Gounardes, Brannan Urge Permits for Youth Sports
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) will join with local children and families to urge the city to immediately issue permits for low-to-moderate risk youth sports, which have been allowed by New York State since Phase 3 on July 6.
These officials will argue that so long as COVID-19 remains under control, the City must offer this vital outlet for children and families already at their breaking point. The coalition will urge that safety-based permits be issued now, and that they be conditioned on low transmission rates of COVID-19.
This event is slated to take place at 11 a.m., today, Aug. 24 at Shore Road & 75th St., in Bay Ridge.
Frontus to Host Forum on School Reopening
Assemblywoman Mathtylde Frontus (D-Coney Island, Bath Beach, Bay Ridge, Brighton Beach, Gravesend) will host a forum on safe school reopening after COVID-19 in District 20 and District 21.
The remote forum will include a presentation on reopening plans for District 20 and District 21 from a city Department of Education representative and a presentation from the Alliance for Quality Education. Attendees will then enter guided breakout rooms to strategize with neighbors, teachers and other members of local school communities to address the challenges of educating students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frontus established the Southern Brooklyn Community Roundtable to solicit the expertise and knowledge of local residents and facilitate community discussion on issues important to the community.
The event is slated to take place from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27 at https://tinyurl.com/SBKRoundtable
Eugene Gives free Food & Masks
Council Member Mathieu Eugene (D-Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Park, Prospect Lefferts Gardens) partnered with The MET Council and Council of People’s Organization to provide free food, masks, and other supplies to over 200 residents facing hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to commend and thank the community organizations that partnered with me to provide these resources to those in need,” said Eugene. “This has been a very difficult time for our community, with many people suffering health issues, unemployment, and food insecurity as a result of the novel coronavirus. It is up to each of us to do everything in our power to help underserved residents provide for their families and maintain their health. I am confident that we will merge from this pandemic and rebuild our community, but we must remain vigilant against this horrible virus until there is a vaccine or approved treatment. I am very appreciative to all of the first responders, essential workers, and medical professionals whose dedication to this city helped us lower the infection rate, but our work is not over, and that is why I will continue to provide these resources to all New Yorkers.”
Rose Votes to Strengthen U.S. Postal Service
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) voted to pass the Delivering for America Act, which passed the House of Representatives this weekend with bipartisan support.
The legislation, which Rose is a co-sponsor, provides additional funding to the United States Postal Service (USPS) and prohibits any changes to the operations or service levels that would impede prompt, reliable, and efficient service for the duration of the coronavirus crisis or through January 2021.
“The message is loud and clear: do not mess with the Postal Service,” Rose said. “The changes that have already been made must be reversed—not punted for a few months. This isn’t just about mail in voting, though. Seniors, veterans, and so many others depend on the Postal Service to deliver prescriptions on time. Small businesses need reliable mail delivery to survive. For generations, hardworking Postal employees have delivered the mail through rain, snow, heat and storm—and they take pride in doing so. It’s disgusting to see political insiders try to undermine their work.”
The vote comes at the same time as newly uncovered internal Postal Service documents warning Postmaster General DeJoy about steep declines and increasing delays nationwide over the last two months, delays that are far worse than originally believed. Millions of Americans, including seniors, veterans and small businesses, rely on the USPS for their mail, delivery of prescriptions, and safe and reliable mail-in voting, among other services.
Frontus Wants More Public Say on Coney Island Ferry
Assemblywoman Mathylde Frontus (D-Coney Island, Bath Beach, Bay Ridge, Brighton Beach, Gravesend) has asked the state Department of Environmental Conservation for a 90-day extension of the public comment period, citing the lack of review of proposed Coney Island Ferry plans.
“There are serious environmental concerns that need to be addressed,” Frontus said. “Homeowners are worried that this project will dredge up contaminants and impact their health. The pollution in Coney Island Creek has been neglected far too long.”
Frontus requested that the comment period, which ends Aug. 26, be extended to Nov. 24.
The proposed site for the ferry terminal is the notoriously polluted Coney Island Creek, which is under consideration for federal Superfund status. Some members of Brooklyn Community Board 13 expressed concern that construction could dredge up settled toxins and pose a threat to residents and marine life.
Myrie Pushes Request for Absentee Ballots
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie’s (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) bill was signed by the Governor which allows voters to request absentee ballots effective immediately.
“Our elections will look much different this year, and there are more ways to vote than ever before. Whether you vote absentee, in-person during Early Voting, or on Election Day, I encourage everyone to exercise their rights. As Chair of the Senate Elections Committee, I will continue to advance legislation to reduce barriers to voting and ensure every vote counts,” wrote Myrie.
Any New York City voter can use this link to request an absentee ballot right now.
