Lentol Releases Statement on the Approval of $450M for NYCHA Developments
Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol (D-Greenpoint, Williamsburg) released a statement last week responding to the federal approval of $450 million for NYCHA developments. “New York State made a commitment to improve the quality of life for individuals and families living in New York City Housing Authority developments. The approval of $450 million in New York State funding by the federal monitor for NYCHA comes at a time when its residents need it most. The funding will provide new boilers for reliable heat and elevator improvements, which will deliver critical improvements for all NYCHA tenants – especially those in my district who have suffered inconsistent heat and regular elevator outages.”
Colton is Outraged with the NYCDOB Commissioner’s Notices of Violation to Homeowners
Assemblyman William Colton (D–Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights) released a statement last week saying that recently his office has been swamped with angry homeowners who received and are still receiving Notices of Violation from the NYCDOB Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca about the retaining wall behind their property, which the assemblyman believes is actually the property of the city.
“Every notice states that the NYCDOB records indicate that the homeowner is in violation of the NYC Administrative Code. Then it directs homeowners to remove this violation by submitting an acceptable technical report within 60 days of the day of the letter, not counting that each letter is dated October 2, 2019, and every person that had contacted me with this problem received it on or after October 31, 2019. Furthermore, people have been threatened that if they fail to comply, it may result in the issuance of a violation and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties,” Colton stated.
In 2017 the MTA released a press release stating that they’ll be spending $395.7 million on a renovation project, in which they declared they would be repairing the retaining wall. The MTA’s press release specifically stated that “work will also take place between stations with repairs to retaining walls along the right of way.”
“It’s just outrageous that after the millions of dollars that the MTA had spent on the repairs, which includes the retaining wall repairs, now two years later homeowners are in violation of not maintaining the retaining wall. Isn’t it ironic? Taxpayer’s monies were wasted on the repairs that were not completed. Now the city decides to put the burden on the homeowners,” Colton continued. “My question is why now it became such a big issue where homeowners became victims. I think the only fault of the homeowners is that they own property which is near the MTA’s retaining wall. This is unacceptable. I am calling for a full investigation. I will not stop until I’ll get to the bottom of this chaos.”
BP Adams Hosts “400 Years of Fortitude” Event and Announces Trip to Gorée Island
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams hosted “400 Years of Fortitude” last week, a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the first enslaved Africans’ arrival in Virginia in 1619. The event paid tribute to this solemn occasion through art, artifacts, dance, drums, fashion, songs, and spoken word. It also featured a keynote address from Dionne Bennett, Assistant Professor of African American Studies, CUNY City Tech, and an awards ceremony for notable attendees.
“Four hundred years ago, a ship of African slaves on these shores, condemned to a life of bondage in an unfamiliar country. Their arrival changed the course of history, launching a centuries-long struggle for freedom and equality that in many ways continues to this day. We were so proud to host an event marking this grim milestone, while also celebrating the many contributions African-Americans have made and continue to make to our borough and city,” said Adams. “My trip to Gorée Island later this month will be a recognition of the solemn history of the slave trade from one of the places it originated, but I am also going in the spirit of partnership with our African brothers and sisters. We have come so far since 1619, but so much work remains to be done.”
At the event, Adams officially announced a trip he is taking later in the month to Gorée Island, a district of the capital city of Dakar in Senegal and an important site in the history of the Atlantic slave trade. He also declared a sister city agreement with the island, which signifies a long-term partnership between two communities in two countries that touches on cultural exchange, economic development, and other important areas. In anticipation of his trip. Adams presented a Key to the Borough symbolizing the opening of the “Door of No Return,” a memorial to those who were sold into slavery.
Clarke Held Children’s Walk in Support of Migrant Children at the Border
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-Brooklyn) hosted a “Children Support Children’s Walk” in Brooklyn this weekend in support of migrant children. Rep. Clark walked with local elected officials, New Sanctuary, and local Brooklyn high schools and middle schools for children and teenagers in her district in solidarity of migrant children who are being held in detention facilities at the Southern Border. This gave students an opportunity to engage in their community and to stand up for a cause that supports the immigrant community.
Treyger Delivers $2 Million for Upgraded Culinary Center at High School
New York City Council Member Mark Treyger (Coney Island, Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Sea Gate) was joined last week by William E. Grady Career and Technical Education High School faculty, students, and board members, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to announce the newly renovated culinary kitchen center at William E. Grady High School in South Brooklyn.
The modernized state-of-the-art culinary kitchen classroom and learning lab at William Grady High School was built with $2.1 million dollars in capital funding, provided by Treyger with an allocation of $560,00 from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. This renovation began on Jan. 18, 2018 and the School Construction Authority completed the project on Aug. 30, 2019.
“I am absolutely thrilled that the students at William E. Grady High School have the opportunity to learn a lifelong skill and career development opportunity with the renovated culinary kitchen classroom. Grady High School is filled with amazing, talented students and the culinary arts curriculum is a popular program, but the kitchen and the infrastructure were severely dated. I’m a big proponent of career-based education,” said Treyger, Chair of the Committee on Education. “New York City has some of the top-rated restaurants in the country and is a culinary destination recognized worldwide. It is only natural that we encourage young adults in our schools to take advantage of learning a valuable trade to later obtain employment opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industry here in the city. As someone who is an avid cook, this is a big victory for our students. I look forward to sampling the gastronomic creations to come!”
The new kitchen facility will enable students interested in the culinary arts to engage in rigorous Career and Technical Education programming. William E. Grady High School has five Career and Technical Education programs to prepare students for growing and emerging industries. Students enrolled in the Entrepreneurship Academy Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management track participate in a state-certified program that establishes college readiness and creates a pipeline for the next steps in their career development.
