Arts for a Stronger Democracy!

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Hi Friend,
* Our office is co-hosting a Sustainability and Resiliency Resource Fair with the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ). Join us on May 22, 2024 from 6-8 PM at PS 372 The Children's School. More details below!

* Saturday volunteers needed: help distribute free produce, including fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables to public housing residents at Gowanus Houses, Wyckoff Gardens, and Warren Street Houses. We need volunteers to unload, bag, and distribute produce every other Saturday morning starting May 4th.
* Sign up here ([link removed]) for a shift. More questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

* We’ve signed a lease for our new office and will be available for visits soon! In the meantime, we are unable to offer in-person appointments with extremely limited exceptions. If you need help, call us at (718) 499-1090 or send us an email at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Executive Budget Hearings Have Begun!

As promised, I wanted to be transparent and informative during the Executive Budget hearing process as we gear up to the budget vote at the end of June. Last week I attended the Executive Budget hearing for public housing and raised questions around the allocation of funds for New York City Housing Authority's Comprehensive Modernization programs, which will bring overdue capital repairs to Wyckoff Gardens and the Gowanus Houses in our district. Ensuring full funding reaches these campuses and robust resident engagement will be key, and I will continue to engage with NYCHA (this is the agency that manages NYC public housing) to ensure our public housing residents get the investments they deserve. Safety remains a top priority, especially in light of the recent fire at Gowanus Houses, and during the hearing, I highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures and training.

Additionally, as a proponent of the Vacant Unit Readiness Program, I stressed the importance of quickly making the nearly 5000 vacant units available for New Yorkers on the NYCHA waiting list. I also expressed my disappointment about the cuts to unarmed security guards at 55 buildings for seniors. My colleagues and I will continue to push for restoration and advocate for our public housing residents.

Come Testify at City Hall!

There will be opportunities for the public to join us at City Hall to ask questions and provide testimony on the budget during these hearings. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

Funding the Arts and Parks

I attended Molière in the Park’s performance of The Miser and was reminded again of the magic and importance of the arts. These events highlight the importance of the restoration of $22 million in cuts ([link removed]) for our cultural organizations. During budget hearings over the next weeks, I will continue to hold the Administration to account for the preservation and full funding of our parks, ensuring that free-to-attend programs like those hosted by Molière in the Park continue to enrich our lives.

On the topic of Prospect Park, NYC parks face dire consequences from proposed budget cuts ([link removed]) , which could lead to overflowing trash, neglected landscapes, and diminished safety in our cherished outdoor spaces. Mayor Eric Adams' plan to slash nearly $55 million from the parks department threatens the integrity of our park system and contradicts his campaign pledge to allocate 1% of the city's budget to parks and playgrounds. These cuts may result in the loss of up to 700 jobs dedicated to maintaining our parks, posing a significant setback to our community and city as a whole. I stand firm in my advocacy for the preservation and full funding of our parks, which are essential assets to the health, well-being, and vibrancy of our neighborhoods.

Council Member Hanif with the Staff of Molière in the Park

Sustainability and Resiliency Resource Fair with MOCEJ

I hope you join us ([link removed]) at the Sustainability and Resiliency Resource Fair on May 22, 2024 from 6-8 PM at PS 372 The Children's School. In coordination with our office, this event is hosted by the Mayor’s Office for Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) and will offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with agency representatives to understand green building infrastructure options, as well as sustainability and resiliency incentives and programs for your business or property. Don't miss out on this chance to learn and connect with experts from NYC Accelerator, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), NYC Department of Small Business Services, Con Edison, and FloodHelp. You can RSVP here! ([link removed])

Congratulations to Our Community Board Appointees!

I wanted to take a moment to congratulate my recent appointments and reappointments of Community Board Members for Community Boards 2, 6, 7, and 12! Selected from a dynamic and diverse pool of candidates, their dedication to serving Brooklyn to address housing development, safety, transparency in governance, and quality of life matters exemplifies what it means to build a stronger community. Details to join an upcoming Community Board meeting can be found here ([link removed]) .

Community Bulletin
* Get your vote in for “The People’s Money!” Now through June 12th, all New Yorkers over 11 have the opportunity to vote on a ballot for their home borough on how to spend over $3 Million! Vote online ([link removed]) or by paper ballots that will be available citywide at sites listed on Participate.nyc.gov ([link removed]) .
* Brooklyn Org is currently accepting applications to support nonprofits that are doing impactful work in Brooklyn – learn more and apply here. ([link removed])
* The Bandung 2024-2025 Residency is calling on AAPI artists, educators, and organizers to join them as they help uplift your work! Find out more and apply here ([link removed]) .
* The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is hosting a NYC Small Business Month Expo to provide a variety of free information, resources, and direct services – sign up here ([link removed]) .
* TrueCareNY ([link removed]) is hosting an open house for on-site enrollment in Home Care Services, Medicaid, Family Care Programs, SNAP and Fair Fares, NYC Housing Connect, and Switching HHA Providers on Thursday 5/16 from 11 AM - 4 PM at 125 Church Avenue.
* Sign up by 5/24 for the chance to be a part of White Bird Productions’ Summer “Creative Families Residency” – learn more and apply here ([link removed]) .

In Solidarity,

Shahana
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