De Blasio, Adams, Cornegy Cut Ribbon on Marcy Houses Community Center
Mayor Bill de Blasio, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and City Councilmember Robert Cornegy Jr. (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) today will cut the ribbon and celebrate the opening of the new Marcy Houses Community Center.
The celebration marks the end of 20 years of NYCHA’s Marcy Houses lacking a dedicated community center. The new center will provide educational opportunities for children and adults, as well as a space for events and community engagement. Groundbreaking for the new community center began in July 2018, and funding was made possible due to a $5 million capital funding allocation by Cornegy, and allocations of $1 million each by de Blasio and Adams.
The Ribbon Cutting is slated for 1 p.m., today, Friday, Nov. 6 at the Marcy Houses Community Center, 492 Marcy Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Treyger Announces Park Renovation
Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend) yesterday announced the renovation of Surf Playground in Coney Island.
This project will reconstruct the asphalt multi-purpose play area and sports courts at Surf Playground with new basketball courts, seating area, synthetic turf and plantings. The renovation project is one of only a few projects authorized to begin construction post COVID-19 shutdown.
“I’m elated to see this project begin so that the children, seniors and families in our community can enjoy the new and enhanced Surf Playground and greenspace. This park will have something for everyone. Thank you to Parks Commissioners Silver and Maher for making this project a priority. I’m committed to ensuring that our parks in Southern Brooklyn are receiving the care and investment that’s been missing for many years and that they become beautiful, well-maintained outdoor spaces for local residents to appreciate. I look forward to the official opening next fall and I will continue to allocate and advocate for resources for our neighborhood parks and recreational amenities,” said Treyger.
Persaud is Grateful for Vote
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D- Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Old Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) yesterday thanked those who voted for her.
“On November 3rd, 2015, I was elected for the first time to the New York State Senate to represent the 19th Senate District. Five years later, on November 3rd, 2020, you re-elected me to serve for another term.
“Thank you for granting me the opportunity to continue working on your behalf in Albany!! I am humbled and grateful for your trust in me to serve as your State Senator.
“As the fight continues for our right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, I, as your Senator, will be at its forefront. I will continue to advocate on behalf of all families in the 19th district, and I look forward to working to ensure your security and economic stability during this time of uncertainty. Together we will make New York a more just and equitable place for all of us,” she said.
Myrie on Election & COVID
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) yesterday updates constituents on COVID-19 and shared news about the election in his eNewsletter.
“While the votes are still being counted in this momentous election, here is what we can say for certain: New Yorkers turned out in record numbers in a year unlike any we’ve had before. Two years ago, early voting did not exist in New York State— this year, over 2.5 million people turned out early across the state, nearly 1.2 million in New York City alone. Voters were able to request and receive their absentee ballots earlier than ever before, giving us more time to identify and correct the printing error that affected Brooklyn voters in September,” he wrote.
Other Updates:
- Small business owners- take a survey: Over the next month Myrie will be collecting ideas and feedback from small business owners to inform our ongoing efforts to provide meaningful relief. Please click here to complete the survey and share it within your networks.
- Online appointments for constituent services: Myrie’s Brooklyn office (1077 Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights) is now open for one-on-one constituent service appointments. Schedule an appointment to get help with housing, legal services, immigration and more. All services are by appointment only— walk-ins are not permitted at this time. To schedule your appointment, click here.
- Thanksgiving is coming: The holiday season this year will look very different for many of us. Myrie’s office is helping organize several Thanksgiving events for residents in need across our district.
Gillibrand Introduces Legislation for Community School Funding
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) this week introduced legislation to expand community school funding and ensure students, families, and communities have the resources needed for students to thrive.
The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2020 would help public k-12 schools serve students, families, and communities by investing more than $3 billion in public schools to be community hubs and provide integrated student supports, expanded and enriched learning opportunities, collaborative leadership, and family and community engagement – including medical, mental, and nutrition health services, mentoring and youth development programs, and continuing education courses.
Currently, the Full-Service Community Schools grant program is funded at just $17.5 million and does not have adequate funding to serve New York school districts in need of resources to establish community schools or support those already established. The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2020 would deliver essential resources for school districts to plan for, implement, and expand community schools in New York State and across the country. It would also further develop the infrastructure to support them.
“For far too many students in low-income and underserved communities, the challenges they face outside of school are carried into the classroom. Unfortunately the public health and economic crises caused by the pandemic have placed an even heavier burden on these students who were already at risk of falling behind, and cash-strapped public schools have had limited funding to provide adequate resources for students and their surrounding communities,” said Gillibrand. “This legislation will deliver critical funding to support the comprehensive needs of students both in and out of the classroom. By investing in our public schools and strengthening connections to the community, we can help close the pervasive learning gaps in our country so that every student – no matter their socioeconomic status or zip code – can access a quality education.”
