Brooklyn Today: Williams arrested amid rent reg fight

June 5, 2019 Brooklyn Eagle

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THE LEDE: Good morning! Public Advocate Jumaane Williams was arrestedon Tuesday in the state capitol during a protest demanding the passage of a package of reforms to the state’s rent regulations before they expire June 15. These laws, he said, would shield tenants across the state from frivolous eviction. “When I was running for public advocate,” Williams said, “a lot of people asked if I would continue doing disobedience. And I said, ‘Certainly, if it makes sense.'”

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THE RUNDOWN

~ ALL EYES ON DUMBO’S HISTORIC STREETS AS REHAB BEGINS: The final phase of a $20 million street, water and sewer renovation plan has begun in DUMBO, causing concern over the neighborhood’s signature Belgian block streets.

~ BROOKLYN LAWMAKERS SEEK PACIFIC PARK AFFORDABLE HOUSING SCHEDULE: Three Brooklyn politicians wrote a forceful letter to state economic development chief Howard Zemsky, asking him to explain how the Pacific Park project, formerly called Atlantic Yards, will deliver the required 2,250 affordable units by the approaching deadline of May 2025.

~ JUMAANE WILLIAMS ARRESTED DURING RENT REGULATION DEMONSTRATION IN ALBANY: Williams was fighting for universal rent control, among other tenant protections, during a HousingJustice4All protest outside Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.

~ HATE CRIME PREVENTION OFFICE TO OPEN EARLY DUE TO SHARP UPTICK IN ANTI-SEMITIC INCIDENTS: New York City had the safest May “in modern history,” according to the mayor, but hate crimes throughout the city have increased dramatically, leading to the expedited arrival of a new hate crime prevention office — opening this summer, months ahead of schedule.

~ NEWTOWN CREEK NATURE WALK IS GETTING AN UPGRADE: A complete redesign of the Newtown Creek Nature Walk, now underway, will double the length of the waterfront promenade with a new bridge over Whale Creek (a tributary) and a sitting area designed by artist and environmental sculptor George Trakas.

~ WHITMANITES MAKE SURPRISE APPEARANCE AT HEARING TO CALL FOR LANDMARKING OF POET’S HOUSE: “One very obvious site of importance to the history of the LGBT community is missing from the list today,” Walt Whitman Initiative board member Brad Vogel said in his testimony at the hearing. “What about Walt?” he asked.

~ VASSAR STUDENTS CALL FOR REMOVAL OF CENTRAL PARK FIVE PROSECUTOR FROM COLLEGE BOARD: Mari Robles, a rising junior, created a petition Sunday to remove Linda Fairstein from the board after seeing director Ava DuVernay’s new show “When They See Us.” Robles said her time at Vassar had taught her to speak up when she saw injustice.

MORE BROOKLYN NEWS

~ Councilmember Carlos Menchaca had a side gig last year working as a model. (New York Post)

~ A Greenpoint developer offers to help fix the flooded ferry stop dilemma. (Greenpointers)

~ Educated Little Monsters, a Bushwick nonprofit creating opportunities for kids of color, has found a permanent home. (Bushwick Daily)

STAFF PICKS

~ READ: “The undercover fascist: A young Englishman got mixed up in a white-supremacist movement. Then he learned of a plot to kill a politician.” (The New Yorker)

~ EAT: Buck a shuck: Here are the 20 best dollar oyster deals in the city, including six in Brooklyn. (Eater)

~ LAUGH: Here’s a look inside the thoughts of President Trump and Queen Elizabeth during their meeting this week. (The Week)

~ DRINK: Want to learn about natural wine? These four DIY publications made by natural wine fanatics have you covered. (NYT)

WHAT’S HAPPENING

6:30PM — Covering El Chapo at Brooklyn Historical Society. Details.

7:00PM – 10:00PM — Person Place Thing Series: 500 Women Scientists at KGB. Details.

7:00PM – 10:00PM — Concerts in the Catacombs at Green-Wood Cemetery. Details.

THE WRAP

⌛ ON THIS DAY
In 1893, the Eagle reported, “New Bedford, Mass. — The long anticipated Borden murder trial has begun. At an early hour this morning, every available shady spot on County street near the courthouse was pre-empted, and patiently the sitters and standers waited until the bell on the courthouse was tolled, signifying the opening of court.”

IMPRINT
American actresses Julia Roberts and Patricia Arquette grace the latest cover of Variety.

ROYAL WATCH
“For Trump, London visit is a (royal) family affair” (NYT)

SPORTS
D’Angelo Russell wants the Nets to sign some big names this off-season. (International Business Times)

BIRTHDAYS

Happy birthday to Chad Allen, Margaret Drabble, Ken Follett, Kathleen Kennedy, Brian McKnight, Bill Moyers, Suze Orman, Rick Riordan Jr., Troye Sivan and Mark Wahlberg!

Brooklyn Today’s editor is Scott Enman. Contact him at scott@brooklyneagle.com.