BP Adams Announces Boroughwide Participatory Budgeting Winners
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams yesterday announced the impact of his $1,155,000 capital budget investment in Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) of participatory budgeting (PB), a democratic process in which local residents directly decide how to spend part of a public budget.
This year, the number of community-driven projects funded in council districts encompassed more than 70 percent of Brooklyn. Tens of thousands of Brooklyn residents cast ballots at locations across the borough — including at Brooklyn Borough Hall — during the 2019-2020 PB cycle voting period, which took place between Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, April 7.
Adams’ capital budget contribution was apportioned equally to winning projects from the votes conducted by the 11 council members in the borough who are participating in PB this year. Adams celebrated the continued growth of PB in Brooklyn and its role in advancing the causes of civic engagement, fiscal transparency, and good government.”
“PB puts democracy into action by encouraging people to decide directly how the City’s money is spent,” said Adams. “I am proud that this year, participants throughout the borough voted for projects that will improve street safety, modernize school facilities, beautify our parks and gardens, and much more. These projects will have a lasting impact, and it is possible because we were able to empower local communities and give them a voice in an often-opaque process. I want to thank the Brooklyn council members who brought PB to their districts this year, and I hope we can expand this vital initiative citywide in the coming years.”
Cumbo, Fort Green Lawmakers Host Senior Appreciation Brunch & Resource Fair
City Councilwoman and Council Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) in conjunction with U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D), State Sen. Velmanette Montgomery (D) and Assemblymember Walter T. Mosley (D), all of whom represent the same neighborhoods, tomorrow will host a Senior Appreciation Brunch & Resource Fair.
The event will include an array of helpful resources from NYC agencies and not-for-profits to help seniors and caregivers navigate legal and medical challenges in addition to a hot delicious lunch, a DJ and live entertainment.
The fair is slated for 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., tomorrow, May 15, at the Ingersol Community Center 177 Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene.
Menchaca To Give Out Free Rain Barrels
City Council Member Carlos Menchaca (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) this week will give out free rain barrels at his district office.
Each barrel has a 60-gallon capacity and can be easily installed to a downspout to collect water from a rooftop. The rainwater can be used to water lawns and gardens, or for other outdoor needs. Rain barrels conserve water and reduce sewer overflows.
To receive a rain barrel, you must live in district 38. The barrels will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Barrels can be picked up from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., today, May 14 through Thursday, May 16 at Menchaca’s district office, 4417 4th Avenue in Sunset Park. Additionally, you can call 718-439-9012 extension 104 to reserve a rain barrel.
Rose Honors Nation’s Police Officers During National Police Week
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) an Army combat veteran, this week honored the brave woman and men in law enforcement who keep the nation’s communities safe as it is National Police Week.
“The women and men of our law enforcement agencies, and especially the New York Police Department who are responsible for protecting the world’s top terrorist target each and every day, have one of the toughest jobs in the world,” said Rose, chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism.
“They run towards danger on a daily basis, and many, including right here on Staten Island and in South Brooklyn, have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is my honor to welcome them to Washington this week to recognize their service, and I will always have their back when it comes to providing the resources and support they need to do their jobs.”
As chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism, Rose introduced legislation last week with support from the New York Police Department (NYPD) to crack down on unregistered and untraceable “ghost guns” by providing local law enforcement with annual updates on the threat posed by the availability of these weapons.
Persaud Brings Dozens of Colleges to Brooklyn for Annual Educational Fair
State Sen. Roxanne J. Persaud (D- Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetowne, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) on Saturday will host her annual Senate District 19 College Resource Fair.
The event will feature dozens of colleges and representatives from across New York and other states.
The Senator’s College Resource Fair will be held in partnership with the Department of Education, State Senator Julia Salazar, Assemblymember Charles Barron and the Cypress Hills Development Corporation.
There will be free giveaways for guests, dozens of colleges and representatives in attendance and a presentation by Maisha Challenger, Federal Student Aid Specialist from the DOE. Families and students will be able to discover educational opportunities and meet with admissions personnel as well as learn more about the FAFSA form, scholarships and other financial aid.
“It’s important that are kids are coming out to learn what college is all about and what opportunities are out there. Getting a college education is valuable and indispensable; however, it is not for everyone and we will have job resources and other services available as well. The annual Senate District 19 College Resource Fair aims to guide our students in finding the right path for their futures and help unlock their potentials, and it is always open to everyone,” said Persaud.
The Fair is slated for between 12 noon – 3 p.m, Saturday, May 18 at the Thomas Jefferson Educational Campus, 400 Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York.
Myrie To Hold District Senate Hearing On Rent Laws
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) this week will hold a first time Senate hearing on rent reform in the district.
At the hearing, tenants from the community will put their experience on the record and help take a major step toward housing justice for people. The hearing is to show the whole state that constituents are serious about this issue. So Myrie is urging residents to show up.
The hearing is slated for between 1-8 p.m., Thursday, May 16 Medgar Evers College, 1650 Bedford Avenue in Crown Heights. If you would like to testify, please reach out to our office by calling 718-284-4700 or emailing myrie@nysenate.gov.
