Spaces
City Council Member Rafael Espinal (D-East New York, Bushwick) will join a rally calling for a citywide moratorium on the destruction of all community gardens.
As rezonings and the affordable housing crisis drive more development across the city, open space is an increasingly rare commodity. Often under city agency jurisdiction, these sites are singled out as opportunities to build more affordable housing, said Espinal.
“Community gardens should not be treated like vacant lots,” Espinal said, “I am calling for a moratorium on the destruction of all community gardens in New York City. As predictions about our planet’s future grow increasingly bleak, we must preserve and expand green space in our city, not pave it over. We need a blanket moratorium until we can trust our city agencies to take climate change seriously and to value these outdoor community centers.”
The rally is slated for 9 a.m., today, Nov. 29 outside of 60 Centre Street in Lower Manhattan.
Mosley Congratulates Jeffries On Election As House Caucus Chair
Assemblymember Walter Mosley (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) yesterday congratulated U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn, Queens) on house Democrats electing him as the House Democratic Caucus Chair – the fifth highest ranking position in the House.
Jeffries held the assembly seat that Mosley now holds before getting elected to Congress.
“I want to congratulate my dear friend and colleague, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, on his recent election as Democratic Caucus Chair. Congressman Jeffries has for so many years been an important leader here in New York and I look forward to him taking on this new role,” said Mosley.
“We need younger leadership and leaders from traditionally underserved communities so that those voices that for too long have been marginalized, can be heard. Congressman Jeffries will bring that voice to the Democratic Conference and to the floor of Congress. I know that he will be a fearless fighter for all people and help move our party and nation forward.”
Community for Kids Benefit to Support the Maimonides Pediatric Trauma Center
Community for Kids is hosting their 3rd annual benefit to support the Maimonides Pediatric Trauma Center this evening.
Maimonides President & CEO Kenneth D. Gibbs. will deliver the opening remarks. Event honorees include: Investors Bancorp & Investors Bank President & COO Domenick A. Cama; Maimonides Chair of Emergency Medicine Dr. John Marshall; and Rev. Msgr. David Cassato, Pastor of St. Athanasius Church.
The event is slated for 6:30 p.m., tonight, Nov. 29 at El Caribe, 5945 Strickland Avenue in MIll Basin.
