Brooklyn Lawmakers On The Move July 17, 2019

News Site Brooklyn

Lander Leads In Money Race For City Comptroller

City Council Member Brad Lander

City Councilman Brad Lander’s (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington) intentions to become the next city comptroller received a boost after he submitted a strong financial disclosure report to the Campaign Finance Board on Monday. 

Lander raised more than $360,532 from 1,327 individual donors, more money from more donors than any other candidate. In fact, Lander has raised four times more than any other candidate in the race. Nearly 87% of contributions were below $250, with over 100 monthly sustainers giving small-dollar contributions (generally $10) on a recurring basis.

“We are building a grassroots base across the city that shares our vision of a city where everyone has a right to an affordable home, good, diverse schools, retirement security, and a sustainable future,” said Lander. “And a city government that works effectively and inclusively to deliver on that vision. I am grateful for the support of the thousands of people who are joining our campaign to make this vision a reality.” 

Lander has made strong commitments not to take money from real estate developers, lobbyists, corporate PACs, or the finance, private equity, or hedge fund industry. The campaign vetted all campaign contributions and is in the process of returning nearly $20,000 in donations from individuals associated with the real estate industry. 

With $136,936 of contributions eligible to be matched 8:1 by the City’s campaign finance program (three times more than any other candidate in the race), Lander is eligible for nearly $1.1 million public matching funds, for $1.45 million raised in total — nearly one-third of the way to the spending cap for the comptroller’s race, almost two years out from the primary election

Also filing for the comptroller’s race were City City Council Member Helen Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) with $90,579 raised and Assemblymember David Weprin (D-Queens) $62,672. Also considering a run for the seat is State Sen. Kevin Parker (D-Flatbush).


Myrie’s Busy Week With Constituents

State Senator Zellnor Myrie
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) next week has a series of events planned next week in his district as part of his “Senator On Your Block” series.

They include:

Senator on your block in Prospect Heights, Park Slope and Gowanus from 5-7 p.m., Monday, July 22 at Grand Army Plaza Stop on 2/3 train. 

A housing Forum and Community Bill Signing event from 6:30-*:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 23 at the Crown Heights Library, 560 New York Ave. in Crown Heights.

A Census 2020 event in Sunset Park (In Spanish) from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 24 at Mixteca, 245 23rd Street #2 in Sunset Park.

Two District Office Open Houses from 1-6 p.m., Thursday, July 25 and from 2-5 p.m., Friday, July 26 – both at 1077 Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights on the ground floor.


Colton Warns Homeowners About Orange Arrow Markings On Sidewalk

Assembly Member William Colton

Assemblyman William Colton (D– Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) is warning homeowners of the orange arrows that the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) is making on the sidewalk by their properties. 

Colton believes that these orange markings show sidewalk flags which the city intends to replace, and then may bill homeowners for the replacement.

“All over the neighborhood, the NYC Department of Transportation is making markings on the sidewalks. I am urging every homeowner to take pictures of the sidewalk if they see any orange arrow markings in front of their property to make sure that the areas that are marked are actually defective. Owners must know their rights and what they are responsible to repair,” said Colton.

“I want to make sure that the NYC DOT will not bill homeowners for the sidewalk replacement for which the city is responsible. For example, sidewalks lifted by a city tree by a one-three family house, defective curbs, intersections to install a slip-free ramp or sidewalk where there is no substantial defect should not be billed to homeowners,” he added.

Colton said a number of constituents have reported to his office about sidewalk violations where the city wants to make repairs and charge the homeowners for the repairs, who might not be responsible for those repairs. 

Colton is asking homeowners to contact his district office at 155 Kings Highway or call 718-236-1598 if they have any questions.


Cumbo Announces Free Mammograms In Her district

City Council Member Laurie Cumbo

City Councilmember Laurie Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) announced yesterday that the Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center (BPMC) has teamed up with and Mount Sinai Mobile Mammography Program to provide women with access to free mammograms.

Location and Time:

The Mount Sinai Mobile unit will be parked near Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center, 102 Fort Greene Place (Fort Greene Place and Lafayette Ave), from 10:00 a.m. 4 p.m. on: 

  •  Wednesday, July 24
  •  Wednesday, August 14
  • Tuesday, September 10

Patients are eligible for a screening mammogram if they:

  • Are ages 40 and over
  • Have not had a mammogram in the past year
  • Have no signs or symptoms of breast disease
  • Are insured, under-insured, or uninsured

What to bring on the day of your appointment:

  •    Identification
  •    Health Insurance Card (if applicable)
  •    Copies of past mammograms

To Register/Schedule an Appointment at BPMC, call Ketriana Yvonne at 718.596.9800 Ext. 203, or email her at KYvonne@brooklynplaza.org. Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center is located at 650 Fulton Street in Clinton Hill.


Mosley Condemns DOJ Decision Regarding Death Of Eric Garner

Assemblyman Walter Mosley

Assemblymember Walter T. Mosley (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy) yesterday condemned the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) decision to not pursue charges of NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who was captured on a video five years ago wrapping his arm around Garner’s neck to subdue him on a misdemeanor arrest of selling loose cigarettes.

Garner, who died from the incident, was also captured on the video uttering “I can’t breathe,” contributing to a national protest and conversation regarding police treatment of blacks in this country.

“Nearly five years ago New Yorkers and people across the country watched Eric Garner cry out his infamous last words, “I can’t breathe,” as he was put in a chokehold by a police officer. For the last five years we have protested and called for action against the officer, Daniel Pantaleo, but have been met with opposition at every turn,” said Mosley.

“It has shown all of us how flawed the discipline process is for cases like this. That an officer breaking department rules and using an illegal chokehold can continue to collect a paycheck is unconscionable. This decision from the Justice Department is the latest to fail Eric Garner’s family in the search for justice, but it will not stop us. Black lives matter, and we will not give up the fight,” he added.


Bichotte Continue Subway Summer Hours

Rodneyse Bichotte
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte

Assemblymember Rodeyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park) will continue hosting Summer Subway Office Hours at several train stations. 

This will provide an opportunity for her constituents to ask questions and have concerns addressed. The hours are from 4-7 p.m. on the following dates and subway stations.

Today, Wednesday, July 17 at Newkirk Plaza on the B/Q line; Friday, July 19 at the Church Avenue Station (Caton Side) on the B/q line; Monday, July 22 at Cortelyou Road on the Q line; Wednesday, July 24 at Newkirk Avenue on the 2 and 5 line; and Friday, July 26 a Beverly Road on the 2 and 5 line.