Rose and Brooklyn Lawmakers Announce $9 Million in Federal Funding Awarded to Improve Bus Safety
Congressman Max Rose (D-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) announced at a press conference Sunday that $9 million in federal funding was awarded to improve bus safety and accessibility in South Brooklyn.
“Four months ago, we organized and called on the federal government to listen to the needs of local residents, and disburse grant funding to help us upgrade the South Brooklyn bus network—because the sad fact is that for too long we’ve been ripped off, forgotten and ignored,” Rose said. “I’m proud to announce that after our calls for action, the federal government stepped up and is providing $9 million to improve our bus system, increase accessibility, and ensure the safety of riders. We have so much more work to do, but this is a good start.”
Rose announced the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $9 million in federal funding to support a New York City Department of Transportation project to increase safety and accessibility through the creation of 15 bus bulbs and 15 bus pads at priority bus stops in South Brooklyn along 86th Street and the Bay Parkway. The project also includes a trench restoration with full street reconstruction on 20th Avenue from 86th Street to Benson Avenue and safety improvements at the intersection of Benson Avenue and 20th Avenue.
“I’m proud to have joined my colleagues in securing $9 million for bus improvements we need in Brooklyn,” Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Queens, Greenpoint) said. “The federal government has an important role to play in supporting infrastructure improvements and investment, and I am committed to improving accessibility and safety for bus riders.”
Persaud to Host Roundtable Discussion on Public Assistance Income & Resource Limits
Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Ocean Hill, Starrett City), Chair of the NYS Senate Social Services Committee, will host a roundtable discussion of public
assistance income and resource limits. Participants will include representatives from New York State and City of New York agencies, advocates and legal service providers.
The discussion will take place Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 10 a.m. in the 19th Floor Senate Hearing Room at 250 Broadway in Manhattan.
Those wishing to attend are asked to send their first and last names to weakley@nysenate.gov by no later than 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, in order to appear on the security list.
City Announces Enforcement Sweep of 6,000 Construction Sites in Advance of Dec. Training Deadline
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the Department of Buildings (DOB) inspectors have already begun proactive sweeps of over 6,000 construction sites throughout New York City to educate workers about the importance of construction site safety. The inspections come in advance of a Dec. 1 deadline by which every worker and supervisor on major construction sites will be required to have undergone mandatory hours of safety training.
“As the holidays approach, building inspectors are making their list and checking it twice to ensure every relevant site is following the rules and keeping its workers safe,” said de Blasio. “Having every worker and supervisor on major construction sites appropriately trained by Dec. 1 isn’t just about following the law—it’s about saving lives.”
The sweeps come in the wake of two separate work-related accidents where two construction workers in Manhattan lost their lives. These two accidents are still under active investigation, by DOB, partner agencies, and law enforcement.
“I commend the consistent efforts of Commissioner La Rocca and the Department of Buildings to improve construction site safety across the City. They have made it clear that the Department is laser-focused on improving safety for workers and the public, and they have been great partners in this work,” said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. (D-Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights) Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings. “These actions help save lives and avoid preventable tragedies.”
All Site Safety Training worksites in the city have been included in this sweep. Starting on Dec. 1, all construction workers on New York City’s larger work sites will be required to have at least 30 hours of mandatory safety training, while safety supervisors will be required to have at least 62 hours of training. You can find a list of available providers here and the location of all construction sites where training is required here.
CM Ampry-Samuel Joins Neighbors Together in Service to End Hunger and Poverty in Brooklyn
New York City Councilmember Alicka Ampry-Samuel (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant, Ocean Hill-Brownsville, East Flatbush, Crown Heights) District will be joining Neighbors Together a non-profit committed to ending hunger and poverty in Ocean Hill, Brownsville and Bedford-Stuyvesant, three of the lowest-income areas in New York City to serve 400 pre-Thanksgiving meals to low income and homeless New Yorkers. The councilmember will be serving meals after her tour of the facility.
“Food insecurity is a year-round issue for New Yorkers and providing an access point to a healthy meal for low-income families and homeless families is a daily need across the city,” said Ampry-Samuel. “Working with Neighbors Together to shine a light on their mission to end hunger in Bed-Stuy, Ocean Hill and Brownsville is important. We know that the holiday season can be emotionally tough to get through when you are uncertain of your next meal, and it does not have to be that way. Everyday New Yorkers should take the opportunity throughout the year to serve those in need in their community because there are many community-based organizations that can use an extra hand.”
Join the early Thanksgiving meal being served today, Nov. 25, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Neighbors Together located on 2094 Fulton Street.
