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

UPDATE: MTA/ NYCT Closing (Hurricane Irene)

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

Traffic Meter/ MTA Transit Updates

Parking Meters

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that between August 2011 and June 2012 they will be replacing all remaining single-space parking meters with muni-meters throughout Brooklyn.

Also, effective August 9, 2011, DOT will begin increasing parking meter rates throughout Brooklyn. The new parking meter rates will be $1.00 an hour for short-term parking ($0.25 for 15 minutes), and $8.00 a day at all long-term metered spaces.

Please call the DOT Brooklyn Borough Commissioner at (718) 222-7259 with any further questions.

G-train Service

MTA/ NYC Transit will be operating shuttle buses along portions of the G subway line during 3 upcoming weekends due to track maintenance work. The 3 weekends for alternate service are as follows:

* August 27-29: G service suspended between Hoyt-Schermerhorn and Court Square F station, replaced by shuttle buses
* September 24-26: G service suspended between Bedford-Nostrand Aves. and Court Square F station, replaced by shuttle buses
* October 1-3: same as September 24-26 weekend

All weekend work will start at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and end at 5:00 a.m. on Monday. All service diversions will be noted on posters at each affected station in advance of the weekend work, and MTA NYC Transit staff will be available throughout these weekends at the affected stations to assist our customers get to where they need to go.

Please call the MTA/NYC Transit at (718) 330-1234 with any further questions.

CM James and Elected Officials Rally In Opposition to Senior Center Closings

STATE AND CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS HELD RALLY IN OPPOSITION TO SENIOR CENTERS CLOSING– FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH AT 11AM ON THE STEPS OF CITY HALL

Council Member James urged the community, all seniors and advocates to mobilize against severe threats to senior services

(Brooklyn, NY) – Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg have joined forces to cut funding for New York City’s senior centers, many who rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship. The Bloomberg Administration announced its plan to close over 100 centers throughout the five boroughs, putting as many as ten thousand seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

“This potentially devastating loss of state funding would profoundly affect senior centers across New York City. We are working hard to have this action reversed, but unless the state dollars are restored, DFTA will be forced to close up to 105 of its 256 senior centers,” said Christopher Miller Director of Public Affairs, NYC Department for the Aging.

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery said: “Our Seniors built this country and this city with their work and dedication, and we will not balance the budget on their backs. The Legislature has identified funding for these programs, and these programs will be saved!”

“The reduction in state funding for ‘mandated’ services and the consequent diversion of financing used for ‘discretionary’ services will drastically weaken a necessary support system for our seniors that has been in place for more than twenty years,” said State Senator Eric Adams. “After decades of hard work providing for their families, senior citizens deserve fundamental services and protections so that they can continue to lead healthy and active lives. The dire economic condition of the State of New York requires severe budgetary constraints, but it is imperative that our senior citizens do not bear the brunt of this fiscal retrenchment.”

“Long before I was old enough to use one, I was the president of a senior center from 1973 to 1978,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “So, I know firsthand the central role they play in seniors’ lives. Cutting $25.2 million of funding would force 105 centers to close in New York City, 31 in Brooklyn alone. With our economy and aging population, not only is this the wrong time to cut funding we should be increasing funding for senior centers. For seniors, the ‘social network’ isn’t about Facebook or Twitter—it’s about the people they meet and socialize and interact with at the neighborhood senior center.”

“I believe there are only two reasons that any of us are here, God and our seniors, and we’ll be judged by how we treat them. The State wants to close two out of the three centers in my district. How can one center serve all of my seniors? What about the millionaire’s tax extension or the "421A" tax abatement program? Yankee’s player, Alex Rodriguez, practically gets a free ride while our senior centers are decimated,” said Council Member Jumaane Williams.

Igal Jellinek, Executive Director, Council of Senior Centers and Services, CSCS, said: “On behalf of thousand older New Yorkers, we are proud that Brooklyn’s elected leaders are standing with them to protect senior centers. However, the fight is not over until it is over. Senior centers are still in danger of closing by April 1. Older New Yorkers, elected leaders, service providers, and advocates must continue to place pressure on the governor and tell him to stand up for seniors by standing with Brooklynites. Our elected leaders must make senior center funding mandatory so that older New Yorkers and their senior centers are not faced with this devastating cut every year.”

“A loss of $25 million to DFTA's senior center budget, or approximately 1/3 of funding for senior centers is reprehensible. We stand on the shoulders of these seniors; they are the backbone of society and I’m going to fight this with every fiber of my being,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have paid their dues, and their lifelines will not close on my watch. New York City senior centers are a vital source of community life.”

WHO: Council Member Letitia James
NYS Senator Eric Adams

U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke
NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery
NYS Assembly Member Annette Robinson

NYS Assembly Member Karim Camara

NYS Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries
Council Member Jumaane Williams
Council Member Lew Fidler

Council Member Mathieu Eugene

WHAT: Rally to Oppose the Closing of Senior Centers in New York City

WHERE: Steps of City Hall, Lower Manhattan

WHEN: Friday, March 18
11:00 AM

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Update: TLC Group Ride Vehicle Program

The TLC Group Ride Vehicle Program that is being put into place to service eliminated bus routes will begin September 27th for the B71 bus line, the only former-line that affects the 35th District included in the program.

Please give our office a call at (212) 788-7081 if you have any further questions, or want more information on the service.

ATTENTION: TLC Proposes Group Ride Vehicle Program To Run Cut Service Lines

NYC's Taxi & Limousine Commission’s Group Ride Vehicle Program is a new type of service providing point-to-point, shared ride service among specified pick-up and drop-off locations (marked by a sign). Drop-offs occur at fixed stops, or pre-agreed locations. The program is focused on MTA service areas that have been eliminated.

The cost varies, but will be no more than $2.

The proposed service areas span the former routes of three Brooklyn bus lines, one which runs through the 35th district.

If you are interesting in learning more about this upcoming pilot program, or are a driver looking to work in the pilot, please call our office at (212) 788-7081 for more information.

A Message From CM James- MTA: Don't Leave New Yorkers Stranded!

January 7, 2010

Dear New Yorker,

Last month the MTA unveiled a package of budget cuts that is a slap in the face to hardworking people across our city.

I have stood with elected officials, transportation advocates, students, seniors, people with disabilities and other transit riders to protest this latest round of proposed service cuts, which include the elimination of Student Metro Cards and cuts to the Access-a-Ride Program.

New Yorkers from all walks of life joined us in sending a strong, clear message to the MTA: Don't Leave New Yorkers Stranded!

Working together with transit advocates, the New York City Council has proposed an alternate budget solution that will help us to avoid these drastic service cuts by:

* Reallocating 10 percent of direct stimulus aid to MTA operating expenses ($91.5 million);
* Using budgeted PAYGO capital funds for operating ($50 million); and
* Reallocating 10 percent of additional stimulus transit aid to State to operating ($30 million).

Relevant articles in the press:

* "Rally to save service: Astoria protest vs. MTA plan to kill W line"
* "Save Our Subways! NYers Protest MTA Cuts"
* "Students, Politicians Protest MTA Cuts"

We need your help. Below are actions we can all take to stem these cuts and adopt a more rational plan.

Take Action!

* Sign our petition here and support our plan!

* Attend the MTA's public hearing on this issue. By signing our petition we will be able to notify you when the hearing is scheduled.

* Contact the MTA. Urge them to find alternative ways to prevent these terrible cuts and to ensure an open public process. By phone, dial (212) 878-7483. By e-mail, click here.

* Contact Governor Paterson. Let him know how these transit service cuts will affect your life.

* Sign up to volunteer! If you would like to take part in any of the events that we will be organizing around this issue, please contact Nick Rolf at the Speaker's office at NROLF@council.nyc.gov.

With your help we can stop these drastic cuts and ensure greater public input in the MTA's budget process.

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of City Council

6/9 and 6/10- DOT Public Hearings- It's important for Brooklyn to make its transit issues known! PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

Tuesday, June 9th
Polytechnic University
6 Metrotech Center (entrance on Jay St. btw Myrtle Ave.+Johnson St.)
Starting at 6:30pm

Wednesday, June 10th
Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Ave (at Campus Rd.)
Starting at 6:30pm

*** The events are being hosted by NYC-DOT and NYC Transit- attend to hear about where the needs are greatest for Bus Rapid Transit and other bus improvements in Brooklyn, and hear what you think about some initial possible areas they have identified (see link http://nyc.gov/brt http://nyc.gov/brt), and about what bus rapid transit is! Were you infuriated that the MTA was considering cutting bus service in Brooklyn? Come to the session to hear possible plans for Brooklyn, and to be a part of the discussion! ***

Team Tish: Some Recent (...and Not So Recent) Photos

Picture time has come 'round again!

And with all the Atlantic Yards news*, we thought we'd post these pictures from around this time last year. They're from an Atlantic Yards press conference at City Hall. Just want to remind you that this fight has been going on for a long time, and that we believe a community is defined by the how to people that live there are treated. We believe in diversity- economic and racial- and we want to see ALL the residents of the 35th District reap the benefits of our every-developing neighborhoods. We hope you support fair and affordable housing development as well. Please consider attending Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn's Community Meeting on June 9th; at 85 S. Oxford Street in Fort Greene to keep abreast of Atlantic Yards issues.

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CMs James and Yassky are joined by Assembly Members Hakeem Jeffries and James Brennan and fair development advocates at City Hall on July 2008.

From this event:

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CMs James, Barron, and Liu rally in Bedford-Stuyvesant against cuts to MTA services, specifically the B25 bus route, on February 28th, 2009. CM Liu is the Chair of the Transportation Committee in the New York City Council.

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CMs James and Weprin are joined by Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, State Senator Eric Adams, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, and Former NYC Public Advocate Mark Green at a press conference addressing term limits on October 12, 2008.

And from this event:






CMs James and Weprin are joined by State Senator Eric Adams, members of the Crown Heights Revitalization Movement, and Crown Heights residents at City Hall to address the Brooklyn Intake Center proposal to be expanded into a Citywide shelter, and the fact that plans to create a similar Manhattan center were not included in the City budget proposal. June 7, 2009.

*FYI- We purposely try not to post too much about Atlantic Yards, being that there are so many great organizations and blogs following the issue much more closely than we can.
**Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Speaks, a civic group that informs residents about Atlantic Yards issues.
***Photo courtesy of William Alatriste.
****Photo courtesy of Patricio Barrientos, of CM David Weprin's office.

CMs James and Barron Against B25 MTA Service Cuts, 2/28, 10AM

We’ve posted in the past concerning the MTA’s service cuts, specifically the crucial B25 bus line that previously traveled down Fulton Avenue towards Downtown Brooklyn.

In the past, we’ve stated:

"the MTA maintain(s) that the B25 is underused and already serviced by the A and C trains. Riders are expressing the exact opposite opinion; they say the B25 and B65 bus routes are vital life lines for Brooklyn residents, and that both buses often filled to capacity.

Taking the bus is simply a better option for the elderly and the handicapped because of the lack of elevators at most MTA subway stops."

In our efforts to continue to fight against unnecessary service cuts, the Brooklyn East New York Crisis Team & East New York United Concern Citizens

In conjunction with Council Member Charles Barron & Council Member Letitia James

Organize for a March & Caravan Against the Cut of the B25 Bus Route

Date: February 28, 2008

Time: 10am-1pm

Starting @ Van Sindern & Fulton Street
Ending @ 484 Washington & Fulton Ave
Brown Memorial Baptist Church


For More Info Contact:
Kevin McCall (347) 675-4210
Chris Banks (347) 240-3049
CM Charles Barron (718) 649-9495
CM Letitia James (718) 260-9191

Central Library- Sunday Services Eliminated

As many of you are likely aware, the Sunday service at the Central Library at Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Heights have been eliminated as of January 4, 2009.

Programs held in the Dweck Center will continue to be scheduled.

The service cuts are due to the City’s financial state, and cuts to the Brooklyn Public Library’s (BPL) budget for fiscal year 2009-2010. According to the Executive Director, the BPL expenses will be cut by $800,000 annually due to cutting Sunday services.

We hope that alternative budget proposals are implemented in the interest of lessening the budget cuts to NYC services like those provided by the BPL, and that any service cuts are temporary. We will post further information if we receive it.

For the notice from Brooklyn’s Central Library, see here:
(http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/branch_library_detail.jsp?branchpageid=265)

CM JAMES, PUBLIC OFFICIALS, OPPOSE MTA SERVICE CUTS; TUES. DEC. 16TH, 1PM; CITY HALL

ATTENTION!The press event planned by Council Member James to fight the proposed MTA service cuts, which was to be held on the Steps of City Hall tomorrow, Dec. 16th at 1:00 pm, has been postponed. This cancellation/postponement is due to the presentation of Governor Paterson’s 2009-10 budget proposal to the State Legislature tomorrow morning. The response by the State Legislature to Governor Patterson’s budget proposal may determine whether recommendations made by the Commission on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Financing to cut bus and subway services will be implemented.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 12, 2008

Contacts: Eva Ruiz at (212) 788-7081, and Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Council Member Letitia James, public officials, and residents will gather on the steps of City Hall to oppose MTA cuts - this Tuesday, Dec. 16th, at 1 pm. The MTA proposed cuts include the B25 bus route in Brooklyn, plus night and weekend service to the B65 bus route, as well as other severe cuts to bus and train services both in brooklyn, and across the five boroughs.

This past week, the MTA proposed service cuts in Brooklyn, and around the city to help alleviate a massive budget deficit. They maintain that the B25 is underused and already serviced by the A and C trains. Riders are expressing the exact opposite opinion; they say the B25 and B65 bus routes are vital life lines for Brooklyn residents, and that both buses often filled to capacity.

Taking the bus is simply a better option for the elderly and the handicapped because of the lack of elevators at most MTA subway stops. The B65 bus line is one of only two buses that cover the area from Fulton Street to Eastern Parkway, and an 11 block stretch exists between these two bus lines. It is unacceptable that special-needs riders who depend solely on bus lines to travel to work, as well as individuals who travel during overnight hours will now be subjected to long, unsafe walks.

Other MTA service changes that affect Brooklyn include:

* Shortening the G-train to operate between Court Square and Smith/9th Street at all times, eliminating evening, overnight, and weekend service between Court Square and Forest Hill/71st Avenue
* Operating 10 minute headways on the A-train, 4/5-trains, N/Q/R- trains, and G-train routes (among others) on Saturdays and Sundays. As a result, loads will exceed 125% of off-peak loading guidelines
* Midday loading guidelines will increase to a 125% seated load on the A-train and N/Q/R- trains, which will amount to longer waits
* Operating the A-train, 4/5-trains, and 2-train subway service on a 30-minute headway between 2 am and 5 am (service currently runs on a 20-minute headway during this period)

WHAT: Press conference in opposition to the MTA’s proposed service cuts in Brooklyn, and across New York City

WHEN: Tuesday, December 16th, at 1:00 pm

WHERE: Steps of City Hall


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MTA Proposes Cuts to B25 Route, Night/Weekend Service for B65

Last week, the MTA proposed service cuts around the city to help alleviate massive budget deficits. They maintain that the B25 is both underused and already serviced by the A and C trains. Now, I will speak for my pregnant self when I say that I have yet to see the B25, as often as it may run, not full. The lack of elevators in most subway stops makes the bus a better option not only for myself, but also for the many elderly and handicapped living in our neighborhood.

As far as the B65 goes, the bus lines is one of only two lines that cover the area from Fulton to Eastern Parkway (AN 11 BLOCK STRETCH!!!) It is unacceptable to think that people who have come to depend on this line to get home in the late hours will now be subject to the long walk possibly from their place of employment to the trains AND from the train to their residence.

Other changes to MTA service that effect the 35th Council District include:

• Shortening the G-train to operate between Court Square and Smith-9th Street at all times, eliminating evening, overnight, and weekend service between Court Square and Forest Hill-71st Ave.
• Operating 10 minute headways on the A-train, 4/5-trains, N/Q/R- trains and G-train routes (among others) on Saturdays and Sundays. As a result loads will exceed 125% of off-peak loading guidelines depending on the car type.
• Midday loading guidelines will increase to 125% seated load on the A-train and N/Q/R- trains, which will amount to longer waits of about 1-2 minutes.
• Operating the A-train, 4/5-trains, and 2-train subway service on a 30-minute headway between 2am and 5am (service currently runs on a 20-minute headway during this period).
  

CM James is currently organizing a press conference, please stay tuned and come out and support in numbers. We must make MTA hear our collective voices!

Please share your stories if these service cuts will effect you...