CM Miller Reflects On 9/11 18 years later
City Council Member I. Daneek Miller (D-Jamaica, Cambria Heights, Hollis, St. Albans, Queens Village, Springfield Gardens) yesterday issued the following statement reflecting on 9/11 eighteen years later.
“For those of us who witnessed the fateful events of 9/11, the imagery of that day – the planes, the fire, the smoke, the people, the debris, the dust, the heroism – is no less vivid eighteen years later. As we remember those we lost on September 11, 2001, let us also remember those we have lost since, as well as those who suffer still, due to deadly and debilitating 9/11-related illnesses: first responders, civilian workers, and survivors,” said Miller.
“It is their legacy of tragedy and triumph that we must honor, both as individuals and members of a greater community. During my tenure as Civil Service and Labor Chair, the Committee advocated for all civilian responders at Ground Zero diagnosed with a 9/11 health condition to be granted unlimited sick leave, and moved the City Council to lend its voice to the nationwide call for Congress to pass the law that made the Victim Compensation Fund permanent.
“Ensuring the health and well-being of all 9/11 responders, survivors and their families will continue to be a top priority of the Committee. As a former member of our City’s dedicated civil service workforce, I encourage everyone to see our civil servants in a different light than they otherwise would. They too answered the call without hesitation, and we owe them our everlasting gratitude as well,” the lawmakers added.
Constantinides, Gianaris Call for Triborough Bridge Safety Improvements
City Council Member Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, part of Long Island City, Rikers Island, Woodside) and State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, parts of Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven) today will call on the MTA to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety across the Triborough Bridge.
Those traveling along the East River span either by bike or foot recently told The City it’s a dangerous stretch that lacks protective fencing. Because a second pathway on the bridge’s southern side has long been closed, bikers and pedestrians are forced to share a cramped, five-foot-wide walk. While other sections of the Triborough have become more accessible without a car, this Queens-to-Randall’s Island section has greatly lagged behind.
The lawmakers and advocates will ask the MTA to reopen the Triborough Bridge’s southern pathway to create separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians as well as install protective fencing along the entire strip.
The call to action is slated for 8:30 a.m., today, Sept. 12 at the Queens pedestrian entrance to the Triborough Bridge, 27th Street and Hoyt Avenue North in Astoria.
Weprin to Host Pet-A-Pup Day
Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D-Richmond Hill, Fresh Meadows) today will host a Pet-A-Pup Day for seniors.
At the event, Weprin and New York Therapy Animals will introduce seniors to trained therapy dogs which have been shown to improve appetite, social interaction, brain stimulation, and tactile activity.
The animal-friendly event is slated for 11 a.m., today, Sept. 12 at the SNAP Innovative Senior Center, 80-45 Winchester Boulevard, Building #4, in Queens Village.
