Monday, September 24, 2012
ATTENTION: CM James, DDDB Discuss AY/ Barclay's on ABC 7
Council Member Letitia James and Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn's Candace Carponter speak with ABC 7's Diana Williams on Atlantic Yard/ Barclay's Center development.
Link: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=8821316
Friday, September 21, 2012
CMs James, Williams, Gentile Sound Alarm on Recent Voting Problems Ahead of Election Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2012
PRESS RELEASE: COUNCIL MEMBERS WILLIAMS, GENTILE AND JAMES SOUND ALARM ON RECENT VOTING PROBLEMS AHEAD OF ELECTION DAY
On September 20th, 2012, Council Members Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Vincent J. Gentile (D-Brooklyn) and Letitia James (D-Brooklyn) joined their elected colleagues and good government groups, including Common Cause-NY and Citizens Union, in voicing serious concern over widespread voting problems that occurred during last Thursday's primary election. Joined by Council Members Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn), Gale Brewer (D-Manhattan), Leroy Comrie (D-Jamaica) and Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn), they also sounded the alarm on the impact such issues, if unaddressed by the Board of Elections (BOE), could have on New Yorkers' ability to vote in the general election taking place in less than two months.
Difficulties across the city affected a vast number of the primary electorate, notably seniors and immigrant communities. Of particular distress was the amount of voters unaware that their poll site had changed; some individuals were sent to multiple locations by poll workers. Small font size on the ballots also stymied New Yorkers, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn where the type was only seven point.
"While the BOE may not have intended to disenfranchise New Yorkers, their negligence in addressing key voting issues had that accidental and unfortunate effect," said Council Member Williams. "In my travels on Primary Day, I saw voters leaving poll sites screaming and cursing over the general chaos. Many were redirected and misdirected to the point that they lost the will to cast a ballot, and that cannot be our status quo. The BOE must address these issues, particularly for groups like seniors and immigrants that fall on the other half of the digital divide."
"Voting is a right that should not require a magnifying glass," said Council Member Gentile. "Perhaps I'm living in the Twilight Zone, but I think rule #1 should be to print ballots that people can actually read."
"The primary election showed us that the Board of Elections needs to make some technological, language, and functional upgrades to make voting as simple as possible for New Yorkers," said Council Member James. "It is imperative that these issues are rectified before the November elections."
In addition to recounting individual and citywide obstacles, Council Members Williams, Gentile and James proposed several reforms, some of which have also been suggested by the good government community, to hopefully be enacted in advance of the general election.
This included changes such as, but not limited to:
• Utilizing standout print and/or ink color in all BOE informational communications.
• Sending an additional mailing to voters making clear their poll site may have changed.
• Increasing the font size on all ballots.
• Training poll workers on all resources, including new online tools.
• Having the BOE be more proactive in checking poll sites during Election Day.
• Quickly and publicly releasing detailed compilations of voter complaints.
• Expanding a voter education campaign to subways and bus shelters.
• Increasing BOE collaboration with elected officials, senior centers, civic associations and related stakeholders.
"It's clear that due to redistricting there was widespread confusion about polling locations which suppressed turnout and dissuaded eager voters from executing their constitutional right," said Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause-NY. "Any obstacle to a safe and legal election is unacceptable. This is now the second election in which our elections administration failed to serve the voters. There are constructive things which can be done to prevent problems in November. If the City and the Board of Elections fail to act now, there will be no excuse if November turns out to be strike three for our election administration."
"We put a man on the moon in less time than it's taken to modernize voting in New York City," said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio (D-New York). "This isn't rocket science: voters should be sent to the correct poll site, be able to understand the ballot, and have confidence that their vote counted. The window to fix these problems gets narrower every day. There is no excuse for a repeat of Primary Day's chaos come November."
"The primary election on September 13th was beset by numerous problems, despite the low turnout," said Council Member Gale Brewer (D-Manhattan), chair of the Committee on Governmental Operations. "In preparation for a hearing on October 15th, I conducted an informal survey of voters' experiences at the polls. The most common problems reported to my office were confusion about poll site and election district (ED) changes due to redistricting, misinformation from poll workers including directing voters to the wrong poll site or ED table, issues with the size of the font on the ballot, and problems with the ballot scanner including a lack of privacy when poll workers had to assist voters. However, it should be noted that the Board made several positive steps to increase voter awareness, including the launch of a newly designed website and a smartphone app, both complete with a poll site locator and sample ballot tool. I urge the Board to focus on correcting these problems before November, and I ask all stakeholders to take advantage of the voter outreach tools that the Board has made available."
"The act of voting is the gateway to political participation in our city and country; it is an inviolable right that is made manifest by the assurance that every vote is counted," said Council Member Rosie Mendez (D-Manhattan). "However, during the past two elections we have received numerous accounts of potentially disenfranchising outcomes, including unreadable ballots, machine errors, closed polling places, incorrect information regarding polling places, confusion with respect to redistricting changes and under-informed poll workers. Such outcomes are unacceptable because the social cost of disenfranchisement is absolute. That is why I am proud to join with my colleagues today to sound the alarm for November and redouble our efforts to provide proactive solutions that will empower voters and encourage meaningful participation this fall."
These complications will be raised during a scheduled hearing of the Committee on Governmental Operations on Monday, October 15th, as well as legislation that is aimed at improving the electoral process.
# # #
September 20, 2012
PRESS RELEASE: COUNCIL MEMBERS WILLIAMS, GENTILE AND JAMES SOUND ALARM ON RECENT VOTING PROBLEMS AHEAD OF ELECTION DAY
On September 20th, 2012, Council Members Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Vincent J. Gentile (D-Brooklyn) and Letitia James (D-Brooklyn) joined their elected colleagues and good government groups, including Common Cause-NY and Citizens Union, in voicing serious concern over widespread voting problems that occurred during last Thursday's primary election. Joined by Council Members Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn), Gale Brewer (D-Manhattan), Leroy Comrie (D-Jamaica) and Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn), they also sounded the alarm on the impact such issues, if unaddressed by the Board of Elections (BOE), could have on New Yorkers' ability to vote in the general election taking place in less than two months.
Difficulties across the city affected a vast number of the primary electorate, notably seniors and immigrant communities. Of particular distress was the amount of voters unaware that their poll site had changed; some individuals were sent to multiple locations by poll workers. Small font size on the ballots also stymied New Yorkers, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn where the type was only seven point.
"While the BOE may not have intended to disenfranchise New Yorkers, their negligence in addressing key voting issues had that accidental and unfortunate effect," said Council Member Williams. "In my travels on Primary Day, I saw voters leaving poll sites screaming and cursing over the general chaos. Many were redirected and misdirected to the point that they lost the will to cast a ballot, and that cannot be our status quo. The BOE must address these issues, particularly for groups like seniors and immigrants that fall on the other half of the digital divide."
"Voting is a right that should not require a magnifying glass," said Council Member Gentile. "Perhaps I'm living in the Twilight Zone, but I think rule #1 should be to print ballots that people can actually read."
"The primary election showed us that the Board of Elections needs to make some technological, language, and functional upgrades to make voting as simple as possible for New Yorkers," said Council Member James. "It is imperative that these issues are rectified before the November elections."
In addition to recounting individual and citywide obstacles, Council Members Williams, Gentile and James proposed several reforms, some of which have also been suggested by the good government community, to hopefully be enacted in advance of the general election.
This included changes such as, but not limited to:
• Utilizing standout print and/or ink color in all BOE informational communications.
• Sending an additional mailing to voters making clear their poll site may have changed.
• Increasing the font size on all ballots.
• Training poll workers on all resources, including new online tools.
• Having the BOE be more proactive in checking poll sites during Election Day.
• Quickly and publicly releasing detailed compilations of voter complaints.
• Expanding a voter education campaign to subways and bus shelters.
• Increasing BOE collaboration with elected officials, senior centers, civic associations and related stakeholders.
"It's clear that due to redistricting there was widespread confusion about polling locations which suppressed turnout and dissuaded eager voters from executing their constitutional right," said Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause-NY. "Any obstacle to a safe and legal election is unacceptable. This is now the second election in which our elections administration failed to serve the voters. There are constructive things which can be done to prevent problems in November. If the City and the Board of Elections fail to act now, there will be no excuse if November turns out to be strike three for our election administration."
"We put a man on the moon in less time than it's taken to modernize voting in New York City," said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio (D-New York). "This isn't rocket science: voters should be sent to the correct poll site, be able to understand the ballot, and have confidence that their vote counted. The window to fix these problems gets narrower every day. There is no excuse for a repeat of Primary Day's chaos come November."
"The primary election on September 13th was beset by numerous problems, despite the low turnout," said Council Member Gale Brewer (D-Manhattan), chair of the Committee on Governmental Operations. "In preparation for a hearing on October 15th, I conducted an informal survey of voters' experiences at the polls. The most common problems reported to my office were confusion about poll site and election district (ED) changes due to redistricting, misinformation from poll workers including directing voters to the wrong poll site or ED table, issues with the size of the font on the ballot, and problems with the ballot scanner including a lack of privacy when poll workers had to assist voters. However, it should be noted that the Board made several positive steps to increase voter awareness, including the launch of a newly designed website and a smartphone app, both complete with a poll site locator and sample ballot tool. I urge the Board to focus on correcting these problems before November, and I ask all stakeholders to take advantage of the voter outreach tools that the Board has made available."
"The act of voting is the gateway to political participation in our city and country; it is an inviolable right that is made manifest by the assurance that every vote is counted," said Council Member Rosie Mendez (D-Manhattan). "However, during the past two elections we have received numerous accounts of potentially disenfranchising outcomes, including unreadable ballots, machine errors, closed polling places, incorrect information regarding polling places, confusion with respect to redistricting changes and under-informed poll workers. Such outcomes are unacceptable because the social cost of disenfranchisement is absolute. That is why I am proud to join with my colleagues today to sound the alarm for November and redouble our efforts to provide proactive solutions that will empower voters and encourage meaningful participation this fall."
These complications will be raised during a scheduled hearing of the Committee on Governmental Operations on Monday, October 15th, as well as legislation that is aimed at improving the electoral process.
# # #
CM JAMES CALLS ON 77TH PRECINCT TO ADDRESS VIOLENT ATTACKS IN PROSPECT HEIGHTS
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 20, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES CALLS ON 77TH PRECINCT TO ADDRESS VIOLENT ATTACKS IN PROSPECT HEIGHTS
(Brooklyn, NY)— Following yesterday’s violent attack of a Prospect Heights woman on Eastern Parkway between Underhill Avenue and Washington Avenue, Council Member Letitia James called on the 77th Precinct to secure the Underhill Avenue and Washington Avenue blocks spanning Bergen Street and Eastern Parkway.
There have been 10 violent attacks reported in Prospect Heights over the 2012 summer, as reported by the Patch. The vast majority of attacks were robberies, although in some cases the attacker left without taking the victim’s property. Recently, a 16-year-old was arrested and charged for three muggings in the community.
“It is imperative that the 77th Precinct move to address this rash of violent attacks through placing additional police presence in the nexus of these where these crimes are taking place,” said Council Member Letitia James. “It is incredibly fortunate that someone has not been more seriously injured over the summer.”
According to the NYPD, there is no existing link between these crimes.
###
SEPTEMBER 20, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES CALLS ON 77TH PRECINCT TO ADDRESS VIOLENT ATTACKS IN PROSPECT HEIGHTS
(Brooklyn, NY)— Following yesterday’s violent attack of a Prospect Heights woman on Eastern Parkway between Underhill Avenue and Washington Avenue, Council Member Letitia James called on the 77th Precinct to secure the Underhill Avenue and Washington Avenue blocks spanning Bergen Street and Eastern Parkway.
There have been 10 violent attacks reported in Prospect Heights over the 2012 summer, as reported by the Patch. The vast majority of attacks were robberies, although in some cases the attacker left without taking the victim’s property. Recently, a 16-year-old was arrested and charged for three muggings in the community.
“It is imperative that the 77th Precinct move to address this rash of violent attacks through placing additional police presence in the nexus of these where these crimes are taking place,” said Council Member Letitia James. “It is incredibly fortunate that someone has not been more seriously injured over the summer.”
According to the NYPD, there is no existing link between these crimes.
###
Friday, September 14, 2012
UPDATE: FAMILY LOCATED- CM James Calls on Relatives of Winston Gillett to Come Forward
UPDATE: Since this press release was sent, Mr. Gillett's family has been located and notified of his passing. We thank the media for their assistance in bringing closure during this difficult time.
--
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES CALLS ON RELATIVES OF WINSTON GILLETT TO COME FORWARD
Mr. Gillett Was A Construction Worker Killed in A Fort Greene Roof Collapse
(Brooklyn, NY)— Yesterday, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the Fort Greene site of the developing Carlton Mews Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse took the life of Mr. Winston Gillett, 67, a construction worker with TTNJ Community-Based Organization. Another worker, Mr. Clayton LaBoard, 43, remains hospitalized and in critical condition.
At this time, no relatives of Mr. Gillett have come forward. The Jamaican Consulate General has been contacted to assist in the search for family members. Mr. Gillett’s last known address was on Irving Avenue in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.
“I urge anyone who recognizes Mr. Gillett to come forward so that we can provide closure to his family at this tragic time.” said Council Member Letitia James.
Any individual who recognizes Mr. Gillett, and is in contact with his relatives, should reach out to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081 immediately.
###
--
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES CALLS ON RELATIVES OF WINSTON GILLETT TO COME FORWARD
Mr. Gillett Was A Construction Worker Killed in A Fort Greene Roof Collapse
(Brooklyn, NY)— Yesterday, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the Fort Greene site of the developing Carlton Mews Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse took the life of Mr. Winston Gillett, 67, a construction worker with TTNJ Community-Based Organization. Another worker, Mr. Clayton LaBoard, 43, remains hospitalized and in critical condition.
At this time, no relatives of Mr. Gillett have come forward. The Jamaican Consulate General has been contacted to assist in the search for family members. Mr. Gillett’s last known address was on Irving Avenue in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.
“I urge anyone who recognizes Mr. Gillett to come forward so that we can provide closure to his family at this tragic time.” said Council Member Letitia James.
Any individual who recognizes Mr. Gillett, and is in contact with his relatives, should reach out to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081 immediately.
###
ATTENTION: Citizen's Cmte Hosts "Build A Greenhouse"; Crown Heights; 9/22
The Citizen's Committee of NYC will be hosting a 'Build A Greenhouse For Your Community Garden' workshop!
WHEN: Saturday, September 22, 2012
10:30AM- 3:30PM
WHERE: Westbrook Memorial Garden
Crown Heights
For more information, please contact (212) 822-9568.
CM James Comments on NYC Board of Health Passage of 'Soda Ban'
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
September 13, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBERS LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON NYC BOARD OF HEALTH PASSAGE OF ‘SODA BAN’
(New York, NY)— Today, New York City’s Board of Health voted 8-1 to ban the sale of sugary drinks over 16 ounces, amid strong criticism from elected officials and others that the ban would be both ineffective and selectively-applied. Council Member Letitia James has been a vocal criticizer of the plan, and put forth alternative proposals to the administration.
"Unfortunately— but unsurprisingly—the Mayor's proposal to ban sugary drinks over 16 ounces has been approved by the Board of Health despite the fact that 60% of NYC residents don't agree with it. Instead of limiting choices, this administration should be working with our community groups and education officials to expand physical fitness activities and teach our kids the benefits of a healthy lifestyle at an early age," said Council Member Letitia James.
###
September 13, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBERS LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON NYC BOARD OF HEALTH PASSAGE OF ‘SODA BAN’
(New York, NY)— Today, New York City’s Board of Health voted 8-1 to ban the sale of sugary drinks over 16 ounces, amid strong criticism from elected officials and others that the ban would be both ineffective and selectively-applied. Council Member Letitia James has been a vocal criticizer of the plan, and put forth alternative proposals to the administration.
"Unfortunately— but unsurprisingly—the Mayor's proposal to ban sugary drinks over 16 ounces has been approved by the Board of Health despite the fact that 60% of NYC residents don't agree with it. Instead of limiting choices, this administration should be working with our community groups and education officials to expand physical fitness activities and teach our kids the benefits of a healthy lifestyle at an early age," said Council Member Letitia James.
###
ATTENTION: Forum on NYC Juvenile Justice "Close to Home" Program in Bed-Stuy
The NYC Department of Juvenile Justice will host "Close To Home", a community forum on how best to serve young people in the juvenile justice system.
WHEN: Tuesday, October 2, 2012
6PM- 8PM
WHERE: Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza
1360 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY
For more information, or to RSVP, please call (347) 860-4818.
Monday, September 10, 2012
ATTENTION: CM James Comments on Collapse of FG Townhouse Roof
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON COLLAPSE OF FORT GREENE TOWNHOUSE ROOF
CALLS ON FURTHER OVERSIGHT AND PRECAUTION AT CONSTRUCTION SITES
(Brooklyn, NY)— On Monday, September 10, 2012, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the site of the developing Carlton Mew Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse, which took place at around 9:15AM, severely injured two construction workers—one who was pronounced deceased at Brooklyn Hospital. Additionally, two other workers were busy on the roof at the time of the collapse.
The development at both 225 and 227 Carlton held Department of Building (DOB) permits for proposed two-family homes. A representative of the DOB clarified that there were no open complaints or violations on the development (although some media reports state the site has at least 1 violation). However, the New York Times reported that a neighbor recently called 311 to complain about excessive vibrations coming from the construction site; but they did not file a formal complaint with the City. Various media reports echo poor construction at the development site.
The Times also reports that other neighbors say they had noticed structural damage to their own homes since the construction started a few months ago.
“This tragic incident raises serious concerns about the safety practices at this construction site, and whether there was proper oversight of this construction by both the Department of Buildings and the developer,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I will be working closely with the Department to review the circumstances that led to this horrific incident. I believe this tragedy further underscores the need for greater safety precautions and worker safety training at major development sites throughout the City.”
The Carlton Mews Townhouses consist of five proposed townhouses along Carlton Avenue between Willoughby Avenue and Dekalb Avenue. The proposed completion date for the project was December 2012.
###
SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON COLLAPSE OF FORT GREENE TOWNHOUSE ROOF
CALLS ON FURTHER OVERSIGHT AND PRECAUTION AT CONSTRUCTION SITES
(Brooklyn, NY)— On Monday, September 10, 2012, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the site of the developing Carlton Mew Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse, which took place at around 9:15AM, severely injured two construction workers—one who was pronounced deceased at Brooklyn Hospital. Additionally, two other workers were busy on the roof at the time of the collapse.
The development at both 225 and 227 Carlton held Department of Building (DOB) permits for proposed two-family homes. A representative of the DOB clarified that there were no open complaints or violations on the development (although some media reports state the site has at least 1 violation). However, the New York Times reported that a neighbor recently called 311 to complain about excessive vibrations coming from the construction site; but they did not file a formal complaint with the City. Various media reports echo poor construction at the development site.
The Times also reports that other neighbors say they had noticed structural damage to their own homes since the construction started a few months ago.
“This tragic incident raises serious concerns about the safety practices at this construction site, and whether there was proper oversight of this construction by both the Department of Buildings and the developer,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I will be working closely with the Department to review the circumstances that led to this horrific incident. I believe this tragedy further underscores the need for greater safety precautions and worker safety training at major development sites throughout the City.”
The Carlton Mews Townhouses consist of five proposed townhouses along Carlton Avenue between Willoughby Avenue and Dekalb Avenue. The proposed completion date for the project was December 2012.
###
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
