Dear  John,

Last weekend, Miriam, a beloved Israeli restaurant in Park Slope, was vandalized in an act of hate. Defacing a business simply because it is Israeli-owned is both antisemitic and wrong.

My office is in contact with Miriam’s owner, Rafi, the 78th Precinct, and the Fifth Avenue BID (Business Improvement District) as this case is investigated. I’m encouraged that the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Unit is on the case, and I remain hopeful that the perpetrators will be swiftly identified and held accountable. This incident is part of a disturbing rise in antisemitic vandalism both in our district and across the city. If you witness or are a victim of hateful vandalism, my office stands ready to provide resources and work with the relevant city agencies for swift removal.

In brighter news, Winter Restaurant Week is underway! This twice-yearly event offers special discounted pre-fixe menus at some of New York City’s best restaurants through February 9th. Check out participating restaurants in District 39 and consider supporting a local small business this winter.  

Small businesses are the heart of our community, contributing to our local economy, creating jobs, and fostering connections. Unfortunately, skyrocketing energy costs and rising rents are making it harder for many to stay afloat. To support them, my office continues to partner with the Fifth Avenue BID to understand and address these challenges. Last November, I joined a listening tour with local business owners to discuss concerns like break-ins, trash management, and low foot traffic. My office is working closely with the 78th Precinct and the Sanitation Department to address these issues with the urgency they deserve.

Caption: Council Member Shahana and Hannah, Organizing and Budget Director at their listening tour with with local business owners and Joanna Tallantire, Executive Director of the Fifth Avenue BID (above).

It was also an honor to celebrate the contributions and life of Ray Gish, a cherished community member and business owner of The Commissioner, who passed away on October 31st. Ray is deeply missed, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to honor his memory with our community.

Caption: Council Member Shahana and family members of Ray Gish accepting a post-humous citation in honor of his enduring contributions to Brooklyn and the 39th District (above).  

At City Hall, I’ve been working on critical legislation to support our small businesses. I’m proud to have introduced Intro 1076, a bill that would require a study on disparities in NYC government contracts for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). If disparities are found, this bill would add Middle Eastern and North African (MENA)-owned businesses as a separate eligible category. Last year, the City awarded over $6 billion to M/WBE firms. However, businesses owned by MENA communities have not been eligible for these opportunities, as they are classified as “White” under U.S. Census standards. If passed, this bill could create new opportunities by recognizing MENA-owned businesses as a distinct category within the City’s M/WBE program.

I’m also proud to co-sponsor Intro 1082, which, if passed, would require a study of the fees and costs associated with starting and running a small business, along with recommendations for reducing or offsetting them. Additionally, I’ve sponsored and voted for laws to reduce commercial vacancies, reduce unnecessary and costly fines, and improve services for the 48% of our City’s small businesses that are immigrant-owned. My commitment remains strong in ensuring our City and my office provide the support and resources that small businesses need to thrive.

Thank you for your continued support of our local businesses!

Constituent Services Corner

A woman-owned affordable housing development company reached out to our office after applying for M/WBE status over a year ago and receiving no updates from NYC Small Business Services (SBS). We escalated the issue, worked with SBS to get a response, and arranged a meeting to address the outstanding issues with her application.

Community Bulletin

• Share your experiences navigating our city’s childcare systems with me and New Yorkers United for Childcare on Saturday, 2/8, at 10:30 AM at JJ Byrne Playground. Learn more about the Universal 2-Care campaign and how you can get involved.

• Join NYC Votes and Civics For All for an interactive Voter Registration Training on 2/4, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch. Learn how to spread the word about voting and plan voter engagement events for Annual Civics Week (3/10 - 3/14).

• Federal immigration raids are on the rise in NYC, and it’s essential to know your rights to protect our communities from unjust detention. Join us for a workshop in partnership with the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) on Thursday, 2/6, at 7 PM to learn about local resources. Register at tinyurl.com/knowyourimmigrationrights.

• Join us at Light the Way BK, a community town hall, on Sunday, 2/9, at 12 PM at MS 51. We’ll hear from experts on reproductive health, education, and immigration in light of the new federal administration, and explore concrete ways to organize, build power, and create lasting, collective in our communities. Space is limited, so please register here to RSVP.

• My office is collaborating with the Nonprofit Help Desk and Council Members Rita Joseph and Farah Louis to host a Discretionary Funding 101 Workshop on Tuesday, 2/11, at 6 PM. Register here to attend.

• Help shape the future of the Gowanus neighborhood! The application to join the Gowanus Oversight Task Force is open through Friday, 2/28. Task Force members will engage with city agencies, participate in public meetings, and ensure the implementation of the 56 Points of Agreement, which were established as part of the Gowanus Neighborhood Rezoning.
  

In Solidarity,

Council Member Shahana