FGA/CBN Host Meeting on Atlantic Yards; 8/6; 7:30PM

If you weren't able to attend the ESDC public hearing, please consider attending the Fort Greene Association and the Council of Brooklyn Neighborhood's instructional meeting on what may be your last chance to respond to this ill-conceived project.

Please click the image aside for flyer. Details below:

Thurs. 8/6
7:30 - 9:00PM
Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church, 85 So Oxford - 2nd Floor

NYCHA POSITION: HIRING IMMEDIATELY (ONLY for NYCHA resident)

SECTION 3 JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Capital Improvements Contractor Seeking NYCHA Residents for the following positions:

 Laborers
 Painter
 Streamfitters or plumbers
 M-Rate Electricians
 Intern Engineers
 Project Assistants
 Receptionists
 Plasters
 Brick Layers/Mason Tenders
 Roofers
 Licensed Asbestos Handlers
 Certified Lead Abatement
 CDL Operators
 Security Guards
 Bookkeepers
 Administrative Managers

These jobs are temporary positions. Salaries depend on the job title and experience. If you are interested in any of the positions, please contact us for an interview:

Resident Employment Services (RES)
Empowerment through Employment
(718) 250-5904

7th Annual Diabetes Walk; 8/15; Prospect Park

Please consider attending the 7th Annual Diabetes Walk at Brooklyn's Prospect Park on SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH, 2009.

FREE:
• Health Screenings
• Raffles and Giveaways
• Snacks and Entertainment

9:45am to 2:00pm at Prospect Park
(Bartel Lot @ 15th St.)
F Train to Prospect Park
By BUS use the B68 or B75

The walk is FREE! For more information contact the Brooklyn Diabetes Task Force.

Phone: 718-270-2424.
Fax: 718-270-8175.
Email: BrooklynDiabetesTF@gmail.com

Supported by the New York State Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.

Directions for Our Youth Celebrates INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY!

***Save The Date***
AUGUST 12TH 2009

Directions for Our Youth in Partnership with the New York City Parks Department will be celebrating International Youth Day on August 12th at Robert Moses Park!

The theme of this year’s event is sustainability. The UN defines sustainability as “Sustainability does not only refer to maintaining environmental balance and renewal. Sustainability encapsulates three facets of life: the environment, society and the economy.”

Young people from each of DFOY’s programs will be exhibiting projects related to economic, cultural and environmental sustainability. And of course, there will be the Play Mobile, Puppet Shows, and Fitness Van, Food and Amazing Performances.

For more information contact Samuel Conway at sconway@dfoy.org or (914) 362-4020.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum: Target Free Friday Family Jams Series!

The Target Free Friday Family Jams series is in full swing this summer!

The series is offering full cultural performances and free general admissions from 5:00PM to 7:30PM every Friday in July and August. The next such performance takes place on Friday, August 7th with Beat Street: A Celebration of Work Music and Dance This is a fun, free and family event!

For further information please contact Government and Community Affairs on (718) 735-4400.

Econ. Development Forum: PA, Comptroller; 8/3; St. Francis College; 6PM

On Monday, August 3, the candidates for New York City Comptroller and Public Advocate will participate in the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Candidates' Forum hosted by the Government Affairs Committee. The event will be held at St. Francis College- Founders Hall located at 180 Remsen Street, Downtown Brooklyn from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. and moderated by one of the City's leading political reporters, NY1's Michael Scotto. Candidates joining us are:

Comptroller Candidates

Melinda Katz, Councilmember (D-Queens)
John C. Liu, Councilmember (D-Queens)
David Weprin, Councilmember (D-Queens)
David Yassky, Councilmember (D-Brooklyn)

Public Advocate Candidates

Bill de Blasio, Councilmember (D-Brooklyn)
Eric Gioia, Councilmember (D-Queens)
Norman Siegel, Esq.

The candidates will discuss the economic development issues of Brooklyn and the City-you may submit your questions in advance to brooklynsprogress@brooklynchamber.com with Candidates' Forum in the subject line.

This event is free. Space is limited. You may register here.

Elected Officials, Activists Discuss Job Creation At City Hall, 7/30, 1PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2009

Activists and elected officials gather at City Hall to discuss creating jobs in the community, this Thursday, July 30th at 1pm

Please join REBUILD (Real Economics for Building Unity and Innovative Local Development) and its President Darnell Canada, along with Council Members Letitia
James, Charles Barron, Larry Seabrook, and Inez Dickens; Assemblymembers Hakeem Jeffries and Karim Camara; as well as other activist on the steps of City Hall.

We are concerned about insuring that STIMULUS MONEY from the Obama Administration is used for the creation of jobs in the community. Unemployment is over 50% for Black and Latino men in the United States, particularly in public housing where the rate is more than 70%. Another concern is guaranteeing that small minority businesses benefit from STIMULUS MONEY too.

This press conference will discuss the plan that REBUILD and others are proposing to secure STIMULUS MONEY for our communities. Come and join us for the
press event and make a STAND to secure our future, on the Steps of City Hall – Thursday, July 30 at 1:00 pm!!

If you have any questions please call REBUILD at (347) 435-0503.

###

REMINDER: Atlantic Yards Protest; NYC Tech; 7/29; 1PM

As we've posted before, please consider attending tomorrow's Atlantic Yards public hearing--

SAY NO TO ATLANTIC YARDS
WEDNESDAY, July 29, 2009
Start Gathering at 1pm.
Outside Klitgord Auditorium of NYC Technical College
285 Jay Street, Near Tillary
(A/C to Jay St./Borough Hall. 2/3 to Borough Hall)

The Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) is holding a public hearing on the Atlantic Yards project on July 29th.

Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn (DDDB) and Council Member Letitia James urge you to join a protest against Ratner’s destructive project outside the hearing, and to come out and testify at the hearing.

More info at: http://www.dddb.net/upcoming.

CM James Urges Constituents To Be Aware of Con Artists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2009

In light of two seniors having been scammed in the 35th District this past week, Council Member Letitia James warns constituents to be aware of con artists at work


(Brooklyn, NY) – This past week, two seniors in the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill area were scammed out of their hard earned cash. A NYPD investigation determined that what was originally reported by these victims as robberies, were actually found out to be scams, cons, or confidence schemes.

The office of the Attorney General reported that people over the age of 65 make up 13% of the U.S. population, and are almost 30 % of scam victims. As told to the police, and as reported by the New York Times’ The Local Fort Greene/Clinton Hill blog, an elderly woman said she was walking near the corner of Waverly and Greene Avenues when she was confronted by two females who forced her into a vehicle and demanded money. The initial police report states that this victim was taken to her apartment and one of them escorted her inside. The victim handed $1,900 to her captor, who then said they needed more money. The pair then drove the victim to Citibank and removed $1,000 from her ATM.

The victim was possibly embarrassed to tell what actually happened at first (usually the case); the perpetrators most likely offered to share with her money that they had ‘found,’ if she would offer some of her own money in good faith. They most likely left her with what was supposed to be a significant amount, when in reality it was probably an envelope filled with paper, not money. This is a cautionary tale to those who are approached by strangers with an offer that seems to good to be true. In all likelihood, it IS probably too good to be true.

“The telltale sign of a scam is when they ask for money. I told someone once (even though he claimed he was a neighbor and knew me well) that I would be happy to take him where he needed to go, or find others to aid him; I simply would NEVER give someone I do not know money,” said Richard Norton, member of the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Public Safety Task Force.

Experienced con artists are able to scam any person of any level of intelligence – everyone is vulnerable. Confidence tricks exploit typical human qualities like a naive expectation of good faith on the part of the con artist, and/or greed, dishonesty, compassion, honesty, compassion, honesty, vanity.

The online encyclopedia www.wikipedia.org states, “Just asthere is no typical profile for swindlers, neither is there one for their victims. Confidence tricksters often rely on the greed and dishonesty of the mark, who may attempt to out-cheat the con artist, only to discover that he or she has been manipulated into losing from the very beginning. The confidence trickster often works with one or more accomplices called shills who help manipulate the mark into accepting the con man's plan. In a traditional confidence trick, the mark is led to believe that he will be able to win money or some other prize by doing some task.”

“Seniors and all residents need to be wary of ‘smiling faces’ especially during these economic times. A lesson learned - always be cautious of strangers asking for money, and please contact the NYPD, an elected official, the district attorney and/or the attorney general if you feel you are a victim of a scam,” said Council Member Letitia James.

For more information contact: Alfred Chiodo and Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191


###

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

Community Forum on the Office of the Public Advocate

Monday, July 27, 2009

Brown Memorial Baptist Church
484 Washington Avenue (enter at Gates Avenue)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11238

Doors open at 6:30PM
Forum 7PM- 8PM

All candidates have been invited to participate and light refreshments will be served.

Sponsors: Brown Memorial Baptist Church, Rev. Clinton M. Miller Pastor, & Brooklyn for Barack

__________________________________________________

The Council on the Environment of New York City [CENYC] is expanding their textile recycling program.

Beginning August 1st, the Fort Greene park Greenmarket will accept clothing and other textiles for reuse or recycling on--

SATURDAYS
8AM-3PM
Fort Greene Park Greenmarket
Washington Park at DeKalb Avenue

How does textile recycling work? You drop off clean clothing, shoes, bedding, linens, hats, handbags, belts and other textiles in usable or non-usable condition. Donations are sorted into different grades such as cotton blend and synthetic scrap, and then redistributed to markets where there is a demand for these materials, such as wearable clothing or stuffing for mattresses. For more information visit www.cenyc.org/clothing or call 212-788-7989.

ATTENTION: Ryerson Chimney Collapse

Regarding the brick crumbling on 132 Ryerson posted on the NYT Local yesterday, here is the most up-to-date information we have at this time-

132 Ryerson is a privately-owned building. It was evacuated on Sunday (7/26) after significant heavy rains caused brick falling (the building borders, at the rear, 499 Myrtle Avenue, which houses La Stalla restaurant). A violation was issued that day to the owner for not properly maintaining the building. Building will remain closed until contractor completes emergency repairs (should be made within 48 hours). [summary of information posted on The Local]

The brick falling was due to the collapse of a "dead chimney" (out-of-use) onto the neighboring restaurant. On Sunday, the DOB Deputy Commissioner was out with representatives of the owner and an engineer examining the building. Additionally, part of neighboring building (with the restaurant) was temporarily evacuated.

Three families were evacuated from 132 Ryerson. The Red Cross has stepped in to deal with families. 132 Ryerson's owner is obtaining an engineer, and putting together a plan to repair building damage. DOB will take further steps to re-inspect building at that point.

All information may be altered to reflect current details. Please contact the office of Council Member James at (212) 788-7081 or aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov if you have any further information (or want to correct any inconsistencies stated above).

Transport News: The B61 service Splits into Two Shorter Routes

The MTA NYC Transit proposes to divide the current B61 route into two shorter routes, the B61 and the new B62 route. This will provide more efficient and convenient bus services for our customers and constituents.

The current B61 route is a long 9.7- mile route which operates between Red Hook in Brooklyn and Queens Plaza in Queens. The route experiences severe delays due to traffic congestion, especially in Downtown Brooklyn, resulting in unreliability and frequent complaints.

Splitting the B61 route in Downtown Brooklyn will create two routes, the B61 and B62. Both of these routes would operate with the same total level of service as the current B61 route, but their reliability would increase because of their shorter operating distances.

The new southern route, the B61, will travel from the IKEA Terminal in Red Hook to Downtown Brooklyn. The northern route, the B62, will travel from Downtown Brooklyn to Queens Plaza, and will be rerouted through the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal. This reroute will also provide transfers to the bus routes at the bus terminal and a connection with the J, M, Z line in the Marcy Avenue Station.

NYC Transit is proposing to implement these changes in January 2010. This proposal will be presented for information to the NYC Transit Committee of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board at its 2009 meeting. Members of the public are invited to offer their opinion during the public commencement period at the beginning of each NYC Transit Committee meeting.

The meeting will be held at 347 Madison Avenue, Manhattan, 5^th Floor Conference Room, on Monday July 27^th at 9:30 a.m. All those wishing to present comments at this meeting must register to speak between 9: 15 a.m. and the start of the meeting.

Moving Pictures: Channeling Bad Weather

On Sunday July 26th, 2009 a Student Production entitled “Storm up the Sky” will be shooting exterior scenes at the following location:

APPROXIMATE TIME: 8am– 8pm

570 Crown Street btwn Albany & Troy Avenue

On Sunday July 26, 2009 and Sunday July 27, 2009 the production “STORM UP THE SKY” is scheduled to shoot interior and exterior scenes at the following locations:

· 667 Eastern Parkway btw New York & Brooklyn Aves
· 885 Eastern Parkway btw New York & Brooklyn Aves
· 413 Kingston Ave btw Montgomery St & Empire Blvd


APPROXIMATE TIME:
Saturday 8:45am – 8pm
Sunday 8am – 9:30pm

NYC-DOT Adjusts "Signal Calming" on DeKalb Avenue

Please note that the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC-DOT) has re-adjusted the signals on DeKalb Avenue between Vanderbilt and Ashland Avenues to a 25 m.p.h. progression. This progression was installed in 2001 as a Downtown Brooklyn Traffic Calming pilot program, but over time some of the signals got “out of synch” and the consistent progression was lost.

The purpose of creating a progression slower than the posted speed limit (also known as “signal calming”) is to discourage speeding. Motorists starting from a red light will only be able to achieve a consistent speed of 25 m.p.h. Traveling faster than this will result in the motorist having to stop and wait for the next light to turn green.

NYC-DOT has looked into this phenomenon because community concerns about speeding on DeKalb Avenue. Though signal calming cannot completely prevent speeding, it does reduce average and 85th percentile speeds. If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please call our District Office at (718) 260-9191.

ATTENTION: BK Task Force on Housing Court Presents Information Session; 7/28; BK Housing Court; 2PM

Brooklyn Task Force On Housing Court

Video Screening--

“Preparing For A Non-Payment Case”
AND
“How To Tell If You Are A Rent Stabilized Tenant”

WHEN: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
2PM- 4PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Housing Court
141 Livingston Street
8th Floor, Room 801

For any questions: contact Norma at 212-962-4795 or normaaviles@cwtfhc.org.

DOE Sponsors 2nd Annual "Back-2-School Kickoff"; 8/22; Central Parl; 10AM

The New York City Department of Education's Office for Family Engagement & Advocacy (DOE-OFEA) is sponsoring their 2nd Annual Back-to-School Kickoff! NYC public school students and their families are invited to learn about academic and social success, and the DOE's goals for the upcoming school year!

WHEN: Saturday, August 22nd
10AM-3PM
WHERE: Central Park, Bandshell area (72nd Street & 5th Avenue)

For more information, call (212) 374-7625 or write ofea@schools.nyc.gov. The OFEA calendar can be found here: http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/OFEA/News/default.htm.

Atlantic Yards Protest; NYC Tech; 7/29; 1PM

SAY NO TO ATLANTIC YARDS

WHEN: July 29, 2009
WHERE: outside Klitgord Auditorium of NYC Technical College
285 Jay Street, near Tillary

Participants will start gathering at 1PM.

DIRECTIONS: A/C to Jay Street/Borough Hall OR 2/3 to Borough Hall

The Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) is holding a public hearing on the Atlantic Yards project on July 29th.

Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn (DDDB), and Council Member Letitia James urge you to join this protest against Ratner’s destructive project outside the hearing, and to come out and testify at the hearing.

As far as we know, there will be no more public hearings on Atlantic Yards; therefore, this should be considered the community’s chance to tell ESDC and Ratner:

We Don’t Want Atlantic Yards.

We Want Development That Works for the Community, Not at the Expense of the Community

Atlantic Yards Must Be Scrapped!

Join DDDB, other community groups, residents, clergy, union members, and elected officials for the protest.

The actual hearing is scheduled from 2PM-5PM and 6PM-8PM. DDDB asks the public to sign in and testify against the project. If you are unable to come for the afternoon protest and hearing, DDDB urges you to come for the late afternoon/evening hearing.

Bring Protest Signs. Speak your mind about the project.

More info at: www.dddb.net/upcoming

North Flatbush Avenue BID hosts Blood Drive; 8/28; 2PM

The North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting a blood drive on Friday, August 28,2009, from 2:00PM to 7:30PM, in front of Crunch at 330 Flatbush Avenue (at Sterling Place and 8th Avenue). Sponsors of the blood drive include the New York Blood Center (NYBC).

The NYBC states that "donating blood is literally giving the gift of life. Each day, the NYBC needs close to 2,000 people a day to roll up their sleeves to give the gift of life."

NYCB can be reached through their website here: http://www.nfbid.com/, or at info@nfbid.com or (718) 783-1685.

CM James Scores 96% On New York League of Conservation Voters Scorecard

Following her performance on the Urban Justice Center's Human Rights Report Card and the New York League of Humane Voter's Humane Scorecard, Council Member James has once again come out ahead. The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) recently released their Environmental Scorecard. According to their website, the NYCLV "the Scorecard examines Council Members' voting and sponsorship records on a variety of sustainability legislation, from transportation to energy efficiency and climate change...NYLCV based our findings on 13 bills that were introduced in the City Council." Council Member James scored highly at 96% (the only Brooklyn member to score hire was Council Member David Yassky).

Those bills considered for the Scorecard may be found here: http://www.nylcv.org/node/5147

The Scorecard may be found here: http://www.nylcv.org/sites/nylcv.civicactions.net/files/LoResScorecard.pdf

UPK Round 2 Application Process Begins

You may now apply for the NYC public school Pre-Kindergarten program by completing and submitting your application. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 31.

Please review the Round 2 Pre-Kindergarten Directory before completing the application process. It can be found here: http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/C1AE6A05-9ED8-4428-BC3A-076103B28E28/0/PKDII071309v3.pdf

The application itself can be found on the Student Enrollment Management System here: https://prod.semsnycdoe.com/parentsite/

Paper applications may be picked-up at:

29 Fort Greene Place, Room BE12
Phone: 646-285-8152
*general education only

131 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-935-4908
*special education only

Calendar:

Monday, July 13, 2009
-Round 2 application period begins

Friday, July 31, 2009
-Round 2 application period ends

Friday, August 28, 2009
-Offer letters mailed to families

Wednesday, September 9, 2009
-Round 2 registration begins at schools

The first day of school for the 2009-10 school year is Wednesday, September 9.

You may learn more about the process and UPK here: http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/PreK/default.htm

A Message from Council Member James: NAACP and African-American Community in NYC

The following is an open letter by Council Member James sent to the NAACP.



To begin, I would like to commend the NAACP on 100 years of important advocacy and service to African American communities all across the US. In New York, our evidence of the NAACP’s legacy is found in New York chapter president Hazel Dukes and in Brooklyn president Karen Boykin-Towns, whose work and commitment to justice has benefited us all.

The 100th anniversary is another milestone that we can add to the series of accomplishments and historical events that make 2009 a significant year in history. With the election and inauguration of Barack Obama - our nation’s first African American President - the role of the NAACP in providing trails for us all to blaze deserves much credit and gratitude.

But as the old saying goes, we may have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. 2009 also marks the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking film Do the Right Thing, a creation of Brooklyn’s son Spike Lee. The issues that surfaced in the film still cause us all to think about the implications of race relations and inequality. Since Mayor Bloomberg honored the NAACP this week, the question must be asked: is the Mayor doing the right thing for communities of color in New York City?

Under the Bloomberg administration, many issues affecting communities of color remain critical challenges, but go seemingly unaddressed. In 2004, data from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that half of Black Men in New York City are unemployed. Since that time the administration has taken on extremely limited efforts to address this crisis. In fact, this week the New York Times revealed that the unemployment rate for Blacks in New York City has increased at a rate four times greater than the rate for whites in the city. At 14.7% unemployment for Blacks, the Black-White gap in New York is increasing at one of the fastest paces in the country. While unemployment amongst Black New Yorkers was soaring by 167%, the Mayor ignored communities most in need, and invested $45 million in city dollars to provide job training to those on Wall Street. Unfortunately, the administration continues to do far too little to close the gap and the promote diversity and in equality in the city.

The administration’s efforts at improving diversity and promoting equality can best be determined through the city’s Women and Minority Business Enterprises (WMBE) program. The percentage of procurement opportunities for WMBE’s remains distressing. As head of the City Council’s Contracts committee, I have witnessed the administration fail to take a more active approach in increasing business opportunities for women and minorities. Moreover, minority representation in Mayor Bloomberg’s administration still remains a major challenge. Unfortunately the Mayor’s administrators do not adequately represent the demographics of the New York City that many of us know. This city is in dire need of more administrators who actually relate to the experience of average New Yorkers.

Finally, over half century after the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision, fought for victoriously by the NAACP, the City of New York still remains burdened by persistent segregation. In fact, according to a study by the University of Florida, New York City has experienced the least decline in segregation rates. Very little policy or discussion has emerged from this administration to target the continuing patterns of segregation in the city’s housing.

Mayor Bloomberg, do the right thing, honor the NAACP’s legacy substantively - address the issues that the NAACP has been fighting for these past 100 years - as you finish the remainder of your term. These issues still remain a critical challenge for our city, but far too often it seems these challenges are met with a blind eye and deaf ear.

Finally, and most importantly, congratulations to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on its 100 years of invaluable service, not just to African Americans, but for all Americans. Beyond 2009, I am certain the NAACP will keep up the critical work it began a century ago and continue to make the United States more just for all. I am certain that the NAACP will continue to provide the same level of support and inspiration to many, for at least another 100 years to come.

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council

Moving Pictures: Capturing Patriotism

On Wednesday July 15, 2009 “A CAtch-22 Productions” is scheduled to film interior scenes at 470 Flushing Avenue between Spencer and Walworth Streets.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 6am-10pm

Moving Pictures: Have A Sweet Day!

On Wednesday July 15, 2009 a commercial for “Starburst” is scheduled to film exterior scenes at Fort Greene Park between Myrtle and DeKalb Avenues.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 6am-8pm

CMs James/ de Blasio, AM Jeffires Call for Greater Responsibility In Response to Police Shootings

This media advisory refers to the shooting of Shem Walker in Clinton Hill on Saturday July 11, 2009.

More information on the shooting can be found at:
The NYT-Local- http://fort-greene.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/11/man-shot-dead-by-police-on-lafayette
http://fort-greene.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/13/the-day-what-happened-at-370-lafayette/
The New York Times- http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/13/nyregion/13shoot.html?_r=1
The Daily News- http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/07/12/2009-07-12_handyman_shot_dead_by_undercover_drug_officer_in_buy_and_bust_deal_gone_wrong.html

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

*FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY*

CONTACT: Gwen Rocco: 410-440-5808

July 15, 2009

BILL DE BLASIO DEMANDS GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESPONSE TO POLICE SHOOTINGS

JOINS COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES, ASSEMBLYMEMBER JEFFRIES AT HOUSE WHERE ARMY VET WAS KILLED

NEW YORK– Public Advocate Candidate Bill de Blasio will hold a press conference with Council Member Letitia James, Assemblymember Hakeem Jeffries and other elected leaders at the Clinton Hill house where an army veteran was shot and killed by an undercover police officer last weekend. De Blasio will join local leaders to call for new reforms in order to ensure greater accountability in response to police shootings.

Where: 370 Lafayette Avenue Brooklyn (btw. Classon Avenue and Grand Avenue)

When: Wednesday, July 15, 12:30PM



###

Moving Pictures: Go The Distance (UPDATED)

On Monday July 13, 2009 the feature film “GOING THE DISTANCE” is scheduled to film interior and exterior scenes at Pratt Institute at 200 Willoughby Avenue/Ryerson Street.


APPROXIMATE TIME: 6AM– 8PM

07.14.09- According to the NYT-Local, "Going the Distance" actually stars Drew Barrymore, Justin "I'm a Mac" Long, and Christina Applegate. Here's Ms. Barrymore in Clinton Hill.

Moving Pictures: Oral Hygiene Edition

On Monday July 13, 2009 a commercial for “Crest” is scheduled to film interior and interior scenes at 470 Flushing Avenue between Spencer and Walworth Streets.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 12PM- 9PM

Schools Offer FREE Breakfast/Lunch Over Summer

Via the NYC Department of Education's Office of School Food and Nutritional Services:

For children and teens, 18 years or younger during the summer months, free breakfast and lunch are available-

NO:

• Forms to fill out
• Identification needed
• Residency or Citizenship requirements

JUST SHOW UP!!


To find locations near you please go to the following link:

http://www.opt-osfns.org/osfns/resources/sch_search/SummerMeals.aspx

CM James and Bristen's Eatery Make Smoothies For You In Crown Heights; 7/11; 2PM

For Immediate Release

July 9, 2009

Council Member Letitia James partners with Bristen’s Eatery to make smoothies for the Franklin/Sterling Flea Market this Saturday

Come taste a fresh fruit smoothie made especially for you by Council Member James

(Brooklyn, NY)– Council Member Letitia James and Carleen Haughton, owner of Bristen’s Eatery located at 751 Franklin Avenue, will be serving up fresh smoothies to the community this Saturday.

Their aim is to raise awareness of the Franklin/Sterling Flea, and of businesses on Franklin Avenue in Crow Hill, Brooklyn. Spaces are still available for vendors to become a part of the Flea. Any businesses interested in participating should feel free to apply for space at the flea market.

The Crow Hill Association also continues to be of great assistance to Franklin Avenue businesses and the Franklin/Sterling Flea with their Go Green-Go Clean committee. The association provides cleaning up help, as well as donates plants for business and homes on Franklin Avenue.

Who: Council Member Letitia James, Bristen’s Eatery, and the Crow Hill Association

What: Smoothie Making Event at the Franklin/Sterling Flea Market

When: Saturday, July 11th at 2pm

Where: Franklin Avenue and Sterling Place (next to 751 Franklin Avenue)


For more information contact: Carleen Haughton at (646) 393-9422



###

ATTENTION: Crown Heights Groper Suspect Apprehended

A major congratulations to Crown Heights police for their quick apprehension of Mr. Frank Hatton, a suspect in the groping incidents that have recently taken place in the Crown Heights section of the 35th District!

See more at CrownHeights.info: http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=19771
And NY1: http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/101976/police-arrest-suspected-serial-groper/Default.aspx?ap=1&Flash

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

For a schedule of the annual summer concert series in Brooklyn sponsored by the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, click on the link below.

http://www.brooklynconcerts.com/
_________________________________________________

Are you interested in learning HOW TO GO GREEN? Emmanuel Baptist Church will provide a seminar on energy conservation, recycling and saving money on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 7PM- 9PM. Come and see how to reduce your carbon footprint (basic energy consumption) in your home or apartment.

LOCATION:
279 Lafayette Ave. (at the corner of St. James Place)
Brooklyn, NY 11238

_________________________________________________

The Pratt Area Community Council is now offering a monthly legal clinic for those of you facing eviction, landlord harassment, needed repairs, or problems with Section 8 the first Wednesday of every month.

6PM- 8PM
201 Dekalb Ave.
(btwn Carlton Avenue & Adelphi Street)
Brooklyn, N.Y.

By appointment only! Call Juanita at (718) 522.2613 extention x24 to reserve your spot.

______________________________________________________

Public Debate for the Office of the New York City Public Advocate sponsored by City Hall News-

Thursday, July 9, 2009
8AM- 10AM
CUNY GRADUATE CENTER
365 Fifth Avenue
(btwn 34th & 35th Streets)
NY, NY 10016

[For those following the PA race, Council Member Simcha Felder recently announced his plans to introduce a Council bill to eliminate the PA position entirely.]

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

HousingLink: Resources for Domestic Violence Victims

Are you a domestic violence survivor?
Or do you know a domestic violence survivor who is looking for safe housing in New York City?

HousingLink, a program of New Destiny Housing Corporation can help!
* Housing Helpline- 646-472-0262 x15
* HousingLink Online- www.newdestinyhousing.org
* Housing Training Workshops

The Office of Council Member James also has access to emergency housing resources for domestic violence victims. Please call us at (212) 788-7081.

teamtish

Moving Pictures: Sorcery 101

On Thursday July 9, 2009 the feature film “THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE” is scheduled to film interior and exterior scenes at 1579 Bedford Armory between Union & President Streets.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 6AM– 12AM

Fort Greene Park Conservancy- Learn About Walk Whitman's Contribution to Fort Greene; 7/12; 2PM

To honor Walt Whitman's contribution to establishing Fort Greene Park (which we get nerdy about when given the opportunity), the Fort Greene Park Conservancy and The Walt Whitman Project are sponsoring an afternoon of poetry reading, music and discussion. The event will include two original pieces by composer Gilda Lyons and conclude with a walk up Myrtle Avenue to 99 Ryerson Ave, the last existing building in Brooklyn that was a residence of Walt Whitman.

Those interested should note the following event information:

Sunday July 12, 2009, 2:00PM- Meet at the Visitors Center Top of the Hill, Fort Greene Park
- Enter at the Myrtle Avenue, Washington Park, or DeKalb Avenue entrance

This is a FREE event. For more Information & Reservations (limited to 25 people) call: 718-391-8824.

Free Healthy Living Forum; North General Hospital; Harlem: 7/18; 10AM

We don't usually post about events happening outside of Brooklyn, but we thought this Health Forum would be of interest to residents--


Free Healthy Living Forum
Meet the Experts and Learn About Access to Free Medications*
(For Adults from 18 to 64)


WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 2009
10:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

WHERE: North General Hospital
Ground Floor Cafeteria
1879 Madison Avenue (at East 122nd Street)
New York, NY 10035

SCHEDULE:

10:00-10:30 A.M. Registration- Healthy meal provided, visit community service tables/booths

10:30-10:45 Introduction and Welcome Address- Seth Ginsberg, GHLF President

10:45-11:15 Healthy Eating for Healthy Living- Registered Dietitian


11:15-11:45 Living with a Chronic Illness with Q&A- Presented by a Physician

11:45-12:15 P.M. Access Free Medication, Patient Assistance Program Overview with Q&A- Patient Assistance Specialist

12:15-12:30 The Healthy Partnership Between You and Your Disease- Health Psychologist

12:30 Reflections and Farewell- Gift Bags Distributed

Presented by the Global Healthy Living Foundation in partnership with the Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer and North General Hospital.

Sponsored by Pfizer Helpful Answers

RSVP Requested: (718) 989-2172 (RSVP line), or visit www.ghlf.org

Free transportation available for parties of 16 or more. E-mail: freeride@ghlf.org.

*This program is primarily designed for people without prescription coverage

ATTENTION: Women Beware- Serial Groper in Crown Heights

For Immediate Release

July 7, 2009

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191 / (646) 201-8183

Council Member Letitia James and Assemblyman Karim Camara send message: assaults by serial groper in Crown Heights will not be tolerated, and women in community please be aware

(Brooklyn, NY) - A serial groper is on the loose in Crown Heights based on reports that a dozen Brooklyn women have been assaulted in the past few weeks. According to the NYPD, a number of complaints made by several Hasidic Jewish woman and one African American woman are under investigation by police. The perpetrator is a skinny man in his late teens or early twenties, who slaps and gropes the backside of women in a violating fashion, often while riding on a bicycle.

“It is shocking and alarming that someone would harass or assault any woman, particularly an innocent passerby. Such actions are first of all devastating to the victim but also an attack on our entire community. Any such person who initiates such contact is not a member of our community and does not deserve to be walking the streets,” said Assemblyman Karim Camara, 43 AD. “As community leaders we must do everything in our power to protect the women in our community. We call upon all members of the community to be vigilant in their travels to guard against this perpetrator. I commend the 71st Precinct for taking swift, decisive and aggressive action in their effort to locate and capture the person committing these heinous criminal acts and to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.”

Council Member Letitia James, 35th CD said: I am appalled to learn of these incidents, and I want to send the message that the NYPD along with community leaders are taking action. These assaults are degrading, insulting and frightening for the women and families of Crown Heights. We want to increase residents’ awareness of this disturbed person on the prowl, and encourage people to walk together and only in well lit areas. A reward is being offered for any information that will lead to the arrest and indictment of this perpetrator. Lastly, I want to assure the community that the 71st precinct is doing all it can to put an end to this spree of violating attacks on the community.”

“We thank the police, Chief Fox and Deputy Inspector Peter Simonetti, for all their efforts to solve this series of crimes. We are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator. Thank God we have progressed to the point of good relations in our community where all residents see an attack on any individual as an attack on the entire community, regardless of race and national origin. Together we can help keep our neighborhood safe,” said Rabbi Eli Cohen from the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council.

Activist Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang offered one solution to resolving this problem. “The perpetrator could easily be found if we had a network of video cameras (as Council Member James is helping to fund, as well as many community leaders have been crying out for) saturating the streets of Crown Heights. Let’s get those in place right away,” he said.




###

See further information on Crown Heights.info here.

ALTERNATE SIDE SUSPENDED IN DOWNTOWN BK, DUMBO, VINEGAR HILL STARTING 7/14 6-8 WEEKS FOR REDUCED STREET-CLEANING; REGULATIONS START IN FG/CH 7/20!

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING REGULATIONS SUSPENDED IN DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN, DUMBO, VINEGAR HILL, FULTON FERRY AND BROOKLYN HEIGHTS (JORALEMON STREET AND NORTH) STARTING JULY 13 FOR SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS AS DOT POSTS NEW, REDUCED STREET-CLEANING REGULATIONS

New regulations will take effect in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill starting July 20
Suspension is the second of three phases for neighborhoods in Community District 2





Effective Monday, July 13, 2009, Street Cleaning/Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be temporarily suspended in Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Vinegar Hill, Fulton Ferry, and parts of the Brooklyn Heights area of Brooklyn's Community District 2 for approximately six to eight weeks as the Department of Transportation (DOT) installs some 2,000 signs with new, reduced regulations. This is the second of a three-phase project to change signs throughout the district.

Parts of Brooklyn Heights south of Joralemon Street will not be included in the second phase of the suspension and will remain subject to posted parking regulations. The first phase of the sign-replacement project is now complete, with signs in the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill sections of the district having been replaced since May 18. The newly posted regulations will be enforceable on Monday, July 20, giving residents two weeks to adjust to the new rules.

In the upcoming phase of the sign-replacement project, some daytime residential street cleaning parking restrictions are being reduced from twice a week to just once a week to ease parking for local residents. In other cases, only the time of day of the street-cleaning regulation will change. The new rules were established by the Department of Sanitation (DOS) at the request of Community Board 2.

Street Cleaning Regulations (all parking signs marked with a broom symbol) will be suspended within the following borders from July 13 until further notice:

North: East River from Furman Street to Hudson Avenue.
East: Hudson Avenue (included) from John Street to Navy Street, including Plymouth Street, Little Street and Evans Street; Navy Street (included) from Hudson Avenue to Myrtle Avenue; Myrtle Avenue (not included) from Navy Street to Flatbush Avenue; Flatbush Avenue (included) from Myrtle Avenue to Fulton Street.
South: Fulton Street (not included) from Flatbush Avenue to Adams Street; Joralemon Street (included) from Adams Street to East River.
West: Furman Street (included) from Joralemon Street to Old Fulton Street.

The new regulations will take effect once sign changes are complete in the entire area, also indicated on the attached map. The changes do not affect 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. parking rules or meter regulations, or any other parking rules that are not street cleaning regulations, such as one-day-per-week "No Parking" restrictions common to Brooklyn Heights. DOT will give advance notification before enforcement resumes, and residents encouraged to check the DOT's Web site at www.nyc.gov/dot, the DOS's website at www.nyc.gov/sanitation, and call 311 regularly for the most updated information available. Brooklyn's Community Board 2 at (718) 596-5410 or CB2K@nyc.rr.com.

Moving Pictures: Feel The Wonder

On Monday July 6, 2009 the feature film “BOY WONDER” is scheduled to film interior and exterior scenes at Dekalb Ave btw Cumberland & S Portland and Fort Greene Park – Dekalb Ave & Washington Park.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 11am – 12am

"Boy Wonder" is not affiliated, as far as we know, with "The Wonder Years"; but Winnie Cooper is eternally burned into our memory.

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention

Our apologies for not updating for a while...

Town Hall

Last night, Council Member Letitia James held a Town Hall to address infrastructure in Clinton Hill following the Myrtle Avenue building collapse at St. Luke's Church on Washington Avenue between Willoughby and DeKalb Avs. Representatives from City Agencies were present, and were able to speak about what's happening at this point, as well as how to report structure-damage that is potentially dangerous. There will be additional communication after the appropriate City agencies have completed the necessary investigations into these matters. You can see more on NY1's report here.

Infrastructure in a majority-historic district is always a concern, but we urge people not to be unduly alarmed by these events. Responsibility for the care of property lies with the property owner. We encourage renters to sign legal leases, and attain renters insurance when possible.

Donating Money/Items

Our office has the donation list that can be accessed on the Chez Lola website. If you have items or goods to donate, please complete the form on the website. We are sending this information to the displaced residents, who can follow-up on the items they are interested in. There was a similar list set-up for Anh Nguyen and Andrew Schneider here: http://itpedia.nyu.edu/wiki/Myrtle_Avenue_Collapse_Benefit_page. Unfortunately, there is no general place to hold your donated items at this time. The search for housing remains the main concern for displaced residents.

Additionally, we are strongly encouraging monetary donations. Here are some individual donation sites:

To donate to the Diaz/Nunez family, see our post here- http://teamtish.blogspot.com/2009/06/attention-building-collapse-on-myrtle.html
Andrew Schneider's donation information can be found here- http://greylockarts.net/andrews-home
Anh Nguyen's donation information can be found here- http://savemang.org/
Jess Banning's donation information can be found here- http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-06-22.8270203664

Our office has collaborated with the Myrtle Avenue Revilatization Project (MARP), a registered non-profit, to collect donations for all the 491 & 493 Myrtle Avenue residents. Donations will be evenly distributed to all families affected. If you are donating funds, please make checks/money orders out to MARP. Specify “491 & 493 Myrtle Emergency Fund” in the memo field-

472 Myrtle Avenue, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11205

A Tree Falls On Cambridge...Yikes!

A tree limb fell on Cambridge Place (where your blogger happens to reside), which we noticed last night around 9:00PM. The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation have been notified, and they should be out there as soon as possible. If you still see that thing hanging around, please call our office at (212) 788-7081.

Organizing Block Parties This Summer? Process Made Simple!

NEW YORK CITY’S 3,000 BLOCK PARTIES HAVE A NEW HOME WWW.BLOCKPARTYNYC.ORG offers maps, promotion, how-to guides, financial support

There are more than 3,000 block parties in New York City every summer, and today the New York City Streets Renaissance (NYCSR) launches an interactive website that helps New Yorkers organize and promote their own. BlockPartyNYC.org was developed by The Open Planning Project, and provides block party hosts with:

• Interactive Google Maps where visitors can plot or find block parties in their neighborhood

• Step-by-step guides to getting block party permits, approval and logistics

• Details on each of the 59 community board’s specific block party requirements

• $500 grants awarded to select block parties promoting safer neighborhood streets

• Free webpage and URL to promote each individual block party

The Block Party NYC program is dedicated to helping residents reclaim neighborhood streets from traffic, turning underutilized asphalt into public space for a day.

“Every time a block party is held, New Yorkers see proof that our streets don’t have to be all-car, all the time,” says Lindsey Lusher of the NYC Streets Renaissance. “With Block Party NYC, we’re untangling the Byzantine process so that more and more residents can reclaim their streets one afternoon at a time.”

Last year, Block Party NYC awarded over 30 mini-grants to blocks across the five boroughs. This year’s grant recipients will receive money to fund the party, materials to publicize, and most importantly, the services of an urban planner to help reduce speeding, thru-traffic and pollution.

To find out more about the program or the parties, visit www.blockpartynyc.org.