ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) in partnership with the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President presents Homeowner Empowerment Month: The Fundamentals of Buying and Owning a Home

Thursday, June 25, 2009
6PM- 9PM
Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street
Courtroom- 2nd Fl.
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Come and find out more information on low interest loan programs, the home buying process, foreclosure prevention services and counseling.

To RSVP call 311
________________________________________________________________________

First Annual Fort Greene Information X-Change Stoop Sale Day!

Saturday, June 27, 2009
11AM - 4PM

For information on stoop sales in the Fort Greene area on 6/27, or to have your stoop sale listed, you may contact SNAP at (718) 694-6957 or you can visit www.fortgreenesnap.org.
________________________________________________________________________

The Progressive Democrats Political Association (PDPA) of Central Brooklyn & Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke invite you to a Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration

Friday, June 26, 2009
Crystal Manor
1460 Flatbush Avenue (at Farragut Road)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11210

HONORED GUEST: United States Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand

For ticket information you may call Dr. Una Clarke (917)846.1016 or Maritza Myers (718)940-2008

[Photo of Mr. Brooklyn- Getty Images, via New York Magazine].

BROOKLYN PAYS TRIBUTE TO SPIKE LEE; 3-DAY EVENT MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF "DO THE RIGHT THING"; STARTS 6/25

*THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS A DRAFT FOR USE BY MEDIA; COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR AMYRE LOOMIS SHOULD BE CONTACTED AT (718) 260-9191 FOR MOST UPDATED RELEASE*

Contact:
Sallomé Hralima
(347) 410 7277
media@wheresmars.com

For Immediate Release

BROOKLYN PAYS TRIBUTE TO VISIONARY FILMMAKER SPIKE LEE
Three-day event marks the 20th anniversary of Lee's "Do the Right Thing"

Brooklyn, New York, June 24, 2009 – Respected Brooklyn businesses and cultural institutions will come together for the three-day tribute Brooklyn Honors Spike Lee. Set at various locations for June 25-27, 2009, the event aims to celebrate the influence and scope of Lee's work and its impact in arts, media, fashion and
sports.

Highlighting the event will be Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz's proclamation of June 30, 2009 as "Spike Lee Day". This will mark the 20th anniversary of Lee's third film Do The Right Thing, which was deemed "culturally significant" by the United States Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Organized by marketing and production company PlanIt Brooklyn, several noteworthy Brooklynites have agreed to lend their talents to the host of events including: Nelson George, Kevin Powell, Michaela Angela Davis, Roger Guenveur Smith, Danny Simmons, Council Member Letitia James, and Fab 5 Freddy.

A summary of events follows:

• We've Gotta Have It!: Art Inspired by Spike Lee – Salena Gallery, Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University, Thursday, June 25, 2009, 6PM

• The Man & the Brand: Spike Lee Panel – Spike Lee Screening Room, Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University, Thursday, June 25, 2009, 7PM

• No Jheri Curls & No Drugs: A David Lee Photo Exhibit – Brooklyn Historical Society, Friday, June, 26, 2009, 6PM

• Buggin’ Out: Poetry Inspired by Spike Lee – Brooklyn Historical Society, Friday, June, 26, 2009, 7PM

• He Got Game: Father & Son Basketball Tournament – McLaughlin "Tillary" Park, Saturday, June 27, 2009, 5PM

Although Lee's films have served as turning points for Brooklyn's neighborhoods and can be directly linked to the emerging cultural regeneration known as “The Brooklyn Renaissance”, Brooklyn Honors Spike Lee will be the first borough-wide celebration honoring the living legend. Brooklyn Honors Spike Lee is not produced by Spike Lee, 40 Acres & and A Mule Filmworks or Spike DDB.

For more information about Brooklyn Honors Spike Lee, please visit www.wheresmars.com.

About PlanIt Brooklyn

PlanIt Brooklyn is an innovative marketing & production company, built to develop Brooklyn into an international arts and culture mecca. With expertise in trendsetting, global and popular culture, the company creates unique programming and uses non-traditional promotional tactics to engage audiences.


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Update: Following-up On Building Collapse on Myrtle Avenue/Fundraising & Donating Info

We have some important info concerning fundraising activities for the Myrtle Avenue displaced residents.

First of all, for all the wonderful residents who emailed us concerning Caitlyn Nunez, we were made aware yesterday that her principal was kind enough to offer to buy her graduation attire. The family is still collecting donations for their additional needs, and again that information can be found here. As spotted on the NYT- Local blog, a local resident noted the various individual fundraising/donation activities planned for displaced residents in the community, so please check that out.

This community has really shown an incredible amount of support towards our neighbors, and we ask that you join our office and community this Sunday:

Let’s Lend a Heart & Helping Hand
To 491 & 493 Myrtle Avenue…

SUNDAY, June, 28 2009
5PM – 7PM
Chez Lola
387 Myrtle Avenue (by Vanderbilt)
Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Chez Lola will be hosting a fundraiser for the tenants of 491 and 493 Myrtle Avenue.

If you have services to provide, clothes to spare, furniture that is collecting dust, come on by to Chez Lola on Sunday and let us know. Please do not bring it. We can take down your contact info and approximate location and help coordinate the transfer of goods. You can also go online to www.bistrolola.com as of Thursday (June 25, 2009) to post any services/materials you'd like to provide.

The Office of Council Member James will be assisting Chez Lola in these activities, and will be on-hand at this Sunday's event.

Chez Lola will be serving light food and refreshments.

Please bring your check book, wallet, donating spirit and helpful hand to give our neighbors get their lives back together!

Please make checks/money orders out to Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project.

Specify “491 & 493 Myrtle emergency fund” in the memo field. MARP has offered to temporarily hold your donations until they can be disbursed to the affected tenants.

For more information concerning the event and fundraising, please call at 718-858-1484 and ask for Edit.

Team Tish can be reached for any other purposes at teamtish@gmail.com

Update: Building Collapse on Myrtle Avenue

We are saddened to give an unfortunate update on Sunday's building collapse. As of yesterday evening, the residential building next door to the collapsed building- 491 Myrtle- was being demolished floor by floor. Apparently, this demolition continued as of this morning. The Department of Buildings and other City agencies have communicated to local business owners that all businesses on the north side of Myrtle must continue to stay vacated until this process is completed. From what we have been told, residents in most of the buildings on the block have been allowed to return for now.

Update:
As of yesterday evening, Myrtle Avenue from Hall to Emerson will remain closed for 3-4 days as debris is removed.

Our office is currently looking into the possibility of holding a fundraiser for victims. If you are interested in assisting, please email teamtish@gmail.com.

teamtish

ATTENTION: Town Hall Meeting; BK Intake Center; 6/25; 7PM

TOWN HALL MEETING
Thursday, 7 PM, June 25th 2009
TIME: 7:00 pm
PLACE: Auditorium at St. Peter Claver
Roman Catholic Church
11 Claver Place (The block off of Fulton Street, between Classon and Franklin)

*CROWN HEIGHTS* *BED-STUY* *CLINTON HILL* *PROSPECT HEIGHTS*

Hear from our elected officials and other experts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: email crownheightsrm@gmail.com, or visit www.revitalizecrownheights.org.

Say "No!" to the Bloomberg Administration's plan to locate a major intake center for homeless men at the notorious Bedford-Atlantic armory. Our neighborhood already does its part with 6X the median social service beds of all other neighborhoods in Brooklyn.

Enough is enough!

Tell Mayor Bloomberg:

Brooklyn is not Manhattan’s dumping ground!

Tell Mayor Bloomberg:

Live up to your commitment to New York City’s homeless!

ATTENTION: Building Collapse on Myrtle Avenue; 6/21

*
On June 21, 2009, a four-story building on 493 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill collapsed in the midst of construction around 2:00PM. The building housed Vespers Bar. The few people in the building at the time suffered minor injuries, and all appropriate City agencies responded quickly. Everyone on Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Ryerson Streets were temporarily evacuated following routine precautions, and bus line were re-routed (also temporarily). Council Member Letitia James was also at the scene to survey the damage.

The building had a list of violations on it, including an unrepaired crack running along the side. The collapse damaged a residential building next store, leaving those residents without a home. A young woman, Caitlyn, who is graduating from public school this Thursday was a victim of the collapse, and now needs attire appropriate for her graduation. If you are interested in helping her, please make-out your donation to “Jose Nunez”. All checks can be brought or mailed to PS 157 at 850 Kent Avenue [Principal Torres]. If you can donate clothing to Caitlyn, or wish to donate to any victim, please email us at teamtish@gmail.com where we may be able to facilitate such a donation. We will expand on this situation as more details come forth.

For more information:
See NY1- http://ny1.com/Default.aspx?ArID=101115
The NYT-Local- http://fort-greene.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/vesper-building-on-myrtle-collapses-no-major-injuries/
Brownstoner- http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2009/06/fourstory_build.php
McBrooklyn- http://mcbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2009/06/myrtle-ave-building-that-collapsed-had.html
and Gothamist- http://gothamist.com/2009/06/21/brooklyn_building_on_myrtle_avenue.php

*Photo courtesy of the ClintonHillBlog (lesterhead).

Charities: The Role of the AG in Regulation Non-Profits; 6/24; BK College; 9AM

Charities: The Role of the Attorney General in Regulating Not-for-Profits
This presentation will inform you about the Attorney General's role in regulating charities and cover a wide array of issues such as filing requirements, legal responsibilities, areas of jurisdiction, recent law enforcement actions and a review of the registry of charities and fundraising professionals maintained by the Attorney General's Office.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Brooklyn College Conference/Student Center
East 27th Sreet and Campus Road
The State Room, 5th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11210

Breakfast and Registration at 8:30AM
Training from 9:00AM to 11:00AM
There is a $10 fee that can be paid at the event.

RSVP: Contact Karen Lander at 212-983-4800 x121 or waabrsvp@gmail.com, or register online at www.communityuplink.net/fiscaltraining6.htm.

Moving Pictures: We Have Unlimited Movie Reference Materials

On Monday June 22 and Tuesday June 23, 2009 the independent film “Monogamy” is scheduled to film interior scenes at 15 N. Oxford Street between Flushing and Park Avenues.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 7AM-7PM

Downtown BK Surface Transit Circulation Study; 6/25; 5:30PM; NYU-Polytech

Open House: Downtown Brooklyn Surface Transit Circulation Study
All interested members of the public are encouraged to attend

Thursday, June 25th, 2009- 5:30PM to 8:00PM, with presentations at 6:15PM and 7:00PM

Polytechnic University
5 Metrotech Center
Dibner Library, Room LC400
(entrance at Metro Tech Center between Jay and Flatbush Avenue Extension)
Brooklyn, New York

NYCDOT is working with MTA-New York City Transit and Downtown Brooklyn Partnership to improve surface transit within Downtown Brooklyn. This study will focus on making bus routes more effective and on improving local transportation for Downtown Brooklyn residents, employees and visitors.

In this first Open House , there will be a presentation of the initial results of our investigation into existing conditions and attendees will be asked to provide input about their travel patterns, needs and issues in Downtown Brooklyn.

Moving Pictures: We Ran Out Of Obligatory "Movie-Making" Clip-Art

On Wednesday June 24, 2009 the television show “Boardwalk Empire” is scheduled to film interior scenes at the Masonic Temple at 217 Clermont Avenue at Lafayette Street. They will be rigging for these scenes on Monday June 22 and Tuesday June 23 and de-rigging on Thursday June 25 and Friday June 26.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 2pm-1am

This television show likely does not feature Spock, but how awesome would that be.

Moving Pictures: Filming in the 35th District

From Wednesday June 17 to Friday June 19, 2009 the independent film “Monogamy” is scheduled to film interior scenes at 15 N. Oxford Street between Flushing and Park Avenue.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 7am-7pm

Do You Know A Wall That Can Use A Mural?

So we, at Team Tish need some help with a very worthwhile project we’ve been working on.

Groundswell Community Mural Project artists Bayunga Kialeuka and Jessica Poplawski have been working with 12 students from the Urban Assembly for Music and Arts High School to create a series of murals that reflect scenes from daily life that bridge together the diverse culture of Brooklyn. The artists and students met for over 20 sessions, during which time they researched, designed, and painted the series of four murals.

Now this is where you come in…

We’re looking for 4 walls to accommodate these inspiring pieces of artwork. Each mural is painted on a fabric that can be adhered to a masonry surface and is 8 ft h x 35 ft w. Some of the panels may be cut down or split into two if the site required it. The hope is that we will be able to house one of these murals in each area of the district, giving more people a chance to get a look at these vibrant pieces and encourage them to take a trip round the district to see the other, equally striking pieces.

Our only requirements? That the wall be located in or near CD 35 (Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, parts of Bedford Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, and Vinegar Hill-DUMBO), is big enough to accommodate a portion of the mural, and is easily visible to the public. Preference will be given to walls where permission can already be secured for the mural by the proprietor. Ideally the wall would be located in an area with strong community ties, as our goal is to bring this art into the everyday lives of the surrounding neighborhood in a way that is meaningful and makes it more accessible to the diverse residents in the district.

If you know of anywhere that would be a good placement for these great murals (and that fits the criteria), please email eruiz@council.nyc.gov and Yvisanji@council.nyc.gov:

• Include heading: ‘BRIDGES’ MURAL PROJECT
• Your name and contact information
• The address or cross streets
• A digital photograph of the wall
• The owner’s name and contact information

For more information about Groundswell, please see http://www.groundswellmural.org/index.html

Moving Pictures: Filming in the 35th District

On Friday June 12, 2009 “HBO” is scheduled to film exterior scenes at the following locations:
· South Portland Street between Lafayette and DeKalb Avenues
· DeKalb Avenue between Portland and Carlton Avenues
· Carlton Avenue between DeKalb and Willoughby Avenues

APPROXIMATE TIME: 8am-12pm

CM James Gets 88% On Humane Scorecard- NY League of Humane Voters

We are happy to say that Council Member Letitia James has scored 88% on the New York League of Humane Voter's 2009 Scorecard, tying Council Member Charles Barron for highest score among Brooklyn Council Members (the second time she's shared top honors with Council Member Barron!) Council Member James is thrilled that her concern for the lives and safety of animals is being recognized.

Please see the following message from Council Member Letitia James:

"I have a great respect for the work of the New York League of Humane Voters. As a Council Member, I have been supportive of legislation that protects the well-being of animals. Such legislation includes the protection of home-pets, the installation of functioning pet shop sprinklers, and the very important Res. 497-2006, which addresses compliance with Section 809 of the New York State Education Law requiring instruction on the humane treatment and protection of animals, and requiring that all elementary school principals direct their teachers to act in accordance with this requirement. Considering that animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people, and four times more likely to commit property crimes than people who have never committed such abuse, it seems evident that there is a clear and direct relationship between animal abuse and behavior disorders. This concern is at the heart of my fight against crime within the 35th District."

"Additionally, I have co-sponsored Int. 389-2006, which would prohibit the display of wild or exotic animals for public entertainment or amusement; and Int. 545-2007, which would prohibit pet owners from restraining animals outdoors for longer than three hours in any continuous twelve hour period. I myself put forth Reso. 1670-2008, which calls upon Animal Care and Control of New York City to establish a citywide Trap, Neuter, and Return program for feral animals. Aside from legislation, on October 2, 2008, my office co-sponsored a ‘Spay-and-Neuter Event’ along with the ASPCA, where a mobile spay-and-neuter clinic was parked within the district to serve the needs of residents. I continue to make the safety of all living creatures a priority."

Please see the New York League of Humane Voters website here.
And the 2009 Scorecard here.
Covered in YourNabe.com.

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention

Expanding Food Access

We were so happy to hear about Costco accepting food stamps in Brooklyn stores. This was a way overdue policy, and we agree with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz that we need to extend food access services to under served areas of Brooklyn, especially in the interest of diminishing obesity and other food-related ailments within those communities.

Equality In Marriage

Our office has gotten contacted by constituents curious to know about Council Member James' position on gay marriage. Council Member James, like many politicians Statewide, feels that this is an issue that should be decided on a State level. Personally, she supports equality in marriage, and feels that sexual orientation and gender should not be factors in one's eligibility to enter into wedlock. Additionally, Tish was one of the first politicians to call the rapid spread of HIV/AIDs specifically among the MSM community in Central Brooklyn a "state of emergency." Recently, she joined LGBT activists in Crown Heights in opposition to police brutality against the LGBT community (following the beating of two lesbians- Jeannette Grey and Tiffany Jimenez- in Crown Heights).

On Atlantic Yards and The State Senate "coup"

Council Member James spoke at yesterday's Atlantic Yards community update at Lafayette Presbyterian Church, sponsored by Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn. You can read about what was said at The Atlantic Yards Report. She also touched on the recent NYS Senate "coup," speaking on the compromised political position Senate Democrats have been placed in.

Directly from Council Member James, on Frank Gehry's departure from the Atlantic Yards project

"The abandonment of Gehry's design indicates to me that Forest City Ratner has acknowledged that the scale of Atlantic Yard's is at the center of major flaws with the development. However, embracing a different design that scales-back the project does not address the inherent problems with the Atlantic Yards proposal or process, nor does it convince me that this wasn’t a quick attempt to gain support through a supposed “budget-conscious” design."

And on Dock Street project

“I support the Dock Street DUMBO project because it holds the promise of hundreds of new middle school seats for public school children in Downtown Brooklyn and surrounding communities. This project proposes to build a 300-seat public middle school in a privately funded, LEED-certified “green” residential building that will also create DUMBO’s first ever affordable housing. The developer plans to donate a significant portion of the cost of the school to the City as well – a financial contribution worth over $40 million– and has already reached out to the surrounding community regarding job opportunities and other economic development benefits. Dock Street DUMBO, with its donated middle school and affordable housing commitment is exactly the kind of smart, innovative public-private partnership needed for the future of our communities.”

CLOSED- Team Tish: City Hall Internship Opportunity for College Students

THIS INTERNSHIP IS NOT LONGER AVAILABLE.


Team Tish is currently looking for a college or university student to intern one day a week (Tuesdays from 10am-5pm), and work at our City Hall Office. Light administrative work and opportunity to work on legislative issues, attend City Hall meetings, occasional District 35 community meetings, and other projects will be available.

This is a non-paying internship with no set end-date. We're looking to have found our perfect intern by June 29th. We are happy to work with your college/university to secure credits.

Please send resumes to: teamtish@gmail.com

THIS INTERNSHIP IS NOT LONGER AVAILABLE.

6/9 and 6/10- DOT Public Hearings- It's important for Brooklyn to make its transit issues known! PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

Tuesday, June 9th
Polytechnic University
6 Metrotech Center (entrance on Jay St. btw Myrtle Ave.+Johnson St.)
Starting at 6:30pm

Wednesday, June 10th
Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Ave (at Campus Rd.)
Starting at 6:30pm

*** The events are being hosted by NYC-DOT and NYC Transit- attend to hear about where the needs are greatest for Bus Rapid Transit and other bus improvements in Brooklyn, and hear what you think about some initial possible areas they have identified (see link http://nyc.gov/brt http://nyc.gov/brt), and about what bus rapid transit is! Were you infuriated that the MTA was considering cutting bus service in Brooklyn? Come to the session to hear possible plans for Brooklyn, and to be a part of the discussion! ***

FREE summer meals for all children!

Healthy, Great Tasting, Free Breakfast and Lunch

All children 18 years of age & under can enjoy FREE breakfast
and lunch at any open site in New York City!

• Offered at hundreds of schools, parks, and pools around the city
• No payment, registration, documentation or ID required
• Children can enjoy a FREE breakfast and lunch at any open site
in the city, even if they don’t attend public school or live in NYC

Breakfast is 8:00 AM to 9:15 AM
Lunch is 11:00 AM to 1:15 PM


Call 311
to find an open public school,
pool or park near you!

Team Tish: Some Recent (...and Not So Recent) Photos

Picture time has come 'round again!

And with all the Atlantic Yards news*, we thought we'd post these pictures from around this time last year. They're from an Atlantic Yards press conference at City Hall. Just want to remind you that this fight has been going on for a long time, and that we believe a community is defined by the how to people that live there are treated. We believe in diversity- economic and racial- and we want to see ALL the residents of the 35th District reap the benefits of our every-developing neighborhoods. We hope you support fair and affordable housing development as well. Please consider attending Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn's Community Meeting on June 9th; at 85 S. Oxford Street in Fort Greene to keep abreast of Atlantic Yards issues.

**

**
CMs James and Yassky are joined by Assembly Members Hakeem Jeffries and James Brennan and fair development advocates at City Hall on July 2008.

From this event:

***
CMs James, Barron, and Liu rally in Bedford-Stuyvesant against cuts to MTA services, specifically the B25 bus route, on February 28th, 2009. CM Liu is the Chair of the Transportation Committee in the New York City Council.

****
CMs James and Weprin are joined by Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, State Senator Eric Adams, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, and Former NYC Public Advocate Mark Green at a press conference addressing term limits on October 12, 2008.

And from this event:






CMs James and Weprin are joined by State Senator Eric Adams, members of the Crown Heights Revitalization Movement, and Crown Heights residents at City Hall to address the Brooklyn Intake Center proposal to be expanded into a Citywide shelter, and the fact that plans to create a similar Manhattan center were not included in the City budget proposal. June 7, 2009.

*FYI- We purposely try not to post too much about Atlantic Yards, being that there are so many great organizations and blogs following the issue much more closely than we can.
**Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Speaks, a civic group that informs residents about Atlantic Yards issues.
***Photo courtesy of William Alatriste.
****Photo courtesy of Patricio Barrientos, of CM David Weprin's office.

Commenting On The Issues: DHS, The Budget, and Central Brooklyn

We just came back from this press conference, which went very well (although we all almost melted). With regards to the issues of homelessness, we thought one of our recent comments deserved to be posted:

From David Scott:
I have been homeless at several points in my life. Contrary to popular belief, most homeless did not become so out of choice and not because they are lazy, stupid, or immoral. Many homeless people are victims of abuse in the form of neglect and abandonment by their parents or other caregivers. Some of them are simply victims of life’s tragedies, such as hurricanes, fires, or other catastrophes from which they simply don’t have the resources to recover. I invite you to my blog devoted to raising awareness on homelessness: Freethegods.com. There you will find an article I wrote on homelessness and pictures I have taken of homeless people. I always give them a dollar or two for the privilege of photographing them. I am often surprised by their cheerfulness and sense of pride. Often, they will show themselves to have some kind of talent. There is a fine line between genius and insanity.

Our response:
David,

Working with the 35th community on a very direct level, we [teamtish] don't make assumptions about the life situations our residents often find themselves in. We are very aware of the problems associated with how homeless individuals are treated in this society. We see the issue surrounding the Brooklyn Intake Center as yet another example of how this administration does not fully address the concerns and needs of non-Manhattanites (and the poor and working-class specifically). We maintain that, considering the fact that a number of factors make Crown Heights an inappropriate area to house Citywide homeless individuals, this was a poorly-conceived plan to begin with. To add insult to injury, the fact that the additional intake center for Manhattan (which was promised to Brooklyn elected officials) was not earmarked in the budget-- constitutes yet another broken promise. Please search through this blog to find more information about the (long) history of this issue. Thanks

We also encourage readers to check out the history of the Brooklyn Intake Center's proposed expansion into a Citywide center here; the posts outline the many reasons that elected officials, the Crown Heights community, and homeless advocates have rallied against this proposal. Council Member James has been involved in this issue from the beginning, and feels strongly that the administration should treat both New York City's homeless population and the Crown Heights community with the respect they deserve.

Walk Across Brooklyn Bridge- Help Save Your Community Boards!

Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer sponsors...

Save Your Community Board

Community boards are currently slated to have their budgets cut by $35,000, which would lessen your community’s voice in neighborhood planning matters.

Community Boards are the voice of the community- the way for everyone to participate in decisions for their community and to make the City work for them. Join Borough Presidents Stringer, Diaz, Markowitz, Marshall and Molinaro the City’s 59 community boards, and community advocates to urge the City Council to fully restore community board funding for the coming fiscal year.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9, 2009

TIME: 11AM

WHERE: City Hall steps

Council Member Letitia James invites you to join her at 10AM at Brooklyn Borough Hall to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall, to show support to community board members and New York City residents. Please share this information with your local community boards. If you have any questions, please contact Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081 or aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov.

Moving Pictures: Filming in the 35th District

On Tuesday June 9, 2009 the independent film “ParAmor” is scheduled to film interior scenes on Carlton Avenue between Park and Myrtle Avenues.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 3pm-9pm

CM James, elected officials, Concerned DHS's Promise of Homeless Intake Center in Manhattan Not Reflected in Budget; 6/7; 3PM; City Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2009

Contact: Sandy Taggart at (718) 771-0787

Council Member Letitia James; Council Member Bill de Blasio; other local electeds; along with representatives from community groups including the Crown Heights Revitalization Movement (CHRM); Coalition for the Homeless; and the Crown Heights North Association; as well as advocates for the homeless and neighborhood residents, gather for a press conference on the steps of City Hall this Sunday to oppose the Department of Homeless Services’ plan to move the Bellevue men’s homeless central intake center located in Manhattan, to the Bedford-Atlantic Armory shelter in Brooklyn – and to question why DHS has not earmarked money in their 2010 budget to open a men’s homeless intake center in Manhattan also, (as promised) - DHS is actually now proposing a budget savings, and a savings from the Bellevue intake center closure should not be reflected in DHS’s budget, if an intake center in manhattan is to remain open – this appears to be the case though, despite testimony by DHS Commissioner Robert Hess stating that DHS will open a new intake center in Manhattan, which he gave at the General Welfare Committee’s preliminary budget hearing for the Department of Homeless Services

**Press conference to protest DHS’s move of the men’s homeless central intake center from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and to demand that funds be allocated by the Department of Homeless Services in their budget for a Manhattan men’s homeless intake center, as stated by the Commissioner**

This press event is in support of homeless individuals and the community. Please join us to fight DHS’ misguided plan that will not benefit the City’s male homeless population (over 60% reside in Manhattan), and will harm an already overburdened community. Also, a central intake center for homeless men has existed in Manhattan for more than 30 years. Below is a portion of Commissioner Hess’s testimony, but at this time, there is no reflection in the Department of Homeless Services 2010 budget for funding to open a men’s homeless intake center in Manhattan.

“We've received considerable feedback regarding our plans to move men's intake from its current location at 30th Street in Manhattan to the Bedford Atlantic Armory in Brooklyn, when the current site closes. And based on that input, we have developed a new plan that will allow us to have in place two intake sites - one site in Manhattan, and a second site in Brooklyn at the Bed-Atlantic Armory. We will ensure that there is a new intake site in Manhattan by the time DHS exits 30th Street facility.


Who: Advocates for the homeless, the Crown Heights community and public officials

What: Press conference to demand that the Department of Homeless Services abandon plans to close the Men’s Homeless Central Intake Center in Manhattan, and move it to the Bedford-Atlantic Armory Men’s Shelter in Brooklyn - without funding in DHS’s budget to open a men’s homeless intake center in Manhattan

When: Sunday, June 7th, at 3 pm

Where: Steps of City Hall


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Moving Pictures: Filming in the 35th District

On June 3rd & 4th, 2009 a Television Show Production entitled “Bored to Death” will be shooting interior scenes at the following location:

APPROXIMATE TIME:
9:30am– 12:30am
Brooklyn Mosaic Temple: 317 Clermont Avenue.
6/3– 6/4

Note: Interior Shooting will go on for the same times both days.

On Friday June 5th, 2009 a Television Show Production entitled “Bored to Death” will be De-rigging at the following location:

APPROXIMATE TIME:
7:00am–10pm
Brooklyn Mosaic Temple: 317 Clermont Avenue.
6/5

CM James Supports Oral Health Program for Children In NYC Public Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2009

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191


Council Member Letitia James Supports Oral Health Program for Children located in New York City Public Schools

The window of opportunity to save the Children’s Oral Health Program will soon be closed, as the June 12th layoff date for dentists is fast approaching

(Brooklyn, NY) - For over 100 years, the New York City Oral Health Program (OHP) has served children in public schools without charge, whether the children are insured or not.

Claims by the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) that children in New York City Public Schools can receive dental service elsewhere, such as through Medicaid are misleading, as not all children have coverage and most children are never seen by a dentist unless the care comes to them.

“Management seems to be doing everything in their power to eliminate this program without a viable backup plan in place. If this program is closed children will lose their access to dental care, either because they will have to pay, or because it won't be available in their schools, or both,” said Dr. Gary Peters, a long-time Oral Health Program dentist.

Claims that others dentists will take over the clinics are misleading, as those “others” do not take care of the uninsured, and interest doesn’t extend to taking over all the current clinics. And, to replace this program with a referral service at a cost of $ 1.75 million (as suggested is the Mayor’s 2010 budget), when the entire full service program costs only $ 2.5 million is simply illogical. Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum recently compiled an extensive report on the matter condemning the proposed closures as well.

Only the OHP has the flexibility to seek out children in need of dental care – and open clinics in public schools, as the need becomes known. Dr. Margaret Mahoney, a dentist working for the Oral Health Program for 23 years said: “One out of every two children that I examine has a dental issue to address. If this program closes, a great void will be left in the underserved communities. Already patients have been turned away from our clinics. They are no longer allowed to make appointments for checkups and are now dental homeless.”

“It is well known that good health starts with the teeth, and this begins during childhood. It is simply unconscionable for the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene to phase out this critical oral health program for our youth, and I will do whatever I can to save it. It is my hope that the City Council will prevail in its quest to maintain this important service for our children,” said Council Member James.

According to Dr. Peters, with limited staff more than 23,182 teeth were protected from getting cavities from September 2007 - April 2009, through the application of protective dental sealants, and this is only a small component of the program. How tragic it will be for New York City school children if the 17,000 children currently seen annually are cut off from access to dental care.

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