Brooklyn Political Roundup, November 29: Gentile to lead Brannan transition team

In Public Service, From The Political Staff Of The Brooklyn Daily Eagle

November 29, 2017 By Paula Katinas & John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Vincent Gentile and Councilmember-elect Justin Brannan. Eagle photo by John Alexander

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Gentile to lead Brannan transition team

Outgoing Councilmember Vincent Gentile is getting ready to pass the baton to his successor Justin Brannan, who won election to Gentile’s Council seat on Nov. 7. But first, he will serve as chairman of Councilmember-elect Brannan’s transition committee as Brannan prepares to take office on Jan. 1.

Brannan announced that he has formed a 36-member transition team of elected officials, labor and business leaders, education advocates, parents, small business owners and community activists.

Kathryn Wylde, Carlo Scissura, Alison Hirsh and Joanne Seminara will serve as the committee’s vice chairs.

The committee will advise Brannan as he goes about hiring staff members and organizes his legislative and budgetary priorities.

The list of committee members includes Republicans as well as Democrats.

“As the great Fiorello LaGuardia famously said, there is no Democratic or Republican way to pick up the garbage. The campaign is over and now it’s time to come together,” Brannan said in a statement. “I will look to each and every member of my transition team for advice and counsel as we recruit great talent to serve with distinction the hardworking people of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and parts of Bensonhurst.”

Brannan is accepting applications for staff positions. Candidates can submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to [email protected].

The other members of Brannan’s transition committee are Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Ibrahim Anse, Lara Bianchi, Jumana Bishara, Joseph A. Bova, Tori Burhans Kelly, Warren Chan, Vincent Chirico, Irene Chu, Doris Cruz, Angelo Cucuzza,; Ellen Driesen, Craig A. Eaton, Maia Elfont, the Rev. Khader El-Yateem, Andrew Gounardes, Judith Grimaldi, Maggie Gu, Bill Guarinello, Laura Hamilton, Steve Harrison, John Heffernan, Reem Jaafar, Dr. Ahmad Jaber, Tracy McDonagh Joerss, Scott Klein, Ellen McHugh, Ralph Perfetto, Mary Quinones, Marvin Reiskin and David Ryan.

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Hamilton, Richardson speak out on Bedford-Union Armory

State Sen. Jesse Hamilton and Assemblymember Diana Richardson issued a joint statement on the latest developments surrounding the redevelopment of the Bedford-Union Armory.

A proposal calls for the site to be converted into housing units and a recreational center.

“With regard to housing, while we express our appreciation for drawing nearer to the 100 percent affordable housing perspective we set forth, the most recent proposal does not meet that goal. It is evident that the development does not fully meet the needs New Yorker’s face, given the current housing crisis which embodies a perspective that is especially salient given the record levels of homelessness and displacement,” the two lawmakers stated.

“When considering the recreation center, we have voiced our support for a facility that partners with neighborhood groups and meets our community’s needs; a positive resource for our community’s youth and collaboration with community nonprofits are welcome. Moving forward, we request firm, binding commitments on inclusivity,” they stated.

Hamilton and Richardson also called for the construction work to be done by union workers.

“Inclusion also encompasses the need for union labor. Unions play a critical role, engaging with our community, offering apprenticeships and training programs, and ensuring workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” the lawmakers said in their statement.

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Harris has special delivery for Gravesend Houses

Assemblymember Pamela Harris (D-Coney Island-Dyker Heights-Bay Ridge) helped deliver much-needed new appliances to residents living in the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Gravesend Houses in Coney Island. Harris worked to secure funding for the replacement of old, outdated appliances in the public housing facility.

Many of the housing units were heavily damaged in Superstorm Sandy five years ago, Harris said.

“Our community was dealt a devastating blow during Superstorm Sandy, but we are recovering stronger than before. I’m so proud to stand with my friends and neighbors as we deliver these much-needed appliances and ensure that we can all go back to living our lives comfortably,” Harris said in a statement.

The monies that Harris secured, $259,940, was used to provide residents whose homes were damaged by Superstorm Sandy with new refrigerators and stoves

“It’s so important for us to deliver these appliances to those in need. I will continue working to ensure that everyone who has been forced to continue dealing with the impact of Sandy get the resources they need to return to normal,” Harris stated.

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Felder demands cops in all schools

State Sen. Simcha Felder (D-Borough Park-Midwood) said the recent tragedy in northern California in which a gunman shot four people and then tried to enter a school is proof that legislation he sponsored to mandate the presence of police officer in every school is needed now more than ever.

“My legislation to require armed NYPD officers at the entrance of every New York school is a preventative measure that must be implemented immediately,” Felder said in a statement.

In the California incident, school administrators heard gunshots in the distance and ordered the school to go on lockdown. This move gave students and teachers time to hide in locked classrooms before the gunman rammed his car through a fence and entered the school building armed with a semi-automatic rifle.

“An armed guard outside would have neutralized this insane attacker the moment he arrived. It’s crucial that the students were in lockdown, but that is not the solution. New York public schools are protected by unarmed resource officers. But times have changed and the days of unarmed guards are over. When a situation calls for immediate action, all they can do is call the police. That makes every school a soft target and every student a potential victim. My proposed legislation places a well-trained, armed NYPD officer in front of every school,” Felder stated.

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Malliotakis hosts holiday toy drive

Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis (R-C-Bay Ridge-Staten Island) announced that she is conducting her annual holiday toy drive.

Malliotakis is asking residents to drop off new, unwrapped toys to any one of three locations in Bay Ridge. She will collect the donated toys and bring them to various local organizations serving needy families in Brooklyn and Staten Island.

“Our toy drive is one of my favorite events of the year. The generosity and kindness exhibited by the community is truly amazing, and has increased since our first toy drive back in 2010. I look forward to working with some of our local organizations once again to spread some holiday cheer,” Malliotakis said in a statement.

Donors can drop off the toys until Tuesday, Dec. 19, at any of the following locations:

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 8401 Ridge Boulevard

Salam Arabic Lutheran Church, 414 80th St.

Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis (DGK) Parochial School, 8502 Ridge Boulevard

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Gentile cuts ribbon on new baseball field at McKinley Park

On Thursday, Nov. 16, City Councilmember Vincent Gentile cut the ribbon on the brand new little league field at McKinley Park in Dyker Heights. Located at Bay Ridge Parkway between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Seventh Avenue, the multipurpose sports ground comes complete with synthetic turf and other amenities.

Gentile allocated $1.2 million for the project, and ensured its completion to provide an accessible recreation area for the neighborhood as well as serve as the new home for the youth softball program at St. Anselm Catholic Church and its Youth Activities Organization.

Attending the ceremony were Parks Commissioner Martin Maher, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann and Parks Chair June Johnson.

In addition, Msgr. Michael Maloney of St. Anselm attended along with The Youth Activities Program of St. Anselm, including a representative from the program and approximately 50 students.

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Adams, Deutsch unveil library at Madison High School

On Tuesday, Councilmember Chaim Deutsch, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, and Principal Jodie Cohen participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for James Madison High School’s newly renovated library. Funded primarily with capital grants from Deutsch and Adams, the new library features technological upgrades, new shelving and lighting, and a college center.

Increased broadband internet and new Apple computers enable Madison High School to use the library for classes, group tutoring and English-language lessons. The college center provides a seamless process for counselors to advise the students and assist with applications.

“It was a pleasure to join the ribbon cutting ceremony for this impressive new library,” said Deutsch. “I am excited to watch Madison High School students utilize these resources to develop and enhance their educational acumen. With more than 3,000 students enrolled, I know it will be getting a lot of use!”

Deutsch thanked Cohen for her partnership and advocacy on behalf of her students and commended Adams, “who has poured enormous resources into schools across Brooklyn to improve the opportunities for our younger generation.”

Adams stated, “I am proud to partner with Councilmember Deutsch on upgrading the library and college center at James Madison High School to serve the 21st century educational needs of our community. My administration has invested $600,000 to date to provide this institution with the technological infrastructure that will help our students excel in the classroom and on the job market.”

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Golden to host Christmas tree lightings throughout community

Sen. Marty Golden has announced plans to host a series of Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies throughout the community. The lightings will feature Christmas carols and a special visit from Santa Claus and hot chocolate for all. The four events will take place throughout Golden’s district in Bay Ridge,

Gravesend, Dyker Heights and Marine Park.

The schedule is as follows:

Thursday, Nov. 30, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Shore Road and 90th Street at the Gazebo
Friday, Dec. 1, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Lady Moody Square, Van Sicklen Street and Avenue U
Thursday, Dec. 7, starting at 6:30 p.m. at McKinley Park, Bay Ridge Parkway and Fort Hamilton Parkway
Friday, Dec. 8, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Hendrick I. Lott House, 1940 East 36th St, between Fillmore Avenue and Avenue S

At all the ceremonies Golden and his staff will be collecting donations for Toys for Tots.

“It has become a great tradition here in our community to join together to celebrate the holidays, and give thanks for all the good in our lives,” Golden said.

“I encourage neighbors, families and friends, to take part in this year’s Christmas tree lightings and help us usher in this most magical time of the year. No matter what you like best — hot chocolate, candy canes or singing Christmas Carols — a great time awaits you.”