Gounardes, Brannan: Turn Bishop Kearney Into Specialized High School
State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Gerritsen Beach, Manhattan Beach, Marine Park) and City Council Member Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) yesterday urged Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza to to convert the soon-to-be-closed Bishop Kearney School into a new specialized high school.
The school is at 2202 60th Street in Bensonhurst.
The lawmakers outlined the idea in a letter to the Mayor and the Chancellor, noting that students from three southern Brooklyn School Districts — 20, 21 and 22 — constitute about 25% of the enrolled student body at specialized high schools.
Citywide, there is great demand for more specialized high schools. In 2019, only 4,798 out of 27,521 applicants to specialized schools were offered admission. Gounardes and Brannan urged the School Construction Authority to consider adding seats across the City to dramatically increase enrollment and diversity modeled after CUNY’s expansion in the ‘60s and early ‘70s.
“Every family deserves a world-class education for their child. By expanding the number of seats in specialized schools, we can grow the pie rather than arguing over how to slice it,” said Gounardes. “In southern Brooklyn, we have a large number of high-achieving students who would greatly benefit from attending school closer to home. And by dramatically increasing the number of seats Citywide, we will extend educational opportunities to many more New York City children.”
“Nobody wanted to see Bishop Kearney close but this is one way we can turn lemons into lemonade. We know our local school districts are going to continue producing some of the highest achieving students in the city. Why not give these smart and eager 8th graders an expanded choice of specialized high schools right here in southern Brooklyn and, in the process, create more opportunities for everyone – colloquially known as a win-win,” said Brannan.
Cumbo Cheers Community Win Against Residential Loading Zones
City Council Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) yesterday cheered local community leaders and advocates for the removal of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Residential Loading Zone Pilot Program in both Clinton Hill locations.
Cumbo noted the program was launched with little notice and no community input leaving residents with less parking and quick parking tickets, fines, boots, and even tows, sometimes all within the span of two to three hours.
“We can confirm that there was little to no communication of this pilot program before being implemented in our district. We were “notified” of the program via one hard copy letter dated July 10, in comparison, the first tickets, fines, and tows were issued July 18,” she said in an emailed statement.
“By ticketing immediately after signs were installed, the City also ignored Administrative Code 19-175.2, which affirms that “following any permanent change in parking restrictions…parking violation[s] that occurred within five days of posting…shall have an affirmative defense that the vehicle of the owner was parked in compliance with the applicable parking restriction was in effect prior to such change,”
Cumbo said that the DOT confirmed that they are rescinding fines, boots, and tows during the following grace periods:
- 8/17 – 8/24 (for violations in the Greene Avenue Zone,) and
- 8/16 – 8/23 (for violations in the Bergen Street Zone)
For those affected by the residential loading zones, please reach out to Diana Soriano (DSoriano@dot.nyc.gov) with a copy of your ticket and other applicable fees.
Treyger Sponsors Back To School Community Fair
City Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) yesterday announced he again will sponsor his Back To School Community Fair.
The event brings services, supplies, and fun for Coney Island children and families all in one place. It also connects families and students with much-needed school supplies and resources to prepare for the upcoming school year.
This community-driven event provides valuable services free of cost to any child that needs a backpack and school supplies.
“I commend the Alliance for Coney Island and our small businesses in Coney Island for organizing this important event to guarantee that every student succeeds in the classroom,” said Treyer.
The event is slated for 12 noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7 on Mermaid Avenue, between W. 25th and W. 29th Streets in Coney Island.
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $178M In Fed Anti-Terrorism Funding
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) yesterday announced that the New York City area is set to receive $178,750,000 in federal funding to address the unique needs of high-threat, high-density urban areas by helping to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism.
Through UASI’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, $11,096,805 will be awarded to 116 nonprofit organizations in the New York City area that are at high risk of an attack to improve their security.
Synagogues, churches, mosques, and other faith-based community centers are just a few examples of nonprofit organizations that could apply for these funds.
“With both ISIS-inspired attacks and horrific hate crimes targeting places of worship becoming more frequent across the globe, we must do all we can to help protect top terror targets like New York City and help people of all faiths worship in safety and security,” said Schumer. “Federal security funds, like UASI, are the cornerstone of effective preparedness and prevention against terror threats and enable local law enforcement, like the NYPD, to do all they can to keep New Yorkers safe. I have been a strong supporter of counter-terrorism funds for New York City and I will do everything in my power to continue fighting for these funds to make sure that New York and all houses of worship are protected.”
“No one should ever have to live in fear of being the target of a terror attack, and it is a tragedy that New York and places across the country still face the threat of terrorism and hate crimes,” said Gillibrand. “These anti-terror funds will help our law enforcement protect and save lives, and it will also provide nonprofits and places of worship that are at risk of being targeted with the resources they need to enhance their security and help prevent attacks. I’m proud to fight for the funding for this critical program every year in the Senate, and I will always do everything I can to help keep New Yorkers safe.”
