Two-Alarm Fire Along Myrtle Avenue In Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
JULY 23, 2013

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

Two-Alarm Fire Along Myrtle Avenue In Clinton Hill, Brooklyn 
Manhole Exploded Due To A Basement Fire Along Commercial Strip

(New York, NY)— On July 23, 2013 around 11:30 a.m., a manhole near 463 Myrtle Avenue began smoking, and shortly after exploded. The explosion is believed to be due to a two-alarm fire in the basement of a nearby restaurant along Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

The Fire Department arrived shortly, and evacuated seven surrounding buildings along Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenues. Two 3-story mixed commercial and residential buildings along the strip sustained minor damage from the explosion. Those nearby reported hearing the blast, and smelling a sulfur-like odor at the scene. An estimated thirty people were temporarily evacuated due to high carbon monoxide readings, however no injuries have been reported at this time.

“I thank the FDNY, the NYPD, and Con Edison for their quick response to the explosion, and I am deeply relieved that no one was seriously injured,” said Council Member Letitia James.

The Red Cross has offered assistance to those affected by the blast, and at this time streets have been closed along Myrtle Avenue from Clinton Street to Hall Street, Washington Avenue from Park Avenue to Myrtle Avenue, and Waverly Avenue from Park Avenue to Myrtle Avenue. Additionally, the B54 bus has been temporarily re-routed.


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CM James Discusses NYPD Stop And Frisk Policy On MSNBC

See Council Member Letitia James on MSNBC's "All In W/ Chris Hayes" discussing the administration's stop, question, and frisk policy.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

CM Letitia James Joins UFT At Press Conference Announcing Lawsuit Re: DOE Plans for School Co-locations in Next Mayor’s Term

Council Member Letitia James Joins UFT At Press Conference Announcing Lawsuit to Block Administration Plans for School Co-locations in Next Mayor’s Term

Today (July 18th) New York City parents and teachers joined United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew and elected officials to protest Mayor Bloomberg's efforts to saddle New York City's next mayor with his failed school policies.

During his final months in City Hall, Mayor Bloomberg is trying to cement plans for a dozen or more co-locations that would not open until long after he leaves office.

The UFT will file a lawsuit Thursday in New York State Supreme Court to stop the Department of Education from starting these co-locations- projects that attempt to bind the next mayoral administration to the same failed education agenda.

"Eight years was enough, and twelve years has been too long-- the  DOE is asking us to vote for charter schools housed in public schools years in advance," said Council Member Letitia James. "This is a desperate attempt by DOE to beat the clock-- but we must stop the clock!"

ATTENTION: Brooklyn Museum Presents "Save Our African American Treasures"; 7/20; 11AM

Save Our African American Treasures: A National Collections Initiative of Discovery and Preservation

On Saturday, July 20th, the Brooklyn Museum will join the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture to present a daylong program to help Brooklyn residents identify and preserve items of historical and cultural significance tucked away in attics, closets, and basements. The event features presentations, hands-on activities, and preservation tips.

Participants may bring up to three personal items for a 15-minute, professional consultation with experts on how to care for the items. Specialists will serve as reviewers, not appraisers, and will not determine items’ monetary value. Objects such as books, papers, ceramics, and textiles no larger than a shopping bag can be reviewed (furniture, carpets, firearms, and paintings are excluded).

The Treasures program also features fun and informative presentations throughout the day, including:
- Preservation Presentations: Learn how to preserve clothing and textiles, family photographs, and papers. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.
- Hands-on Preservation: Gain hands-on experience in proper preparation and packing of letters, garments, and photographs for preservation, storage, and presentation.

For more information, please call the Save Our African American Treasures information line at (877) 733-9599.

WHEN: Saturday, July 20, 2013
11AM- 6PM

WHERE: 200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11238

CM James on the Need to Preserve NYC Public Libraries

Council Member Letitia James and Steve Levin speak on the need to preserve New York City public libraries.

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.