Mayor Adams signs fire safety legislative package
New York City Mayor Eric Adams yesterday signed five pieces of fire safety legislation into law, strengthening enforcement, education, and outreach efforts in the wake of the tragic Bronx apartment fire this past January.
The laws include shortening the timeline of re-inspection for self-closing door violations, increasing the fine for building owners who do not cure violations, banning the sale of certain space heaters that do not meet certain safety standards, and codifying increased fire safety outreach.
“More than a dozen New Yorkers, some just children, were killed in the fire at the Twin Parks apartments. We mourn their passing but that is not enough — we must ensure that a tragedy at that level never happens again,” said Adams. “In March, I signed an executive order to immediately improve fire safety coordination and outreach. Today, I’m proud to work with the City Council to create long-term solutions that strengthen enforcement and education and will keep all New Yorkers safe.”
“We must ensure that tragedies, like the Twin Parks fire in the Bronx that claimed the lives of 17 New Yorkers, never happen again,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “This fire safety legislative package is a pivotal step towards enacting proper measures that protect our city’s residents and save lives. I thank Council Members Feliz, Hanif, Sanchez, and Carr for their leadership on these critical bills.”
Rosenthal bill requiring microstamping of firearms passes both houses
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) yesterday today announced that her bill A.7926-A requiring that all firearms sold in the State be capable of microstamping has passed both houses of the Legislature and will be sent to the Governor, who has indicated that she will sign it into law.
Rosenthal’s microstamping bill was included in a broader package of gun reform bills, including A.1023-A, A6167-A, A7865-A, A10428-A, A10497, A10501, A10502, A10503 and A10504.
“Gun violence is the number one leading cause of death among our nation’s young people. Our inaction in the face of so much preventable carnage is a national embarrassment. In the face of continued federal paralysis, New York is taking the lead once again to crack down on guns,” said Rosenthal. “Microstamping is a vital tool that will help law enforcement solve crimes. With a clearance rate on gun crimes of 30% in New York City, microstamping will help get dangerous criminals and their guns of the streets. This is one of the best ways to end the viscous cycle of violence.”
Microstamp-enabled firearms imprint a unique alphanumeric code on the spent casing of the bullet. This unique identifier is a valuable tool that will help law enforcement connect the shell casing found at a crime scene to the gun, and presumably the shooter, that fired the gun. The code can be used by law enforcement to easily trace the make, model and serial number of the gun.
Zinerman to host 2nd annual block party
Assembly Member Stefani L. Zinerman (D-Brooklyn) this weekend kicks off Black lives matter, gun-violence, men’s health, and pride awareness month with her 2nd Annual Block Party – an immersive day of arts, culture, activities, entertainment and empowerment sessions.
Zinerman welcomes all of New York City to the 56th District for a day of wellness offering of a Women’s, Mens, Trans/Non-Binary health pavilion featuring group meditation, healing circles, and panel discussions. In addition to an array of fitness activities that include yoga, cycling, and self defense classes, there will be a healthy food demonstration and live performances on the main stage featuring 100 Black Men Youth Jazz Ensemble, Reggie Woods and the CBJC AllStars and the Savy Soul Line Dancers.
The purpose of the block party is to strengthen minds, bodies, and spirits by strengthening oneself and building positive relationships with others as the community moves through the COVID-19 pandemic.The 56th District is full of resources, talent and vibrancy. This block party is an invitation for everyone to learn more about what the district has to offer, bring the community together and create safe, welcoming spaces to learn, grow and share.
The block party is slated for between 12 noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 4 in front of Restoration Plaza on Fulton Street. between Marcy & Brooklyn Avenues in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
Malliotakis reminds individuals to check passports
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklymn) yesterday reminded constituents to check their passports to avoid delays due to application backlogs as the summer vacation season begins.
Since taking office, the congresswoman’s office has helped roughly 700 constituents who ran the risk of missing their travel plans obtain passports and renewals. She was among those who advocated that passport agencies return to pre-pandemic staffing levels to deal with backlogs. The Department of State announced the pre-pandemic staffing level took effect this week.
“Starting this week, passport agencies nationwide are returning to pre-pandemic staffing levels. While this will surely relieve some of the problems Americans have experienced with lack of responsiveness and delays, we anticipate that there will still be a backlog as agencies resume normal operations,” said Malliotakis.
“I urge individuals to check their passports well in advance of any international travel to ensure that it is not expired and immediately complete an application or make an appointment if a new passport or renewal is required. As always, my office is here to assist residents of Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn with passports requests as we’ve helped more than 700 constituents renew their passports since taking office.”
To make an appointment at the New York Passport Agency, click HERE.
To contact Malliotakis’ district offices, click HERE.
