Colton Angry DOB Failed to Rescind Incorrect Violations
Assemblyman William Colton (D–Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights) has been discussing with the NYC DOB about violations which were abruptly placed on properties regarding retaining wall inspection on retaining walls located adjacent to their properties, especially on West 7 and West 8 Streets.
“I am greatly disturbed that placing of violations against properties without reviewing whether the retaining walls were in fact on the homeowners’ property or on NYC owned property or whether it was the responsibility of such homeowner to inspect and repair such wall, constitutes an improper taking of property. This is especially true after the MTA immediately notified NYC DOB that the retaining walls in question were on property acquired by NYC and leased to the MTA, specifically giving the MTA the sole responsibility to inspect and repair such wall. The MTA letter to you formally put you on notice that your notices of violations placed on homeowner’s property also posed a safety risk to the subway system and requested that you promptly rescind your letters to homeowners and notify them of such rescission. It’s been more than 60 days since MTA took responsibility, and the NYC DOB has failed to rescind such violations placed on such properties. Surely the NYC DOB must be aware that violations placed of record can delay or terminate any refinancing or sale transactions on such properties and may subject the city and NYC DOB to legal liabilities for any damages incurred as a result of the violations improperly placed unless such violations are rescinded,” Colton stated.
“I demand an immediate cure of the notices of violations and a full investigation of why these notices were not rescinded by now when work on subway tracks is being done on the retaining walls by the MTA. Since the violations were imposed on or about October 1 and the MTA notified you in writing within a week thereafter, clearly, some two months later is more than a reasonable time for the NYC DOB to rescind these violations improperly placed of record. Unless the NYC DOB implements the rescission of these violations administratively, I will advise the affected homeowners of their right to hold the NYC Department of Buildings legally liable for any damages resulting from the improper placing of such violations,” Colton added.
BP Adams Opens Application Period For FY21 Capital Budget
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams encourages City agencies, borough schools, and community-based organizations (CBOs) to apply for capital funding from his office for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) budget. Since the beginning of his administration, Borough President Adams has allocated more than $340 million to capital projects borough-wide, including $46 million toward 135 projects in the past fiscal year.
“Capital funding advances our mission of creating a stronger, more equitable Brooklyn for all,” said Adams. “These important allocations can be game-changers for schools or non-profit organizations and can assist in revitalizing green spaces or other infrastructure across the borough. I encourage all who are eligible to apply this year so we can continue to make our borough a better place to raise healthy children and families.”
Highlights of last year’s achievements included a more than $15 million investment science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education to more than 50 schools throughout the borough. This funding will go toward the construction and completion of new hydroponics labs, computer labs, maker spaces, and other facilities. In addition, Borough President Adams allocated $5.5 million toward economic development projects throughout the borough, more than $3.9 million toward parks and greenspace, approximately $3.1 million toward public health initiatives, as well as funding to dozens of other projects impacting the quality-of-life of Brooklynites from Cobble Hill to Canarsie.
Those applying for capital funding for a non-City project must also complete the requisite capital application from either the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) or New York City Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Projects are generally considered to be non-City if the applicant is a not-for-profit organization. Those with questions regarding the need to submit a non-City project application should review the Guidelines for Capital Funding Requests summary, accessible by visiting the City’s website.
All requests for capital funding from the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President must be submitted via Adams’ online capital funding application, which can be found on his website. The deadline to submit a request is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020.
Treyger Speaks at Southern Brooklyn Democrats Membership Drive
The Southern Brooklyn Democrats political club held a hugely successful Holiday Party and Membership Drive Tuesday at Tom’s Coney Island, packing the popular restaurant on the Boardwalk with prominent community leaders, new club members and some of the most influential political leaders from across city and state government.
“I am incredibly proud and humbled by the monumental show of support in such a short period of time from the entire Southern Brooklyn community and so many of our partners in government as we look to build Southern Brooklyn Democrats into a positive force for our communities,” said Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Bath Beach, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Gravesend, Sea Gate). “This club is quickly showing the power and weight of communities united toward the goals that all of us strive for: good schools for our children, safe and clean streets, affordable housing for our families and seniors, a public transit system that works equitably for all New Yorkers, more investments in improving our city’s resilience against climate change and future extreme weather events and all of the critical quality of life issues that matter most to our communities. I’m excited about everything Southern Brooklyn Democrats will be able to accomplish as we welcome a new year and new beginnings.”
The leaders in government addressed a crowd capacitated with the lifeblood of communities from across Southern Brooklyn – housing leaders, community board and parent association members, seniors, teachers, transit and sanitation workers, nurses, home care workers, and social workers, among others. More than 100 people attended the meeting.
For more information about Southern Brooklyn Democrats, and to learn more about future meetings, events and activities, please visit the club on Facebook.
Myrie Reminds Constituents of Green Light Bill
State Senator Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) sent a message to his constituents about their rights under the recently passed Green Light Bill, which grants undocumented immigrants the right to obtain driver’s licenses.
Myrie said, “This is a major victory for immigrant rights and will also improve street safety, lower insurance rates for drivers, and bring in as much as $50 million in revenue to the state each year.”
The Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act, commonly called the ‘Green Light law’, was enacted on June 17, 2019, and took effect on Monday. It allows all New Yorkers age 16 and older to apply for a standard, not for federal purpose, non-commercial drivers license or learners permit regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States.
Under the Green Light Bill, you do not need a social security number or proof of legal status to apply. DMV offices cannot refuse to issue licenses. Your info will be kept safe. By law, the DMV cannot share applicants’ personal info.
