Adams to Hold Meeting on Overstuffed Funeral Homes
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will convene today with funeral home directors, faith leaders, morgue operators, cemeteries, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) and other stakeholders for a Bereavement Task Force as the city continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent weeks, funeral homes have reported being overwhelmed by the number of decedents, which was vividly illustrated last week when dozens of bodies were discovered in a U-Haul truck outside a funeral home in Flatlands, Brooklyn.
Borough President Adams and members of the task force will discuss potential policy solutions that ensure decedents are being treated in a dignified manner, and allow their loved ones to lay their bodies to rest peacefully.
Colton Delivers Food to Hospital Staff
Assemblyman William Colton (Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) together with the United Progressive Democratic Club, President Nino Magali, and District Leader Nancy Tong, accompanied the owner of the Ciao Pizza and Pasta and the officers of the Tai Shan Du Hu Association of America in delivering hot food, to the 60th Police Precinct, including face masks, surgical gloves and a variety of supplies to the 62nd Precinct and Coney Island Hospital.
“With the help of the local businesses and organizations, we are able to show our appreciation to the first responders, who are risking not just their lives, but the lives of their families as well as by keeping us all safe. I would like to extend my thanks to the owner of the Ciao Pizza and Pasta which is located on Bay Parkway and 71st Street and to the Tai Shan Du Hu Association of America for coming together in donating to our heroes.
“This is the time when we have to help each other and be strong. This act of kindness is showing that we are New Yorkers and we are strong, stronger than ever. The stronger we are the quicker we will be able to beat the invisible enemy that had attacked our country. Be safe, God bless America and us all,” Colton said.
Treyger Organizes 500+ Meal Delivery
Councilmember Mark Treyger (Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend) organized on Friday a delivery of over 500 pre-packaged meals to Coney Island Hospital received for its healthcare workers, including its Emergency Department. The 500+ meals is the single largest food donation the hospital has received during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am proud that my office was able to help coordinate this amazing showing of appreciation for our heroic medical professionals. The healthcare workers at Coney Island Hospital have risked their own lives to save many others during this unprecedented public health crisis. I commend them for their amazing courage,” said Treyger.
The delivery of the meals was the result of the efforts of local attorney and community advocate, Priscilla Consolo, who was treated by the hospital’s Emergency Department this past February after falling seriously ill. To give back to the hospital’s staff who helped save her life, she fundraised over $4,000 to show support for the hospital’s medical professionals.
The delivery was organized with the assistance of Council Member Mark Treyger’s Office, including District Director of Operations and Democratic District Leader Ari Kagan, who worked closely with the hospital to coordinate the large meal delivery. The meals were prepared by Nick’s Lobster House, a family-owned waterfront restaurant specializing in seafood dishes that has been serving Brooklyn patrons since 1955.
Clarke Delivers PPE, Food to NYCHA Houses
U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Park Slope) joined forces with Tenant Association President Barbara McFadden to deliver personal protective equipment (PPE) and food to residents of the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Sheepshead Bay-Nostrand Houses this weekend.
“As the Congresswoman representing some of our city’s most vulnerable populations, like residents at the Sheepshead Bay-Nostrand Houses, it’s important to help these communities receive essential items they otherwise might have trouble coming across during this pandemic. Working with Tenant Association President Barbara McFadden in delivering personal protective equipment and food to residents of Sheepshead-Nostrand houses this weekend helps these Brooklynites do their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said Clarke.
The Sheepshead Bay Houses (located at 2935 Avenue W in Brooklyn) and the neighboring Nostrand Houses (located at 2263 Batchelder Street), commonly called the “Sheepshead Bay-Nostrand Houses,” have historically been some of the most neglected NYCHA buildings in the city and serve a majority of people of color.
Persaud with 94 Electds Urges President to Expand Safety Net
State Senator Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City), along with U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), and other Queens electds, led 94 New York elected officials from all levels of government in urging President Trump to support the expansion of critical safety net programs for New Yorkers, as N.Y. continues its fight against COVID-19.
“New Yorkers are suffering right now,” said Senator Persaud, Chair of the Social Services Committee. “Without additional assistance from our federal government, more New Yorkers will go hungry, especially our vulnerable populations. The need for food is at a critical level and immediate action is needed. If the national statistics aren’t telling enough, look at the growing lines outside of community food pantries across our state.”
These programs include food assistance for children and seniors, hazard pay for essential workers, paid sick leave, additional funding for unemployment benefits and other essential initiatives. The letter is signed by New York elected officials from Congress, the New York State Legislature and New York City Council.
Rose Highlights Need for Federal Action
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (South Brooklyn, Staten Island) participated in a virtual forum yesterday on coronavirus and the Federal government’s response in which he highlighted the important role the federal government should play in producing and securing critical supplies.
“I truly do believe that this is a monumental moment that is equivalent to total war and requires us to not only appropriate and allocate and distribute necessary resources, and really mobilize all of society, the private sector and the public,” Rose said. “But it is also a moment for us to learn lessons of the past, see what lessons learned from previous instances of us facing crisis like this, obviously not of this size, but nonetheless a similar issue. But I have no interest in using this moment for politics, for using this moment for unnecessary finger pointing. The purpose of this from my perspective is very simple: what do we have to do to prevent this from ever happening again? And two, what do we have to do to ease suffering as much as possible, as well as safely and responsibly opening up this economy.”
Rose joined Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. of New Jersey, chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, & Recovery, and Ron Klain, Former White House Ebola Response Coordinator in today’s forum.
Myrie Updates on COVID-19
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) reminded everyone that Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio stated that school will be closed for the rest of the school year.
Other COVID-19 Updates:
Cases:
- The state suffered 289 deaths over the past day, another large number that nonetheless marks a continued decline.
Mental Health Services:
- The governor is directing insurers to waive cost-sharing, co-pays and deductibles for essential workers seeking mental health services.
Masks:
- The city is distributing masks and face coverings throughout the district, including three spots in Prospect Park. You can find locations and hours here or call our office. And if you want to make your own, follow the guidance here.
Pregnant Inmates Released:
- State officials announced that pregnant women with fewer than six months on their sentences for non-violent offenses will be released from prisons.
Open Streets:
- Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Corey Johnson announced the first group of streets that will be opened to pedestrians and cyclists every day starting next week. More info here.
Regents:
- State education officials will cancel the August Regents examinations. For more info on graduation requirements in light of COVID-19, click here.
CitiBike
- The mayor announced that the city, Citi and Mastercard have partnered to commit $1 million to significantly grow the Citi Bike Critical Workforce Membership Program, making memberships longer and available to more workers.
