Menchaca Gives Water Main Break Update
City Council Member Carlos Menchaca (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) yesterday met with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and gave the following update to Sunday’s water main break on 44th and 5th Avenue:
- Water restored to all affected buildings.
- Street remains closed at 44th and 5th Avenue while DEP installs 12-inch caps to the water main.
- Water distribution continues. If you have water donations, please drop off at the Sunset Park entrance on 6th Avenue and 44th Street or our District Office at 4417 Fourth Avenue.
- If you have flooding or water damage, fill out the claim form linked here. Take pictures of all damage and make copies of everything. Because the form is only in English, our office will assist in Spanish and Chinese. Call us at 718-439-9012 if you need help.
- Water is drinkable, but if brown initially, let it run for 30 minutes. If still brown, then contact our office or call 3-1-1.
“Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns at 718-439-9012,” said Menchaca.
Lentol Announces New York’s Bump Stock Ban in Effect
Assembly Member Joseph R. Lentol (D-Greenpoint, Williamsburg) yesterday reminded constituents that beginning today, Nov. 26, the state ban on the possession, manufacture, transport, shipment and sale of rapid-fire modifications like bump stocks and trigger cranks goes into effect (Ch. 130 of 2019).
These devices turn firearms into military-style assault weapons and make it possible for shooters to slay numerous people in the blink of an eye. They have no place in New York.
“This law is just one of many gun safety measures I helped pass this year. New York also created a ‘red flag’ extreme risk protection order, strengthened background checks, banned undetectable guns and required safe storage of firearms, rifles and shotguns (Ch. 19, 242, 129, 134 and 135 of 2019). Last year, we made the Domestic Violence Escalation Prevention Act law, prohibiting an individual who has been convicted of a domestic violence crime from purchasing or possessing a firearm (Ch. 60 of 2018),” said Lentol.
“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to worry about losing their lives to gun violence while doing everyday things. The New York State Assembly has taken action to help prevent these tragedies, but there is still more to do. I’ll continue fighting to keep guns out of the wrong hands and protect New Yorkers from senseless acts of violence,” he added.
Cuomo Signs Legislation Prohibiting Using Social Network to Determine Credit Worthiness
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday signed legislation (S.2302/A.5294) prohibiting consumer reporting agencies and lenders from using the credit scores of people in a consumer’s social network to determine that individual’s creditworthiness.
“Basing someone’s credit score on who they know is not only an invasion of privacy, it is a way for these agencies to unfairly target and penalize low-income New Yorkers,” Cuomo said. “This law will keep these unscrupulous agencies in check, end this unfair practice once and for all and help ensure New Yorkers receive more fair and accurate credit ratings.”
The US General Accounting Office has estimated that some 75 percent of credit scores are wrong based on incorrect information collected by credit bureaus and attached to individual credit scores. These errors and the fuzzy math used to create the credit score can impact the everyday lives of consumers when applying for jobs and schools or when finding housing.
“Americans increasingly live much of their lives online. Unfortunately, online activities through social media and other applications expose us to many risks, especially given the scant concern for privacy and equity that many companies have demonstrated when handling our personal data,” said Senator Brian P. Kavanagh (D-Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn Waterfront). Using social media networks to assess credit worthiness could lead to new forms of discrimination akin to redlining and other practices that have no legitimate place in our economy.”
The FICO score, a measure of consumer credit risk that has become a fixture of consumer lending in the United States, is now moving to add a consumer’s social network as another variable in the more than 100 variable equations used to compute a consumer’s credit score. This new law will prevent credit agencies from using this data to determine an individual’s credit score, further protecting consumer right to privacy and preventing these agencies from assigning low-income consumers to lower credit scores based solely on their geography.
Felder, Eichenstein, Yeger Host Flu Shot Event
In response to two patients in critical condition after contracting the flu and in an abundance of caution as flu season begins, State Sen. Simcha Felder (D-Borough Park, Midwood), Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein (D-Borough Park, Midwood) and City Councilman Kalman Yeger (D-,Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Gravesend, Kensington, Midwood) in partnership with Maimonides Medical Center, will host an event where local residents can receive a flu shot at no charge.
This free flu shot event will take place from 4 – 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5 at Assemblyman Eichenstein’s district office, 1310 48th Street, 2nd Floor, in Borough Park. No appointments are necessary.
AM Williams Maple Tree Grows In Brooklyn
Assemblymember Jamie Williams (D-Canarsie, Georgetown, Mill Basin, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach), with assistance from high school students within her 59th Assembly District and the New York State Maple Producers Association, recently developed a vehicle which showcases the history and culture of the state’s maple industry entitled thee Maple Experience.
While all housed in a 24-foot trailer, the interactive display depicting all facets of the maple industry, and visitors are offered a first-hand look at how maple syrup was discovered, how maple sap is harvested and collected from maple trees, and how the liquid maple sap is processed into pure, sweet maple syrup.
New York is one of the few places in the world where our official state tree, the Sugar Maple thrives. The treasure within the trunks of these trees is the sweetness it holds, namely maple syrup. As the Native Americans taught early New York State settlers the traditions in coaxing out this sweet delicacy, has led New York to be a leading producer of this delight.
The display was set up in conjunction with State Sen. Roxanne Persaud and City Council Member Alan Maisel, who also represent the neighborhoods in Williams’ district.
“Watching maple sap boil as it transformed from into syrup is a wonder to behold, and brought to life the process of making this treat and the labor and importance that goes into every drop. The exposure of this core foundation of our great state of New York cannot be understated. Although an ancient tradition, the art form is one that must be preserved and fostered and the ability to teach the next generation is paramount. The NYS Maple Producer’s Association is helping in this endeavor and is bringing to life a wonderful art and craftsmanship that was in danger of disappearing,” remarked Assembly Member Jaime Williams.
Persaud To Host Roundtable Discussion on Public Assistance
State Sen. 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, today will host a roundtable discussion of public assistance income and resource limits.
The event will engage social service providers and advocates in a discussion of public assistance income and resource limits
The roundtable is slated for between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Senate Hearing Room at 250 Broadway, 19th Floor in Lower Manhattan.
Colton Holds Very Successful Veterans Event
Assemblyman William Colton (D–Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights) along with the United Progressive Democratic Club President Nino Magali and 47th AD District Leaders Nancy Tong and Charles Ragusa recently had a very successful Veterans event, where they honored over 30 veterans and active armed service members.
“The event was a great success. The ceremony was attended by more than 70 people, who came out regardless of the weather to show their support and appreciation to our veterans. Veterans were presented with citations from the New York State Assembly and from the United Progressive Democratic Club, US flag lapel pins, a thank you for your service card, a pen and a red, white and blue ribbon pin,” said Colton.
“Our guests and veterans were served delicious food and a cake. Everyone had a great time. For several years, I have been sponsoring events honoring our veterans. I urge everyone to thank our veterans every day not just on the holidays,” he added.
