Dear John 


Please note! We are in the formal “communications blackout” period, less than 90 days from the November general election. To comply with election law, we are restricted with what we can discuss in mass communications until Election Day. We will continue to keep our community updated but bear with us as we pare down and change content to comply with election law. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.


8th Ave Paving

We’ve heard from many constituents over the past week concerned about the paving on 8th Avenue. We know the dust kicked up from this work is a health hazard, and have been in touch with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expedite this work. We asked DOT to sweep this road last week, and while they did, we can clearly see more work is needed. We will be working to resolve this situation as soon as possible. Concerned residents can contact DOT at 646-892-1350.


Office Intro - Take 4


Alex Liao - Legislative & Budget Director

Hi everyone! I’m Alex Liao, Council Member Hanif’s Legislative & Budget Director. So far this term, I’ve led the passage of seven bills, including Local Law 85 of 2023, which established a citywide residential composting program, and Local Laws 75 and 76 of 2022, which strengthened the City’s abortion protections following the overturn of Roe v. Wade. As a Filipino and Taiwanese New Yorker, I am proud to spearhead the Council Member’s work as Chair of the Committee on Immigration, which has focused heavily on supporting our City’s newest arrivals. I live in Gowanus and feel privileged to serve my neighborhood through the office. On the weekends, you can find me digging through the crates at one of District 39’s record stores or running through Prospect Park!

A man in a blazer posing for a picture

Alex looking spiffy!


Nora Bricker - Chief of Staff

Hello! I’m Nora Brickner, Council Member Hanif’s Chief of Staff. Chief of Staff can mean many different things, but in our office, it means that I run the Council Member’s office. This includes managing our incredible team, leading the vision and strategy of the Council Member’s and district’s priorities, and advising the Council Member on issues that come across her desk. I also serve as our office’s point person for the Progressive Caucus, which Council Member Hanif Co-Chairs and holds the reproductive justice portfolio for the office. I’m a proud District 39 resident living in Park Slope, and on the weekends, you can find me walking my dog around the neighborhood or hanging out in Prospect Park.


A woman posing for a picture in a blazer

Our Chief of Staff looking spiffy!


Community Bulletin

  • Our office is excited to release the online ideas map for Participatory Budgeting Cycle 13! Ideas collection lasts until 11/9, and we are looking for community members to share their ideas with us about how to make our neighborhoods stronger! Previously funded projects that community members submitted include the Repair Café at Big Reuse, PS 124’s Family Resource Center, and a restoration of the Bandshell Lawn. Submit your idea online today!

    • Also, be sure to submit your nomination for our Civic Assembly! The Civic Assembly is a group of community members who will come together to deliberate on which Participatory Budgeting project ideas will be developed for the ballot. Essentially, they will act as a jury to review all the submitted project ideas and help develop a list of community priorities. Nominate friends, family, and peers from your community that you think could help us develop our list of community priorities from the ideas submitted through Participatory Budgeting.  

  • There are several upcoming in-person and virtual workshops related to reimagining the BQE North and South Corridors. Check out the schedule to see which one is close to you!  

  • The Clean Up Kensington Coalition has upcoming events to help make our Keinsgton community even more beautiful! Check out their event list to help our neighbors keep our blocks clean.

  • The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is planning for the development of affordable housing with community amenities at 153 Nevins Street and 108-114 Third Avenue in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. Community input is central to the affordable housing development process. Fill out the project questionnaire by 10/31 to share how these developments could best serve the needs of the community.

  • On 11/1, there is an upcoming Community Meeting at Brooklyn Heights Montessori from 6-8 PM to talk about the redesign of Henry Park (aka Blue & Yellow Playground on the corner of Henry Street and Pacific Street). This meeting is being held to facilitate new ideas and afford the community an opportunity to provide input for the playground. While the actual construction won’t take place for at least three years, the meetings over the next few months will result in the final design. To RSVP, click here.

  • Join the Brooklyn Children’s Museum on 11/4 to celebrate Celebrate Día de los Muertos! Enjoy art-making, dance, music, and food, explore our artist marketplace, and visit a community ofrenda to add memories and stories of your loved ones. This year, Brooklyn-based artist Mincho Vega returns as BCM’s guest curator for a celebration of the traditions and histories of our ancestors from Latin America.

  • The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music is thrilled to report the opening of their new natural science-inspired maker space on 11/8. The space will host rotating programs for school groups and family visitors. Close observation – sorting, grouping, categorizing, matching, counting, and inquiring – will help visitors explore natural science collections and concepts.

  • Get $100 off your next DEP water bill by enrolling in Autopay today or before 11/15, 2023. Visit this webpage for more information.

  • We’re teaming up with Gowanus Canal Conservancy again for another tree care event on 11/18! Join our office and GCC staff to learn tips and tricks on how to keep our community street trees thriving. RSVP to secure your spot!

  • Let’s move! Are you 60 plus looking for fun ways to get moving. Check out the new dance classes at the Park Slope Center for Successful Aging offered by expert dancers from Mark Morris and Dances for Variable Populations. Calendar available at www.heightsandhills.org or call (718) 832-3726.


In Solidarity,

Shahana