Barclays Center was approved for its liquor license by the New York State Liquor Authority, despite concerns raised by Council Member James and community members (including a petition signed by nearly 1,400 residents). Contrary to requests for an early alcohol cut-off time, the Board voted to impose a 1:00AM cut off for liquor sales at the arena.
More information is available from Brooklyn Speaks here: http://www.brooklynspeaks.net/node/64
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Council Member Letitia James and District Attorney Charles Hynes Put Brooklyn "Johns" on Alert
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 24, 2012
Contact: Barbara Sherman (718) 260-9191
Council Member Letitia James and District Attorney Charles Hynes Put Brooklyn "Johns" on Alert
(Brooklyn, NY)-- Council Member Letitia James and Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes along with the 79th and 88th precincts are mobilizing the community to help stop prostitution in the 35th District and throughout Brooklyn.
“It takes a village to keep our community safe. Prostitution is not a victimless crime. We need more police patrolling our streets in collaboration with community churches and local organizations. All these resources are needed to reach out to those in need,” said Council Member James.
" 'Johns'-- you have been put on alert, all eyes will be on you! I want to commend Police Commissioner Ray Kelly on his efforts to have officers focus not on supply but on demand, by arresting the clients, or 'johns'," said Council Member Letitia James.
Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes said, “The members of my Sex Crimes Bureau will continue to work with the New York City Police Department and Community Leaders like Council Member James to rid their neighborhoods of prostitution. We are ready with a multi-pronged approach. We will prosecute anyone who profits to the fullest extent if the law. We offer alternatives to incarceration to victims that teach them other ways to support themselves. All 'johns' are offered the option to attend Project Respect - program that has proven very successful in reducing recidivism.”
When: Monday, August 27th at 9:00am
Where: Fulton and Classon Avenue, Brooklyn NY
August 24, 2012
Contact: Barbara Sherman (718) 260-9191
Council Member Letitia James and District Attorney Charles Hynes Put Brooklyn "Johns" on Alert
(Brooklyn, NY)-- Council Member Letitia James and Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes along with the 79th and 88th precincts are mobilizing the community to help stop prostitution in the 35th District and throughout Brooklyn.
“It takes a village to keep our community safe. Prostitution is not a victimless crime. We need more police patrolling our streets in collaboration with community churches and local organizations. All these resources are needed to reach out to those in need,” said Council Member James.
" 'Johns'-- you have been put on alert, all eyes will be on you! I want to commend Police Commissioner Ray Kelly on his efforts to have officers focus not on supply but on demand, by arresting the clients, or 'johns'," said Council Member Letitia James.
Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes said, “The members of my Sex Crimes Bureau will continue to work with the New York City Police Department and Community Leaders like Council Member James to rid their neighborhoods of prostitution. We are ready with a multi-pronged approach. We will prosecute anyone who profits to the fullest extent if the law. We offer alternatives to incarceration to victims that teach them other ways to support themselves. All 'johns' are offered the option to attend Project Respect - program that has proven very successful in reducing recidivism.”
When: Monday, August 27th at 9:00am
Where: Fulton and Classon Avenue, Brooklyn NY
Thursday, August 23, 2012
CM JAMES COMMENTS ON NYPD DISCIPLINE OF OFFICERS USING HATEFUL LANGUAGE ON FACEBOOK
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 23, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON NYPD DISCIPLINE OF OFFICERS USING HATEFUL LANGUAGE ON FACEBOOK
New York, NY— In December 2011, Council Member Letitia James and colleagues expressed outrage at the offensive and disrespectful comments made by some individuals affiliated with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on the social-networking website “Facebook”.
Commenters on the Facebook group entitled “No More West Indian Day Detail” were found referring to parade participants as “animals”, “savages”, and “filth”; and the parade overall as a “scheduled riot”. Today, the New York Daily News reported that 17 officers were disciplined for their remarks— with 4 officers facing departmental trials on misconduct charges, 6 officers facing command disciplines, and 7 officers receiving lower levels of punishment.
“These comments were deeply offensive, specifically to the elected officials who every year work with the NYPD to address safety concerns related to the West Indian Day Parade,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I commend the NYPD for addressing this unacceptable behavior.”
The 2011 West Indian American Day Parade saw a total of nine shooting victims, with four of those victims shot along the parade’s route. Those who lost their life include Denise Gay, 56, who was shot while sitting on a stoop with her daughter.
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August 23, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON NYPD DISCIPLINE OF OFFICERS USING HATEFUL LANGUAGE ON FACEBOOK
New York, NY— In December 2011, Council Member Letitia James and colleagues expressed outrage at the offensive and disrespectful comments made by some individuals affiliated with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on the social-networking website “Facebook”.
Commenters on the Facebook group entitled “No More West Indian Day Detail” were found referring to parade participants as “animals”, “savages”, and “filth”; and the parade overall as a “scheduled riot”. Today, the New York Daily News reported that 17 officers were disciplined for their remarks— with 4 officers facing departmental trials on misconduct charges, 6 officers facing command disciplines, and 7 officers receiving lower levels of punishment.
“These comments were deeply offensive, specifically to the elected officials who every year work with the NYPD to address safety concerns related to the West Indian Day Parade,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I commend the NYPD for addressing this unacceptable behavior.”
The 2011 West Indian American Day Parade saw a total of nine shooting victims, with four of those victims shot along the parade’s route. Those who lost their life include Denise Gay, 56, who was shot while sitting on a stoop with her daughter.
###
CM JAMES INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO RE-IMPLEMENT CITYWIDE ANTI-GRAFFITI TASK FORCE
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 21, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO RE-IMPLEMENT CITYWIDE ANTI-GRAFFITI TASK FORCE
Task Force Would Report Data to Mayor and City Council
(New York, NY)— At tomorrow’s Council Stated, Council Member Letitia James will introduce legislation to re-implement the Citywide Anti-Graffiti Task Force in order to assess the scope of illegal graffiti throughout New York City— specifically bias-related graffiti and gang tags. The task force would additionally examine the effectiveness of existing provisions meant to curb illegal graffiti.
The legislation would require the New York Police Department Commissioner to serve as Chairperson of the task force. Annual reports would be sent to the Mayor and City Council.
In June 2012, the Brooklyn Bridge was defaced for the first time since 1998. That same month, synagogues in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Borough Park, Kensington, and Williamsburg were plastered with swastikas. And recently, a Holocaust Memorial in Sheepshead Bay was defaced with profanity over victim’s names. Throughout many communities, gang graffiti aimed at intimidating others and marking territory remains prevalent.
“An anti-graffiti task force will help create safer neighborhoods by recommending long-term solutions through collaborative work, and assessment of anti-graffiti programs Citywide,” said Council Member Letitia James. “The task force would additionally review the progress of other jurisdictions.”
The Anti-Graffiti Task Force was first implemented in New York City by Mayor Rudy Giuliani in 1995.
###
August 21, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO RE-IMPLEMENT CITYWIDE ANTI-GRAFFITI TASK FORCE
Task Force Would Report Data to Mayor and City Council
(New York, NY)— At tomorrow’s Council Stated, Council Member Letitia James will introduce legislation to re-implement the Citywide Anti-Graffiti Task Force in order to assess the scope of illegal graffiti throughout New York City— specifically bias-related graffiti and gang tags. The task force would additionally examine the effectiveness of existing provisions meant to curb illegal graffiti.
The legislation would require the New York Police Department Commissioner to serve as Chairperson of the task force. Annual reports would be sent to the Mayor and City Council.
In June 2012, the Brooklyn Bridge was defaced for the first time since 1998. That same month, synagogues in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Borough Park, Kensington, and Williamsburg were plastered with swastikas. And recently, a Holocaust Memorial in Sheepshead Bay was defaced with profanity over victim’s names. Throughout many communities, gang graffiti aimed at intimidating others and marking territory remains prevalent.
“An anti-graffiti task force will help create safer neighborhoods by recommending long-term solutions through collaborative work, and assessment of anti-graffiti programs Citywide,” said Council Member Letitia James. “The task force would additionally review the progress of other jurisdictions.”
The Anti-Graffiti Task Force was first implemented in New York City by Mayor Rudy Giuliani in 1995.
###
Monday, August 20, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
ATTENTION: RFP Released for Bedford-Atlantic Armory
The Armory is located at 1322 Bedford Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Through this request for proposals (RFP), the EDC is seeking developers who:
(i) enhance the surrounding community’s access to the Drill Hall through potential neighborhood-serving uses,
(ii) cause minimal impact to DHS’s active operation within the Armory Head House,
(iii) ensure that future Drill Hall uses are community-serving,
(iv) create a financially feasible and economically viable project,
(v) complete necessary capital improvements, and
(vi) contemplate and preserve the historic character of the facility.
The EDC plans to select a qualified developer on the basis of factors stated in the RFP which include, but are not limited to: economic impact on New York City, experience of key staff identified in the proposal, the proposed project’s financial feasibility, demonstrated successful experience in performing services similar to those encompassed in the RFP, and the proposed lease terms.
Respondents may submit questions and/or request clarifications from the EDC no later than 4:00pm on Friday, October 5, 2012. Questions regarding the subject matter of this RFP should be directed to BedfordAtlanticArmory@nycedc.com.
The EDC will be holding an optional Info Session in September. Those who wish to attend should RSVP by email to BedfordAtlanticArmory@nycedc.com by Friday, September 7, 2012.
DATE: Wednesday, September 12, 2012
TIME: 10:00am
LOCATION: 1322 Bedford Avenue
Crown Heights, Brooklyn
To access the RFP, please follow this link: http://www.nycedc.com/opportunity/bedford-atlantic-armory-rfp. MWBE Companies who have been certified with the New York City Small Business Services are strongly encouraged to apply.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
ATTENTION: Barclays Area Community Safety Meeting; 8/22
With the upcoming opening of Barclay Arena, and various Community Safety Concerns:
Please Join Council Member Letitia James and Captain Michael Ameri (of Brooklyn's 78th Precinct) to discuss and answer questions regarding the safety and quality of life concerns in residential communities after the September arena opening.
• NYPD’s 78th Precinct will be responsible for policing the arena as well as enforcement of traffic and parking rules, protection of pedestrian safety and regulation of public behavior within a one-half mile radius around the arena block.
When: August 22nd, 2012
Time: 6:00PM
Where: 78th Precinct, 65 6th Avenue Corner of Bergen Street (4th Floor Court Room)
Please Join Council Member Letitia James and Captain Michael Ameri (of Brooklyn's 78th Precinct) to discuss and answer questions regarding the safety and quality of life concerns in residential communities after the September arena opening.
• NYPD’s 78th Precinct will be responsible for policing the arena as well as enforcement of traffic and parking rules, protection of pedestrian safety and regulation of public behavior within a one-half mile radius around the arena block.
When: August 22nd, 2012
Time: 6:00PM
Where: 78th Precinct, 65 6th Avenue Corner of Bergen Street (4th Floor Court Room)
Monday, August 13, 2012
ATTENTION: NYC Districting Commission Public Hearings
Public Hearings of the New York City Districting Commission begin TODAY:
BROOKLYN Monday, August 13th
5PM-9PM
Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street
New York, NY 11209
By Subway: Borough Hall (Court Street) Station on the 2, 3, 4, 5, M, and R lines
By Bus: B25, B26, B37, B38, B41, B45, B51, B52, B54, B57, B61, B65, B67, B75, B103 serving Borough Hall area
MANHATTAN Thursday, August 16th
5PM-9PM
New York Law School
185 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013
By Subway: Brooklyn Bridge Station on the 4, 5, and 6 lines; Chambers Street Station on the 1, 2 and 3 lines; City Hall Station on the N and R lines; Chambers Street Station on the A and C lines
By Bus: M1, M6, M15, M22, M103, B51, and express buses serving City Hall area
Individuals wishing to pre-register for speaking time or to submit written testimony in advance may do so by signing up online at http://www.nyc.gov/districting. Individuals wishing to speak at any hearing will be provided up to three minutes of speaking time.
BROOKLYN Monday, August 13th
5PM-9PM
Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street
New York, NY 11209
By Subway: Borough Hall (Court Street) Station on the 2, 3, 4, 5, M, and R lines
By Bus: B25, B26, B37, B38, B41, B45, B51, B52, B54, B57, B61, B65, B67, B75, B103 serving Borough Hall area
MANHATTAN Thursday, August 16th
5PM-9PM
New York Law School
185 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013
By Subway: Brooklyn Bridge Station on the 4, 5, and 6 lines; Chambers Street Station on the 1, 2 and 3 lines; City Hall Station on the N and R lines; Chambers Street Station on the A and C lines
By Bus: M1, M6, M15, M22, M103, B51, and express buses serving City Hall area
Individuals wishing to pre-register for speaking time or to submit written testimony in advance may do so by signing up online at http://www.nyc.gov/districting. Individuals wishing to speak at any hearing will be provided up to three minutes of speaking time.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
CMs James & Viverito Call on DOE to Combat Youth Obesity Through Expanded PE in Public Schools
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 6, 2012
Contact: Joe Taranto (CM Mark-Viverito): (917) 535-5531 | jtaranto@council.nyc.gov
Aja Worthy-Davis (CM James): (212) 788-7081 | aworthy-davis@council.nyc.gov
COUNCIL MEMBERS MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO AND LETITIA JAMES CALL ON DOE TO COMBAT YOUTH OBESITY THROUGH EXPANDED PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LETTER SIGNED BY 34 COUNCIL MEMBERS CALLS ON CHANCELLOR WALCOTT TO BRING PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM UP TO STANDARDS, REDUCE DISPARITIES IN LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES
(New York, NY)— As the Bloomberg administration promotes its proposed ban on the sale of large sugary drinks, Council Members Melissa Mark-Viverito and Letitia James have spearheaded a letter to New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor Dennis Walcott highlighting deficiencies in the City’s physical education (PE) program. The letter, which was signed by 32 other Council Members, points to several studies indicating that the city’s children, particularly in low-income communities of color, are not receiving the minimum required gym classes, despite the important role that regular physical activity plays in reducing obesity.
“With all the attention being placed on the Bloomberg administration’s proposed soda ban, we felt that there was a larger story to tell about how other policy choices by this administration are contributing to the obesity epidemic in this City,” said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito. “The disparities between our city’s neighborhoods when it comes to physical education are unacceptable. We look forward to working with the DOE to achieve a marked improvement in the City’s physical education program, particularly in low-income communities of color.”
“Unlike the administration’s ‘soda ban’, the expansion of physical fitness activities and education in schools will go far to teach the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle from an early age.” said Council Member Letitia James, who has been working with “Let’s Move Brooklyn” (part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s national youth fitness campaign) this summer, speaking at their educational panel as well as hosting the “Brooklyn Olympic Fun Day Events” in Bedford-Stuyvesant last month.
According to a recent New York Times article, one in five city high school students reported not having gym class in an average week. Additionally, none of the 31 elementary schools visited by the NYC Comptroller’s Office last year met New York State standards on PE. And a 2012 study conducted by the NYC Strategic Alliance for Health found only 6 out of 74 elementary schools studied were meeting state requirements.
The New York State Education Department requires that PE classes be held every day for students in grades K to 3, and three times a week for grades 4 to 6, for a minimum of 120 minutes a week; and at least 90 minutes a week for grades 7 and 8. Three gym classes a week are required for grades 7 through 12 in one semester, and twice a week in another.
The communication to the Chancellor requested that his office provide the Council with data on the City’s PE program; clarification on the DOE’s policy on PE in co-located schools; and information regarding the DOE’s strategy to improve PE in schools and reduce PE disparities across neighborhoods.
###
August 6, 2012
Contact: Joe Taranto (CM Mark-Viverito): (917) 535-5531 | jtaranto@council.nyc.gov
Aja Worthy-Davis (CM James): (212) 788-7081 | aworthy-davis@council.nyc.gov
COUNCIL MEMBERS MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO AND LETITIA JAMES CALL ON DOE TO COMBAT YOUTH OBESITY THROUGH EXPANDED PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LETTER SIGNED BY 34 COUNCIL MEMBERS CALLS ON CHANCELLOR WALCOTT TO BRING PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM UP TO STANDARDS, REDUCE DISPARITIES IN LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES
(New York, NY)— As the Bloomberg administration promotes its proposed ban on the sale of large sugary drinks, Council Members Melissa Mark-Viverito and Letitia James have spearheaded a letter to New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor Dennis Walcott highlighting deficiencies in the City’s physical education (PE) program. The letter, which was signed by 32 other Council Members, points to several studies indicating that the city’s children, particularly in low-income communities of color, are not receiving the minimum required gym classes, despite the important role that regular physical activity plays in reducing obesity.
“With all the attention being placed on the Bloomberg administration’s proposed soda ban, we felt that there was a larger story to tell about how other policy choices by this administration are contributing to the obesity epidemic in this City,” said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito. “The disparities between our city’s neighborhoods when it comes to physical education are unacceptable. We look forward to working with the DOE to achieve a marked improvement in the City’s physical education program, particularly in low-income communities of color.”
“Unlike the administration’s ‘soda ban’, the expansion of physical fitness activities and education in schools will go far to teach the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle from an early age.” said Council Member Letitia James, who has been working with “Let’s Move Brooklyn” (part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s national youth fitness campaign) this summer, speaking at their educational panel as well as hosting the “Brooklyn Olympic Fun Day Events” in Bedford-Stuyvesant last month.
According to a recent New York Times article, one in five city high school students reported not having gym class in an average week. Additionally, none of the 31 elementary schools visited by the NYC Comptroller’s Office last year met New York State standards on PE. And a 2012 study conducted by the NYC Strategic Alliance for Health found only 6 out of 74 elementary schools studied were meeting state requirements.
The New York State Education Department requires that PE classes be held every day for students in grades K to 3, and three times a week for grades 4 to 6, for a minimum of 120 minutes a week; and at least 90 minutes a week for grades 7 and 8. Three gym classes a week are required for grades 7 through 12 in one semester, and twice a week in another.
The communication to the Chancellor requested that his office provide the Council with data on the City’s PE program; clarification on the DOE’s policy on PE in co-located schools; and information regarding the DOE’s strategy to improve PE in schools and reduce PE disparities across neighborhoods.
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