Adams to Host “Back to Work” Subway Ride
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams today will host a “back-to-work” subway ride with elected officials, members of the business community, and business advocacy organizations to encourage New Yorkers who are able to return to their offices.
Since COVID-19 was first detected in New York City, the economy has experienced a severe contraction that has rippled throughout all sectors. Roughly 16 percent of New Yorkers are out of work, several small businesses have been forced to shutter, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is facing a $10.3 billion budget hole. Adams and other participants in today’s ride will highlight the precautions the MTA has taken to welcome back riders safely, and speak with local businesses along Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn following the ride about the challenges they are facing.
The event is slated to start 10:30 a.m. today, Oct. 14, outside the Borough Hall subway station – 209 Joralemon Street, followed by a ride to Herald Square. After the ride, Adams will take the subway back to Brooklyn, and conduct a walk-through along Atlantic Avenue to speak with small business owners..
Davila- The Process Is Failing Our Schools
Assemblywoman Maritza Davila (D-Bushwick, Williamsburg) and local parents today will call on the need for accountability, health concerns, rapid testing sites and the need for more educational resources.
As children return to school either remote, in person, or both, the safety of their health along with parents, teachers and faculty is of much concern. Since schools have opened the number of COVID-19 positive cases have increased. Several schools have already been reported to shut down, putting students and families at risk of spreading the virus – P.S. 116 was one of these schools.
There’s a morning routine set in place for these schools but doubts remain about the daily safety procedures. Before entering the building, everyone is required to fill out a survey to describe their symptoms and provide information on whether or not they have been in contact with someone who was ill or tested positive, then they are checked for their temperature. The same process was used in schools of individuals who tested positive with no symptoms. On the other hand, parents are expected to sign a consent form for their child in order for them to return to school in person and yet only 20% of students and teachers are tested randomly, what happens to the 80%? For children who are transitioning to remote learning, the lack of resources is of major concern as well, there aren’t enough tablets, laptops available and proper Wi-Fi service available especially for underserved communities.
The event is slated to take place at 8:30 a.m. today, Oct. 14, at P.S. 116, 515 Knickerbocker Avenue in Williamsburg.
Louis on Passing of Joyce Dinkins
City Council Member Farah Louis (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, Kensington) issued the following statement after former New York City First Lady Joyce Dinkins passed away at the age of 89. She was the first African-American woman to serve in this capacity.
“As a city, we mourn the loss of a giant —New York City’s first African-American First Lady, Joyce Dinkins.
“From Harlem to the Gracie Mansion, First Lady Dinkins’ lifetime of public service was remarkable. She was a dynamic woman who championed education, literacy, expanded access to healthcare and the arts. During her tenure, she served as an honorary chair of the Mayor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and the Chairperson of “The First Day Back to School Initiative,” which was dedicated to providing New York City children with the resources that they need to excel in their academic studies.
“Her wise counsel, leadership, and compassion are all of the qualities that helped define the Dinkins Administration. First Lady Dinkins was incomparable.
“On behalf of the Women’s Caucus and all of the constituents in District 45, we send our thoughts and prayers to the Dinkins family during this time. May she rest in power.
“At 89, she leaves behind two children, two grandchildren, and a legacy that strengthened the foundation of our city,” she said.
