Brannan Passes Heat Vulnerability Bill
City Councilman Justin Brannan’s (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) bill designed to measure the impact of heat on health and mortality across New York City, was passed in city council yesterday.
“Extreme heat is an issue of racial and economic justice – if you are a low-income Black New Yorker, you are disproportionately more likely to die from extreme heat, particularly if you cannot afford air conditioning or have underlying health issues,” Brannan said. “That’s why environmental justice advocates have been pushing for a bill like this one for years. We have to plan for a hotter future and act accordingly, and the only way we can do so effectively is to annually study and understand extreme heat’s impact.
The bill once signed, will require the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to annually report on neighborhood heat vulnerability and the number of heat-related deaths.
Colton Wants Your Eyes and Ears
Assemblyman William Colton (Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights) has organized a volunteer neighborhood block watch for people in his district to be able to report to him on their quality of life and if there are problems in need of addressing.
“Unfortunately, there is a small number of people who are being encouraged by the city policies not to foster respect for the law nor strong enforcement against those who break the law. Those individuals who are dumping household trash into city pails also promote vermin, rodents, unsanitary health conditions, and the law must be enforced by issuing fines,” Colton stated.
“I invite all neighborhood organizations, churches, synagogues, mosques, civic groups, and social organizations to ask their members to become part of this project. Let’s get the word out that our community is united in demanding the best for all our families, no matter what race, ethnicity, or religion. I cannot travel to inspect every part of the neighborhood every day. I need your eyes, and ears in reporting to me what you see, and I will report it to the proper agency,” he stated.
To become a part of the Neighborhood Block Watch call Colton’s office at 718 236 1598 or email him at coltonw@nyassembly.gov
Gounardes and Brannan Announce a “United in Thanks” March
State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Gerritsen Beach, Manhattan Beach, Marine Park) and City Councilman Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) announced yesterday that they will hold a “United in Thanks” March in support of essential workers.
“Our essential workers brought us through the devastation of COVID, even as hundreds lost their lives. One way to begin to move forward is to unite as a neighborhood to thank those who powered our city through dark days and commemorate those we lost. I hope this helps our community continue to heal from the trauma as we honor the brave essential workers who saved lives throughout this pandemic,” said Gounardes.
“COVID-19 was an unprecedented challenge that caused many of us to suffer enormous losses – whether loss of loved ones, loss of income, or loss of health. But this crisis also made clear what we can accomplish when we come together and focus on a common goal through shared sacrifice. It is time to acknowledge our extraordinary accomplishments and show appreciation for our essential workers who sacrificed their own health to keep us safe. From our hospitals to our grocery stores, from our bus drivers to our sanitation workers, from our teachers to our food delivery workers, from our building cleaners to our first responders. It’s because of them that our city is still moving. Let’s show them how much we appreciate how they stepped up for us, no questions asked,” said Brannan.
The event is slated to take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 1 at the flag pole near Shore Road and 80th Street in Bay Ridge.
Louis is Distraught by Gun Violence
City Council Member Farah Louis (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, Kensington) spoke to the uptick in gun violence around Brooklyn.
“This summer season should have been a reprieve from months of sheltering in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, instead it has become a season of violence, countless deaths, and profound sorrow.
“Last night, 22-year-old Zion Millette-Selby was shot and killed on Avenue D near Troy Avenue. With the pull of a trigger, his life was tragically cut short. Our community has experienced yet another traumatic event, haunted by the sound of gunfire and the cries of a devastated family. Zion was a young man who always greeted me as I walked to and from the District 45 office formerly located at 4517 Avenue D, a few blocks away from where he was fatally struck last night. He wanted to pursue a career in carpentry and with the support of Elite Learners, Inc. was in the midst of completing his OSHA training to earn his license. Sadly, his dreams will never be fulfilled.
“In the past several weeks, shootings have overtaken the news cycle, highlighting the urgency of a community-led response and long-term resources to bring an end to the violence that continues to claim loved ones – primarily young Black men. These perpetrators have no respect for human life, choosing to look past the simple fact that their ‘target’ is someone’s child, parent, spouse, loved one, or friend. The individuals that feel compelled to decide who lives and who dies must be held accountable for their actions. Without these consequences, our community will continue to be subjected to the pain and trauma that we have experienced in succession.
“District 45 is home to multi-generational families who made tremendous sacrifices and worked tirelessly to make it a safer place to call home and open businesses. We can do it again, because we know what it takes to stop the violence. Every weekend, in partnership with G-MACC and several Cure Violence partners, local residents trained as volunteers will continue to occupy the block calling for peace and an end to the bloodshed in our community. These gun-related incidents will not become the norm – today, tomorrow, or ever. This is our home and any individual(s) who cannot resolve their conflicts without resorting to the use of a weapon, excessive, or deadly force is not welcome here.”
