ATTENTION: 2nd Fowler Square Redesign Session; 10/19; Fowler Square

FAB Alliance will be hosting the 2nd Public Workshop for the FOWLER SQUARE REDESIGN, the next step in the on-going community input process for the redesign and construction of a permanent plaza at Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

There will be a presentation of preliminary design plans and opportunities for attendees to provide feedback.

The workshop will be held outdoors at Fowler Square, Saturday, October 19, 2013, 11am-1pm (Presentation by the design team at 12:00 noon).

WHAT: FOWLER SQUARE REDESIGN- WORKSHOP II
WHEN: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2013
11:00am-1:00pm
(Presentation by the design team at 12:00 noon)
WHERE: Fort Greene's Fowler Square

ATTENTION: Speed Reducer Requested for Carroll Street In Crown Heights

Council Member Letitia James has requested a speed reducer on Carroll Street between Nostrand Avenue and New York Avenue in partnership with the Crown Heights community.

The NYC Department of Transportations will conduct a comprehensive investigation of the proposed locations to evaluate the warrant and feasibility of a speed hump installation. We anticipate completion of the study within the next sixteen weeks. Please contact the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (718) 260-9191 if you have further questions.

ATTENTION: Response To FG/CH CitiBike Concerns

Dear Community:

On April 24th, I held a Town Hall meeting with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the Bike Sharing program. This Town Hall event gave the community a chance to share their concerns and have their questions answered. To help address location and siting concerns raised on April 24th, I recently met with the DOT to identify four bike share stations for potential alterations.

Each location will be looked at individually and evaluated; they are listed below:

1. On 21 St. James Place at the intersection of Lafayette Avenue-- move bike station 1 foot to clear the bushes.
2. On Clinton Avenue and Myrtle Avenue-- DOT is looking into various options (one might be to eliminate a bike platform).
3. 185 Hall Street-- DOT will monitor usage, and would like local community members to document any issues.
4. Adelphi Street-- DOT will revisit the site and take new measurements around the tree pits.

Council Member Letitia James

ATTENTION: CM James and DOT Host Bicycle Helmet Fitting Event; 4/21; Commodore Barry Park

Council Member Letitia James and the NYC Department of Transportation Will Sponsor a Bicycle Helmet Fitting-

WHEN: Sunday, April 21, 2013
12:00- 4:00 PM

WHERE: Commodore Barry Park
Flushing Avenue and Navy Street

ATTENTION: Slow Zone Application Available

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently accepting applications to the Neighborhood Slow Zone program. Applications are due May 31st.

What is a Slow Zone?
Neighborhood Slow Zones reduce the speed limit on residential streets from 30 mph to 20 mph. Slow Zones grant local families peace of mind because they know drivers in their communities will stick to safer speeds. Communities that apply for a Slow Zone can get safety improvements that reduce traffic crashes, cut-through traffic and traffic noise, making residential streets safer for biking and walking.

Who can apply?
Community boards, civic associations, BIDs, elected officials or other community institutions such as schools or churches can apply.

What can qualify as a Slow Zone?
• Pick a primarily residential area about 5 blocks by 5 blocks in size
• Avoid including wide streets, industrial sites and major commercial areas within the Slow Zone
• Pick an area with strong boundaries (e.g. Slow Zone borders can be major streets, highways, large parks or elevated train tracks)

How do I apply?
Download the application, and follow NYCDOT’s application instructions.
Applications must demonstrate local support for the Neighborhood Slow Zone.
Applications that include letters of support from key community stakeholders will be prioritized.

Transportation Alternatives is available to assist communities in the application process. Call TA at 212-629-8080

CM James Calls on MTA to Provide Temporary Shuttle Bus Service Along L, G Subway Lines

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (718) 260-9191

Council Member Letitia James Calls on MTA to Provide Temporary Shuttle Bus Service Along L, G Subway Lines

(Brooklyn, NY)— The Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) has worked steadily to restore subway service that was halted due to the damage inflicted by Hurricane Sandy. By Friday, November 1, 2012, 60% of subway service was restored, and more service was returned daily.

By Saturday, November 3, 2012, the 4/5/6/7 and J-train resumed full service. And by Monday, November 5, 2012, the MTA expects that subway service will be restored by 84%, returning service to most of Lower Manhattan. Due to the steady resumption of subway service, on Saturday, November 3rd, the MTA ceased running shuttle buses that were traveling from Downtown Brooklyn to Manhattan.

“The shuttle buses were very helpful in helping residents travel during the halted subway service,” said Council Member Letitia James. “It would be wonderful if the MTA could provide temporary shuttle service along the L and G subway lines until full service is restored. Although the G train does not extend to Manhattan, it is a vital subway line in parts of the 35th District.”

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Please note that a petition has been started calling on the MTA to implement shuttle service along the L and G lines. Please see here: http://www.change.org/petitions/joe-lhota-mta-chair-implement-shuttle-bus-service-along-l-and-g-routes

ATTENTION: Post-Sandy Updates

The Office of Council Member Letitia James is available at the District Office at 67 Hanson Place, and has been assisting residents in emergency shelters, and facilitating fallen tree removal and other Hurricane Sandy-related issues. The District Office may be contacted at (718) 260-9191.

Important information has been sent to local community organizations over the last 72 hours, and is summarized below:

Con Ed/ Electricity
As of October 31, 2012, Con Edison was able to return service to many Manhattan and Brooklyn customers who have been without service since Hurricane Sandy touched down. If you are still without service, please report to 1-800-75-CONED. The Con Ed outage map is available here: http://apps.coned.com/stormcenter_external/default.html
Please be aware that the NYPD has set-up light towers in areas that continue to be without power.

Buildings
The Department of Buildings has begun inspecting buildings in  Zone A areas to assess their structural integrity. By and large, these inspections are taking place outside of the 35th District.

However, please be aware that buildings will be tagged with one of three color placards to indicate their safety: ​
Green: the building is safe to enter
Red: the building is not safe and may not be entered
Yellow: it can be occupied conditionally (i.e. one floor may be safe while another is not.) These conditions would be explained on a placard attached to the building.

Transportation
As the MTA and New York City Transit recover, Governor Andrews Cuomo has announced that free transit will be available for Thursday (Nov 1) and Friday (Nov 2), and limited subway service will be available. WNYC has a helpful Transit Tracker available here: http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2012/oct/28/transit-tracker/. Multiple outlets are reporting that the MTA-operated Brooklyn-Manhattan "bus bridge" is slow-moving, as is acquiring gas. Please be aware that cars entering Manhattan must have 3 passengers between the hours of 6:00AM to midnight. Roughly 4,000 taxis and livery cabs are available and allowed to do street hails and pick-up multiple fares. The city suggests an additional $10 charge per fare and notes that drivers must quote prices up front.

Schools
The Department of Education schools are closed Thursday (Nov 1) and Friday (Nov 2). Teachers and administrators are expected to report to work on Friday for updates.

CUNY is open on Friday (Nov 2), except: Borough of Manhattan Community College, College of Staten Island, Baruch College and Kingsborough Community College.

Sanitation
The Department of Sanitation is making scheduled garbage collections as conditions permit. Recycling collections are suspended at this time.

Volunteering
This is a list of the local emergency shelters:

• NYC Technical College, 300 Jay Street
• I.S. 117, 300 Willoughby Avenue
• I.S. 55, 2021 Bergen Street
• Brooklyn Tech High School, 29 Fort Greene Place
• Boys and Girls High School, 1700 Fulton Street
• Clara Barton High School, 901 Classon Avenue

You may additionally find your local emergency shelter location here: http://gis.nyc.gov/oem/he/index.html. The Park Slope Armory and Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene are hosting a large number of people, specifically seniors and people with disabilities. Those looking to volunteer or donate supplies should stop by. Otherwise, you may volunteer with NYC Service by contacting 311 or nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov. A list of volunteering opportunities is available here: http://www.dogoodrighthere.org/blog/tue-10302012-325pm/volunteer-help-after-storm.

Homeowners (Who Have Sustained Loss)
Residents and business owners who sustained losses may begin applying for assistance http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov/, or 800-621-FEMA(3362). Additionally, please log your application with New York City Communities for Change at http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/6245/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=6487.

The Federal Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, equipment, inventory, etc. that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. Further information is available here: http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants/small-business-loans/disaster-loans

Businesses (Who Have Sustained Loss)
The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has created a resource guide with vital information and phone numbers businesses need to contact in order to get assistance and emergency loans. The guide can be accessed here www.ibrooklyn.com/sandy. Emergency loans will be made available to small-to-midsize businesses through the City, with caps at $10,000. Please see here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/nycbiz/html/contact/manager.shtml, or call 311 for NYC Business Solutions.

Midsize-to-large businesses that need to rebuild should contact the NYC Economic Development Corporation for further information on an emergency sales tax letter from New York City Industrial Development Authority (IDA) that will allow businesses to avoid payment of New York City and New York State sales taxes on materials purchased for rebuilding. IDA will also waive all fees and look to streamline its normal procedure. This program is expected to offer economic benefits to reconstruction projects costing $500,000 or more. Please contact Shin Mitsugi at smitsugi@nycedc.com for further information on this program.

Finally, office space at Brooklyn Army Terminal is available free of charge. This space includes approximately 40,000 square feet of warehouse area.

The Federal SBA is assisting small businesses with several loans that have been made available since New York City has been declared a Disaster Area. Please see further information here: https://www.box.com/s/jifheaiau2x8y76xqzb9
Application Filing Deadlines:
Physical Damage: December 31, 2012
Economic Injury: July 31, 2013

ATTENTION: Lafayette Ave. "Greenstreets" Presentation; TODAY 7/17; 6PM; Emmanuel Baptist Church

On July 17, 2012, Council Member Letitia James will host a presentation on the LAFAYETTE AVENUE “GREENSTREETS” PROJECT: a joint project of NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and NYC Department of Transportation.

The Lafayette Avenue “GREENSTREETS” Project is a Three-Phase Project that will transform the cobblestone “malls” into a green, beautiful strip of planted beds and pathways. Construction on Phase 1 is scheduled to begin this month, and completion is planned for the Summer 2013.

Please join us and learn more about the recently-completed final plans for this community improvement:

WHEN: Tuesday, July 17, 2012
6:00PM

WHERE: Emmanuel Baptist Church
279 Lafayette Avenue
(corner of St. James Place Parlor Room)

For further information, please contact Alfred Chiodo from the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (718) 260-9191.

ATTENTION: NYC Pilot Booting Program

New York City’s pilot vehicle booting program begins in Brooklyn on Monday, June 25, 2012, and will be expanded to the other boroughs throughout the summer.

Booting is an enforcement tool used primarily by transportation authorities in lieu of towing (which is time-consuming, inconvenient, and doesn't allow you access to personal belongings, such as infant car seats, prescription drugs, or important paperwork). With booting, a device is attached to a wheel of your vehicle to prevent you from moving it. You can be booted for owing the city more than $350 in parking, or red light camera or bus lane violation tickets that are in judgment. If you do not pay the judgment debt and related fees within two business days of being booted, then your vehicle may then be towed.

We encourage you to review the attached paperwork, and contact the NYC Department of Finance (at 311) with questions or concerns.

ATTENTION: DOT and Elected Officials Sponsor NYC Bike Share Planning Workshop; Medgar Evers College; 3/6

Council Member Letitia James join Brooklyn Community Boards 8 and 9, the NYC Department of Transportation, and Council Member Al Vann at a Community Planning Workshop on the NYC Bike Share program--

WHEN: March 6, 2012
6:00PM- 7:00PM

WHERE: Medgar Evers College (President's Conference Center, B1008)
1650 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/bikeshare or contact 718.222.7250. March 6th, 6:00PM- 7:00PM.

ATTENTION: DOT and Elected Officials Sponsor NYC Bike Share Planning Workshop; St. Francis College; TODAY (2/23)

Council Member Letitia James, Brooklyn Community Board 2, NYS Senator Daniel Squadron, NYS Assembly Member Joan Millman, and Council Member Steve Levin join the NYC Department of Transportation in inviting you to a Community Planning Workshop on the NYC Bike Share program--

WHEN: Thursday, February 23, 2012
6PM–8PM

WHERE: St. Francis College, Callahan Center
180 Remsen Street (btwn. Court Street and Clinton Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Please contact DOT for more information at (718) 222-7250

ATTENTION: Public Workshop- Fowler Square; 2/16; 6PM

Council Member Letitia James, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB) invite the community to a workshop to design the future plaza at Fowler Square.

WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 2012
6PM- 8PM
WHERE: Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church (Jarvey Room)
85 South Oxford Street (between Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Those interested should contact DOT at (212) 839-4325.

ATTENTION: Alternate Side Suspended

The New York City Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Department of Sanitation, has suspended alternate side parking regulations today, Monday, January 23, 2012 for Asian Lunar New Year.

All other regulations, including parking meters, remain in effect.

ATTENTION: FGA Hosts Spotlight on Public Safety; 11/21; 7PM

The Fort Greene Association is hosting Shining a Spotlight on Public Safety--

WHEN: Monday, November 21, 7PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Music School
126 Saint Felix Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Confirmed Guest Speakers include:
Council Member Letitia James
Arif Ullah, Director of Neighborhood Resources, Citizens Committee for New York City
Department of Transportation
Deputy Inspector Anthony Tasso, 88th Precinct
Jay Ruiz, Brooklyn BIKE Patrol

Attendees will receive tips on how to create or strengthen local block and tenant associations, as well as learn about the available grant programs and workshops. Tips will be given on personal safety, property safeguarding, self-defense and late night home escort options. Attendees will also have an opportunity to address street lighting concerns.

Contact FGA at 718-875-1855 for more information.

CM James On MTA's Proposal To Remove Trash Bins from Subway

Over at the Prospect Heights Patch, Council Member Letitia James has posted a short piece on the MTA's proposal to remove trash receptacles from subway stations.

Patch: http://prospectheights.patch.com/blog_posts/removing-trash-bins-from-mta-subway-stations-a-bad-idea

CM James Statement On MTA Initiative To Remove Trash Bins from Subways

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 24, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES, CHAIR OF SANITATION COMMITTEE, ABOUT METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY INITIATIVE TO REMOVE TRASH BINS FROM SUBWAY STATIONS

(Brooklyn, NY)- “The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced a plan on Monday to study the impact of removing trash bins from City subway stations. The first phase of the plan began two weeks ago when bins were removed from two subway stations.

Although I understand that it is logistically difficult to remove 40 tons of waste each day from City Subway stations, I believe this initiative is misguided and will only lead to more litter and vector in an already dirty transit system. Managing this increased litter on subway platforms will go against the stated goal of this plan to reduce the burden on the MTA’s trash removal efforts.

It is not clear to me how removing bins will lead to less trash because riders will continue to eat, read newspapers and otherwise go about their normal routines, only now they would have nowhere to properly deposit the material. I for one, am doubtful that riders will consistently carry their trash out with them.

I commend the MTA for adding additional trains to remove waste from subway platforms in a more timely fashion, and believe that is an appropriate way to address the ‘unsightliness and malodor’ in the subway system. I believe we can build on this positive step and urge the MTA to work with the City to make the subway system a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.”

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ATTENTION: Alternate Side Suspended

The New York City Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Department of Sanitation, has suspended alternate side parking regulations Citywide for Wednesday, October 26 2011 in observance of Diwali. They will also be suspended the following Tuesday, November 1, 2011 for All Saints Day.

Parking meter regulations remain in effect throughout the City on both days.

ATTENTION: Alternate Side Suspended

The New York City Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Department of Sanitation, has suspended alternate side parking regulations Citywide for Thursday, October 13, 2011 and Friday, October 14, 2011 for Succoth.

Parking meter regulations remain in effect throughout the City.

ATTENTION: Citizen's Cmte 2012 Love Your Block Application Available

Citizens Committee is now accepting applications for their Love Your Block grant program. Love Your Block is a special partnership between Citizens Committee and the City of New York that provides a unique opportunity for city residents to transform and beautify their neighborhoods.

Love Your Block offers resident-led volunteer groups a cash grant of $500-$1,000, as well as community-building assistance, to transform a city block. The City of New York matches the grant by providing services from the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Transportation, and Sanitation to help improve the block; such as trash collection, vacant lot cleanup, graffiti removal, dead tree removal, tree planting, providing woodchip mulch for gardening projects, repair of and installation of street signs and street lights, and traffic safety surveys.

Please note the following key dates:

· September 20, 2011 - Grant Application Workshop (Manhattan)

· November 8, 2011 – Grant Deadline

· Early-December 2011 – Grantees Announced

· Mid-December 2011 – Program Orientation

· April - June 2012 – Project Implementation

The application may be found here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/65081320/LYB-2012-Application

For more information, you can visit http://www.citizensnyc.org/grants.html. If you have any questions about the Love Your Block grant, do not hesitate to contact the Citizens Committee for NYC at (212) 989-0909.

UPDATE: MTA/ NYCT Closing (Hurricane Irene)

MTA/NYC Transit System will close by 12:00noon on Saturday, August 27, 2011. [Fox- NY]