Inez Barron Holds Higher Education Committee Hearing
City Councilmember Inez Barron (D-East New York), chair of the council’s Committee on Higher Education, today will hold an oversight hearing on admissions policies at City University of New York (CUNY) Early College High Schools.
Witnesses invited to testify include representatives from the CUNY Administration and CUNY early college high schools, the Professional Staff Congress-CUNY, the University Faculty Senate, the University Student Senate, student groups and organizations, student advocacy groups, and other interested stakeholders. hearing
The remote hearing is slated for 10 a.m., today, Feb. 23. Watch here.
Menchaca Reminders for this Week
City Councilmember Carlos Menchaca (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook), yesterday reminded constituents that at 11 a.m., today, Feb. 23, the City Council will hold its first and only hearing on a rezoning proposal submitted by the owner of 737 4th Avenue.
For background information on the proposal, see here. To submit written testimony or to deliver it virtually email asap to: landusetestimony@council.nyc.gov.
Menchaca also noted Community Education Councils (CEC) applications are due this Sunday, The CEC is for parents to help shape policies and priorities for NYC schools. If you are a parent in School Districts 15 or 20 who wants to join, applications are here. There are also information sessions in multiple languages this week. Sign up here.
Menchaca, additionally announced that Bicycle Defensive Riding Classes will star tomorrow, Feb. 24. Get Women Cycling will be hosting training sessions for people who ride bicycles on how to navigate the City’s expanding bike network, obey traffic laws, and avoid collisions. For first-time riders and veterans alike.
Register here for classes on February 24, March 10, or March 24.
Brooklyn Elected Laud City’s 10-Year Food Policy Plan
Several Brooklyn electeds yesterday lauded Mayor Bill de Blasio’s announcement yesterday of the release of the City’s first-ever 10-Year Food Policy Plan.
Dubbed “Food Forward NYC,” the plan sets a comprehensive framework for a more racially and economically equitable, sustainable and healthy food system for all New Yorkers that addresses the profound social, economic, health, and environmental challenges currently facing our city.
“When COVID-19 hit, I made a promise to ensure no New Yorker goes hungry due to the pandemic,” said de Blasio. “We quickly mobilized to create GetFoodNYC and have distributed more than 200 million meals to New Yorkers. This 10-Year Food Policy Plan builds on top of this emergency effort and centers racial and economic justice in our food system in the long term.”
“I applaud the release of this ten-year Food Forward NYC plan and look forward to working with local, state and federal partners to bring about sustainable, near and long-term food security in our city”, said State Sen. Roxanne J. Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Ocean Hill, Starrett City), Chair of the NYS Senate Social Services Committee. “The economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has left many New Yorkers seeking assistance for assistance for the very first time while further straining communities with pre-existing poverty and food insecurity”.
City Council Member Mathieu Eugene (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Gardens) said no one should go hungry in New York City, especially during a public health crisis, and we must continue to dedicate resources so that those who need food assistance are able to receive it.
“I have been honored to partner with local organizations to distribute free food to the community during the pandemic, and I am most appreciative to all those who have been a part of this widescale effort. I am confident that by working together we will be able to create a system that ensures long-term sustainable food assistance is available for all those who need it,” Eugene said.
“It is important that any recovery reflects the lessons learned by this public health and economic crisis. This is especially true in our food systems. Food Forward NYC will bring a long term focus and allow us to build the stronger, more sustainable, more just food system New Yorkers need and deserve,” said Council Member Stephen Levin (D-Northern Brooklyn, Boerum Hill)
Council Member Farah N. Louis (D-Flatbush, Midwood, East Flatbush) said in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city recognized the depth of the food insecurity crisis and its disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities.
“There are New York City families who face hunger and diet-related illnesses because they lack access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable food. From farms to street vendors and supermarkets, the food infrastructure is powered by essential workers who deserve to earn a living wage, not at risk of poverty. Food Forward NYC is a roadmap to racial, food, and economic justice for historically marginalized communities,” said Louis.
