ATTENTION: NYCHA Hosts Town Hall On Capital Funds/Projects; 12/2; PS 67

Tonight, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is hosting a town hall on December 2, 2010 at 6PM with NYCHA Chairman John Rhea to update residents of Atlantic Terminal, Farragut, Ingersol & Whitman on capital funds and stimulus-funded projects.

The town hall will be hosted at-
PS 67 (Charles A. Dorsey)
51 St. Edwards Street
(btwn. Myrtle Avenue and Park Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11205

Please call the Office of Council Member Letitia James (718) 260-9191 for more information.

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

Council Member Letitia James, in collaboration with Watchful Eye, Community Youth, Inc., and Serum Music, presents...

"A Celebration of Praise & Thanksgiving"

at...the "Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at the Walt Whitman Theatre"

Location: 2900 Campus Road @ Hillel Place
1 block west of "The Junction" Intersection of Hillel Place and Nostrand & Flatbush Avenues

When: Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 4:30PM

Please call the office of CM James at (718) 260-9191 for more information.

___________________________________

The Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center's Division of Chemical Dependency cordially invites you to an Open House-

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
12 noon- 3pm
Where: 100 North Portland Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

For more information, contact (718) 260-7806. Refreshments will be served.
_____________________________________________________
Economic Recovery & Business Stimulus Conference

Join the Black Church Means Business on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the Riverside Church in New York City to meet, network, and begin to do business with hundreds of small business owners, more than 400 clergy and church leaders, corporate executives, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations.

There is a small fee to register. For more information you may call (718) 638-6397.
_____________________________________________________

In recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday and the current economic crisis affecting so many, join the 57th Assembly District Democratic Organization, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, State Senator Eric Adams and 57th A.D. Democratic Organization & District Committeeperson Olanike Alabi in a canned food drive and reception to benefit the Child Development Support Corporation's (CDSC) food pantry which serves residents in Central Brooklyn. WE ENCOURAGE ALL WHO WILL ATTEND TO BRING 5 CANS OF FOOD.


When: Thursday, November 19, 2009

6pm- 8pm


Where: Teen Challenge Center
444 Clinton Avenue
Brooklyn, N.Y 11238

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention

If You Were Wondering Where Your Money Was

Check out NYCStat Stimulus Tracker to track the City's use of federal stimulus/recovery funds provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA); and Council Member David Yassky's ItsYourMoney.com (which simplifies the information the Council provides here).

More Parking Suspension

Alternate Side Parking Regulations Suspended In Parts Of Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights (South of Joralemon Street), Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, and Clinton Hill Starting September 8th For Six To Eight Weeks As DOT Posts New, Reduced Street-Cleaning Regulations.

New regulations will take effect in Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Vinegar Hill, Fulton Ferry, and Brooklyn Heights (Joralemon Street and North) starting September 14th.
Suspension is the final of three phases for neighborhoods in Community District 2.

The suspension will last in Brooklyn's Community District 2 for approximately six to eight weeks as the Department of Transportation (DOT) installs some 2,000 signs with new, reduced regulations. This is the third and final phase of the project to change signs throughout the district. (You can read about the previous phases here and here)

The second phase of the sign-replacement project is now complete, with signs in Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Vinegar Hill, Fulton Ferry and Brooklyn Heights north of Joralemon Street having been replaced since July 13th. The newly posted regulations will be enforceable on Monday, September 14, giving residents two weeks to adjust to the new rules.

In the upcoming phase of the sign-replacement project, some daytime residential street cleaning parking restrictions are being reduced from twice a week to just once a week to ease parking for local residents. In other cases, only the time of day of the street-cleaning regulation will change. The new rules were established by the Department of Sanitation at the request of Community Board 2.

Street Cleaning Regulations (all parking signs marked with a broom symbol) will be suspended within the following borders from September 8th until further notice:

North: Joralemon Street (not included) from Furman Street to Boerum Place;
Fulton Street (included) from Boerum Place to Classon Avenue.

East: Classon Avenue (included) from Fulton Street to Atlantic Avenue.

South: Atlantic Avenue (not included) from Furman Street to Court Street;
Court Street (not included) from Atlantic Avenue to Wyckoff Street;
Wyckoff Street/St. Mark’s Place (included) from Court Street to 4th Avenue;
4th Avenue (not included) from St. Mark's Place to Pacific Street;
4th Avenue (included) from Atlantic Avenue to Pacific Street;
Atlantic Avenue (included) from 4th Avenue to Classon Avenue.

West: Furman Street (included) from Atlantic Avenue to Joralemon Street.

As the attached map indicates, Street Cleaning Regulations will be in effect on Joralemon Street; on Atlantic Avenue west of Court Street; on Court Street from Atlantic Avenue to Wyckoff Street; and on 4th Avenue from St. Mark's Place to Pacific Street.

The changes do not affect 8AM to 6PM parking rules or meter regulations, or any other parking rules that are not street cleaning regulations. DOT will give advance notification before enforcement resumes, and the public is encouraged to check the DOT's Web site or call 311.

Upcoming Events

You are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Garden Party Fundraiser for the Center for Law & Social Justice at Medgar Evers College.

Sunday, September 13, 2009
3pm- 7pm
Japanese Garden
931-933 Bedford Avenue (between Dekalb & Willoughby)
Brooklyn, NY, 11205

For more information and tickets call (718)270-6297, or email jgibbs@mec.cuny.edu.

Friends of South Oxford Park present a free Jazzmobile Concert!

South Oxford Street (between Fulton Street & Atlantic Avenue)

Saturday, September 12, 2009
2:30pm- 4:30pm

Come out and enjoy a free concert of America's classical music known as JAZZ, with support from the office of Council Member Letitia James and local restaurant Night of the Cookers.

Team Tish: Some Recent Photos

Welcome to our "Recent Photos" adventure, in which we follow Council Member James on her activities within the 35th District and throughout New York City:

*
CMs James and deBlasio join Speaker Quinn at Brooklyn's PRIDE Parade on June 13, 2009.

*

*

*

*

__________________________________________________________

**
CM James is joined by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) at the "Capital One Bank Clinton Hill Branch Grand Opening Day" on July 23, 2009.

**

**

__________________________________________________________


CMs James and Liu are joined by State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Assembly Member Karim Camara, as well as community activists [from Real Economics for Building Unity and Innovative Local Development (REBUILD)], at a press conference calling on Mayor Bloomberg to spend stimulus funding on jobs within our communities on July 30th, 2009 at City Hall.


CMs James is joined by members of (REBUILD) and Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler.

*Photos courtesy of William Alatriste.
**Photos courtesy of PACC.

Elected Officials, Activists Discuss Job Creation At City Hall, 7/30, 1PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2009

Activists and elected officials gather at City Hall to discuss creating jobs in the community, this Thursday, July 30th at 1pm

Please join REBUILD (Real Economics for Building Unity and Innovative Local Development) and its President Darnell Canada, along with Council Members Letitia
James, Charles Barron, Larry Seabrook, and Inez Dickens; Assemblymembers Hakeem Jeffries and Karim Camara; as well as other activist on the steps of City Hall.

We are concerned about insuring that STIMULUS MONEY from the Obama Administration is used for the creation of jobs in the community. Unemployment is over 50% for Black and Latino men in the United States, particularly in public housing where the rate is more than 70%. Another concern is guaranteeing that small minority businesses benefit from STIMULUS MONEY too.

This press conference will discuss the plan that REBUILD and others are proposing to secure STIMULUS MONEY for our communities. Come and join us for the
press event and make a STAND to secure our future, on the Steps of City Hall – Thursday, July 30 at 1:00 pm!!

If you have any questions please call REBUILD at (347) 435-0503.

###

United Coalition of Block Assns Presents Community Forum; Crown Heights; 6/4; 7PM

The United Coalition of Block Associations presents a Community Forum

When: Thursday June 4th, 7pm
Where: Crown Gardens Community Room
1185 Carroll St.

With special guests:

Hon. William C. Thompson Jr., Comptroller of NYC and Democratic Candidate for Mayor
Will challenge the Republican Bloomberg's record and agenda, and present democratic solutions to the problems facing New Yorkers.

Hon. Letitia James, Council Member, 35th CD
Will introduce a field of candidates that will further define and clarify the issues for the coming November election.

Hon. Hakeem Jeffries, State Assemblyman, 57 District
Too many guns on the street, too many black boys in jail! How the second chance program and Obama's stimulus plan will help our youth.

Come, ask questions and get answers, bring a neighbor!

Refreshments will be served.

US Congress Committee on Oversight/Government Reform Holds Hearing; 4/21; 10AM; BK Borough Hall

The United States House of Representatives' Committee on Oversight & Government Reform will host a Full Committee Field Hearing entitled "The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009: The Role of State and Local Government."

DATE: Tuesday, April 21, 2009

TIME: 10 am

LOCATION: Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street (Downtown Brooklyn)
Brooklyn, NY 11201

SPONSOR: Congress Member Ed Towns

Note: The hearing is a follow-up to the recent Town Hall Forum on the Economic Stimulus Package (The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009) held on April 4, 2009 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) by Representatives Ed Towns and Yvette Clarke. All are invited to attend and/or submit testimony.

CM James Reports Mayor Bloomberg Stimulus-Funded Brooklyn Infrastructure Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Brooklyn, NY)– Council Member Letitia James is pleased to report that Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the City’s selection for infrastructure projects this week, which will receive financial backing from the $261 million of federal transportation funding, allocated through President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As chair of the Contracts Committee, and co-chair of the Infrastructure Task Force, Council Member James advocated for all infrastructure projects receiving funds, specifically the descriptions below of plans within the 35th Council District. She has held several meetings with Edward Skyler, Deputy Mayor for Operations, and has kept pressure on the Bloomberg Administration to ensure these projects were prioritized.

Infrastructure projects supported by federal stimulus funding will supplement the City’s current capital plan. The federal stimulus dollars mean that the City gets projects moving quickly to rebuild infrastructure, creating jobs for thousands of people– exactly what the New York economy needs at this time. Strategic investments in essential infrastructure will help promote necessary economic development. President Obama, Congress and the City government are delivering real change to all five boroughs - more info. can be found at www.nyc.gov.

Improvements to the Brooklyn Navy Yard - The project will reconstruct several roadways in the Navy Yard area and upgrade water and sewer systems. The new roads will allow for the reopening of the historic Sands Street gate, providing more efficient pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle access to the Navy Yard. This includes better access to the A/C/F trains, adding much needed parking, facilitating additional industrial development, and improving water conservation, storm water run-off management and landscaping. Total project cost: $35.4 million - construction bid March 2009, and estimated completion summer 2011.

Streetscape Improvements to Flatbush Avenue - This project includes streetscape improvements along Flatbush Avenue from Tillary to Hanson Place, including new street and pedestrian lights, an elevated landscaped median in the street, and new pedestrian crosswalk refuges at medians. The project also includes sewer and water main upgrades. The project will create a more pedestrian friendly atmosphere for one of Brooklyn’s major thoroughfares and support additional private development in the area. Total project cost: $23 million - construction bid April 2009, and estimated completion June 2011.

Reconstruction of Eastern Parkway - The project involves reconstruction of the roadway from Washington Avenue to Grand Army Plaza to improve the street, which is currently in deteriorated condition, and improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicular traffic. The reconstruction will reduce the frequency of future resurfacing and repair work, which can cause lane closures. The project will improve access to several cultural, recreational and educational institutions, including the Brooklyn Museum, The Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Public Library, and Prospect Park. Total project cost: $12 million - construction bid fall 2009, and estimated completion Spring 2012.

Citywide Sidewalk Repairs for all Boroughs - The project will repair sidewalks that are damaged by curbside trees in locations throughout the City. The damaged sidewalks cause inconvenience and safety concerns for property owners, who are responsible for the condition of their sidewalks. The sidewalk repairs, done at no cost to the homeowner, will maximize the strength and durability of the sidewalks, while minimizing the damage to tree roots. One-, two-, and three family homes occupied by the owner are eligible for this program. Total project cost: $3.7 million, construction bid spring 2009, and estimated completion summer 2010.

The City of New York’s economic plan focuses on making investments in neighborhoods that will create more jobs, as well encourage greater economic opportunity now, and when projects are completed. In order to maintain transparency and accountability when using stimulus funding, the funds allocated to the City can be followed on the “Stimulus Tracker” located at the official New York City web site.

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

###

Reps. Towns and Clarke host Congressional Town Hall to Discuss Federal Stimulus Money; 4/4; 9:30AM; BAM

Congress Members Ed Towns (D,10) and Yvette Clarke (D,11) are hosting a 2009 Federal Economic Stimulus Package Town Hall Forum. Representative Towns currently serves as the Chair of the Congressional Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. We've asked constituents in the past to contact federal elected officials concerning what they want to see happen with stimulus funds; now, we think it's important that you attend this forum to learn about where these funds are going.

Please note-
*The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009. The Act was based largely on proposals made by President Obama and is intended to provide a stimulus to the U.S. economy in the wake of the economic downturn. The Act includes federal tax cuts, expansion of unemployment benefits and other social welfare provisions, as well as domestic spending in education, health care, and infrastructure (including the energy sector). Specifically to New Yorkers, the Act makes investments in communities, creates 215,000 New York-based jobs, protects existing positions and creates over 14,000 NYC education jobs, increases funds to NYS and NYC to help the unemployed, funds "shovel-ready" projects in Brooklyn and other boroughs, and cuts taxes and increases benefits for working families.

If you are interested in learning more about the direct benefits of stimulus funds, please join us-

When: Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 9:30AM
Where: BAM Cinema III
30 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Economic Stimulus Package and Fair Housing

Fair Housing advocacy is an issue of utmost importance to Council Member James. We, along with the nation, eagerly await the changes the Obama administration will bring to the United States. It is imperative that during this shift, we take a hard look at the issues that affect Brooklynites and other New Yorkers. Both Governor Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility during this current economic state, and put forth budget proposals to strengthen the economy of New York.

While our focus is often on the City of New York, we think that it is equally important for New York residents to appeal to federal elected officials to represent their position on important issues. For those who share an interest in fair housing, please be aware that U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development within the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Senator Schumer should know that affordable and fair housing development is important in New York City, and should be a primary component of the Obama administration’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (also know as the Economic Stimulus Package of 2009).

The Supportive Housing Network of New York cites the following needs:

Adequate capital for affordable housing development by funding the National Housing Trust Fund and other sources at $10 billion—

· 200,000 Section 8 Vouchers to ensure that tenants of all incomes are housed.
· $2 billion in Emergency Shelter Grants to prevent homelessness and rapidly re-house people when they become homeless.
· Quick fixes to increase investment in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. Include provisions to address the steep drop-off of investment in Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the primary funding source for affordable and supportive housing. Without immediate fixes to this successful program, investment in affordable housing development will lag, even with new funding.

If this issue is important to you, please contact Senator Schumer to help ensure that fair and affordable housing opportunities are included in the stimulus package.

Please see Senator Schumer’s contact information here: http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/contact.cfm

The Supportive Housing Network of New York may be found here: http://www.shnny.org/