ATTENTION: NYC Summer Meals Program Begins TODAY

Dear Resident,

New York City's Summer Meals Program starts today (June 27th), and we wanted to help get the word about this great opportunity for kids 18 years or younger to receive free breakfast and lunch every weekday during the summer.

The Summer Meals program is completely free and doesn't require any paperwork. All kids need to do is show up at one of the 1,000 of schools, parks, pools, community centers and other sites around the five boroughs where this program is being offered and they can receive a free healthy lunch and breakfast. The only requirement is that they be 18 years old or younger.

Families are encouraged to take advantage of this important program, which will be operating throughout the summer until August 30th. To find a site near you, call 311, text the word NYCMeals to 877-877, or visit http://newyorkcity.nokidhungry.org/free-summer-meals.

ATTENTION: Tell Your Representative To Protect Voting Rights

The Supreme Court has made a major decision that impacts voting rights for every American.

In striking down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act – but leaving Section 5 untouched – there is no longer a mechanism in place to prevent states with a history of voter disenfranchisement from enacting such laws.

While this is a setback, it is by no means the end of the game. The Supreme Court's decision gives Congress complete authority to ensure no person is denied the right to vote.

Communities of color, and young, women, elderly, and disabled voters are at risk. Tell Congress to take immediate action to protect the voting rights for millions of Americans. Sign the NAACP petition today.

CM James Secures Additional Affordable Housing for BAM South; BPL Pacific Branch Spared from Sale, Demolition

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
JUNE 18, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Secures Additional Affordable Housing for BAM South Project
BPL Pacific Branch Spared from Sale, Demolition

(New York, NY)— On June 17, 2013, Council Member Letitia James voted to approve the development of BAM South, the planned 32-story tower next to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) being developed by Two Trees Management Company. The project was approved by a New York City Council.

In addition to the BAM South site, the City holds two additional sites in the Cultural District. The three development sites are expected to include approximately 900 apartments. Upon completion, 30% of two residential buildings will consist of affordable housing— an increase from the traditional 80/20 housing structure. BAM South, which represents a $135 million investment, will consist of a 32-story building containing approximately 300 residential units.

When completed, BAM South will also include a new public library, an extension of BAM’s cinema, and multiple performance spaces for cultural organizations. Additionally, the project will create a 16,000 square-foot publicly accessible plaza along Lafayette Avenue, and 22,800 square feet of ground floor retail and commercial space.

In a separate agreement with the administration, the Brooklyn Public Library’s Pacific Street branch was spared from sale to a private developer. The administration has committed to working with elected officials and community stakeholders to formulate a plan for service through an open process. A potential future change regarding the status of the library would require City Council approval. Additionally, Two Trees committed to including union workers in their construction bidding process

“I am pleased to again offer my support to BAM South, a project which will offer significant affordable housing to the Fort Greene community," said Council Member Letitia James. "I have always supported Two Trees’ vision for the project, and I believe it was important to ensure the project included significant community benefits such as increased affordable housing, maintaining the Pacific Street library, a commitment that cultural organizations utilizing the space will reflect the diversity of this community, and assurance that future utilization of the open space includes the input of all stakeholders.”

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ATTENTION: AT&T Street Charge Brings Solar-Powered Chargers To Brooklyn

AT&T Street Charge is a pilot program bringing solar-powered mobile charging stations to NYC. All station visitors will be able to charge their phones, tablets and other devices, regardless of their carrier, for free using these energy-efficient units. Several charging units will be deployed to locations throughout Brooklyn this summer, including in Fort Greene Park, Metrotech Center, and Brooklyn Bridge Park. See more here.

ATTENTION: NEW NYC Hurricane Map Released

The City has released an updated hurricane evacuation map that expands flood zones to include 37% of the city’s population.

Evacuation zones are now divided into 1 through 6, rather than A, B and C. The map may be viewed here.

A Message from Council Member Letitia James: Regarding BAM South

“Affordable housing and good-paying jobs for our community remain my top priorities as deliberations on the BAM South project continue. I remain concerned about the closure of a nearby historic library, and feel strongly that the project must address this unfortunate loss of public and community space.

Contrary to certain reports, I’ve never backed down from supporting the vision of BAM South, but I believe the project must deliver additional affordable housing units and jobs that middle-class and working-class New Yorkers can live with. These are not new demands, though they have received particular notice as the project vote draws near.

I feel strongly that all developments in the 35th District should seek to meet the unique needs of our diverse, growing community, and I believe that this project when finalized will do so.”

 - Council Member Letitia James

ATTENTION: Myrtle Ave. Community Meeting: Improving Neighborhood Safety, 6/10, 7pm; SoCo (509 Myrtle Avenue)