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What’s Inside:
Dear Neighbors & Friends, The state legislative session concluded for this year, and while we made significant progress in some areas, I believe we missed some good opportunities to help New Yorkers. This year’s state budget was 6 weeks late as the Governor negotiated several items. Not only does a 6-week-late budget produce frustration at the time, but it compresses the remaining days of the legislative session leaving much less time to pass all the other bills New Yorkers want and need. First, the good news! I am delighted that we once again passed my Local Input in Community Healthcare (LICH) Act in both houses. This significant piece of legislation requires public notice and public engagement when a hospital or vital unit seeks to close and would strengthen the state's review of proposed closings. Governor Hochul vetoed the bill last year, and I’m hopeful she will sign it this year given the major federal cuts to health care and the continuing increase in closures. According to the Community Service Society of NY, from 1997 to 2024, 53 short-term acute care hospitals out of over 200 in New York State closed, including 20 in New York City alone, costing the state approximately 8,000 hospital beds or 16% of all hospital beds. When accounting for the downsizing and closures of specialized hospitals, the number of beds lost between 2000 and 2020 rises to 20,000. Several psychiatric beds that were closed early in the Covid-19 pandemic have not been restored. We need this bill now more than ever. I also passed a bill to ensure that the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation preserves the habitats of monarch butterflies, whose population has sharply declined. They are essential pollinators and help ecosystems thrive. In addition, I passed a bill - already signed by the Governor and enacted into law - that makes it legal to accept water and snacks while waiting in line at poll sites. I am also thrilled to announce the passage of my bill legislation that repeals the expensive, outdated 100-foot rule subsidy, which requires utility companies to raise New Yorkers’ energy bills to pay for the expansion of fracked gas infrastructure. Repealing the 100-foot rule subsidy removes the mandate that utility customers pay for the cost of new hookups to the gas system. The bill is the most significant legislation passed this year to address New York’s energy affordability crisis and will save New Yorkers nearly $200 million every year. Thankfully, the Senate and Assembly delivered on it and now, the Governor can finish the job by signing the bill into law. However, there were several missed opportunities. I had strongly advocated for a package of immigration bills that I co-sponsor to protect New Yorkers. I had also been pushing for other bills including my EmPIRE Worker Protection Act to prevent wage theft, and a bill to establish a wholesale drug importation program so New Yorkers can access lower cost drugs such as insulin. As you may be aware, one of my major bills this year was a bill to reduce your utility bills, the NY HEAT Act (NY Home Energy Assistance Transition Act). Even after making several compromises and drafting a new bill based on feedback and discussions within the Assembly Democratic Conference, the bill did not make it to the Assembly floor for a vote. The fracking industry was relentless in their opposition and spent large sums of money to spread misinformation about both the NY HEAT Act and the new bill. As I write this newsletter, Congress just passed a massive budget bill, pushed by the President and the Congressional majority, which will have devastating impacts on New York. This includes devastatingly cruel and massive cuts in education and benefit programs, such as SNAP and Medicaid. The cuts are being made in order to maintain tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. An estimated 1.5 million New Yorkers will lose their health insurance and up to 1 million New Yorkers will lose SNAP, which helps low-income people buy food. These programs are in place to help our most vulnerable New Yorkers - children and parents, seniors, people who are in between jobs, and people with limited incomes. The NY Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that the bill will cost New York State over $15 billion per year, cause the loss of over 200,000 jobs, and threaten nearly half of all hospitals throughout the state with financial collapse – all while increasing the federal deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next ten years. I would not be surprised if we went back to a special session in Albany to try to mitigate some of the worst damage and harms to New Yorkers. Sincerely,
Jo Anne Simon P.S. If you would like to receive more regular, bi-weekly email alerts on community events and policy updates, please respond to this email or fill out this brief form. Java with Jo Anne, Monday 7/7 in Cobble Hill. Is there a community issue or current event you’re passionate about? Come and talk with me about it! Join me and your neighbors for a cup of coffee at my next "Java with Jo Anne.” We will gather in the backyard space of Saturn Road, 276 Court Street in Cobble Hill, on July 7th from 9:30-11:00AM. Please RSVP here. RSVPs aren’t necessary, but we request them in the event there is rain and we need to re-schedule; we will also post such a notice here on Facebook.
District Office Under Construction. As some of you may be aware, my office in Carroll Gardens is currently closed due to construction in the building. Staff are temporarily working in the district at a local site and we are still able to assist you by phone or by email, or in person by appointment. You can continue to reach us at 718-246-4889 and [email protected]. We hope to be back in the office soon and will keep you posted. Older Adult Resources: I recently hosted my Older Adult Resource Fair, which drew over 250 community members who were able to connect with our amazing vendors. If you missed the fair or would like to learn more about the organizations in attendance, please view this document, which lists the organizations, along with a brief description of their services and contact information. Contact us if you would like us to mail you a print-out of the resource document. If you are an older adult, a caretaker, or a neighbor in need of connections to any resources, please reach out to my office and we will assist you.
Temporary Library Services Back in Carroll Gardens. Library services are returning to Carroll Gardens this summer! I'm proud to partner with the Brooklyn Public Library, Community Board 6, Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Council Member Shahana Hanif to bring a pop-up library to 250 Baltic Street while the Carroll Gardens Library undergoes needed renovations. I was able to secure $10,000 in state funds for the temporary library, along with financial support from my colleagues. The pop-up library will open on Tuesday, July 8th and you can visit on Monday and Tuesday from 1 to 5pm, on Thursday from 3 to 7pm and Friday from 10am to 2pm. You will be able to sign up for a library card, browse and checkout books, place holds, and return materials. Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT). The vote on the proposed changes to the Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) has been postponed, for the third time, until July 17th. When the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) took control of the BMT from the Port Authority of NY/NJ they claimed that they would be turning the BMT into ‘a harbor of the future’ with manufacturing jobs and maritime opportunities. I feel that this focus has been scattered in the visioning process, as the EDC too quickly relied on proposed housing to pay for the port. We never really considered what a “harbor of the future” would look like. The EDC formed a BMT Task Force of 25 voting members (myself included) leaving off a representative from the Columbia Waterfront District, the area mostly directly impacted by both the port reconstruction and the proposed volume of housing. I requested - and have continued to request - that a representative from that neighborhood be given a seat at the table. However, EDC declined to do so. I attempted to bring that neighborhood into the process by hosting a community forum with EDC and the Columbia Waterfront district. However, that was months ago and the distrust between the community and EDC has only grown. Assuming a yes vote, the Task Force would give way to another interim entity that would serve until the State General Project Plan (GPP) is created. A GPP has significantly less opportunity for public engagement than a City ULURP (though that has its own misgivings). I believe a GPP was preferred by EDC as it brings together the port, maritime and other uses, including housing, under one roof. I am a strong proponent of a working waterfront and dedicated to increasing climate-sensitive and environmentally-just maritime uses at one of the last remaining ports in the City. I have also played a constructive role in an engagement process to achieve those ends. The proposal as it stands would shrink the container port from 122 acres to 60 acres, with some additional space for blue highway uses. We need to better capture maritime uses at this location. The proposal would bring 6,000 new units of housing - and roughly 18,000 more people - to a highly congested transportation-starved area of Brooklyn which is seriously lacking in sufficient water and sewer infrastructure. I have continuously asked for transportation and sewer studies and data which would support the BMT plan and I am told that will be figured out during the Environmental Review process - which would not begin until after a yes vote is achieved. Please see also Borough President Antonio Reynoso’s recent op-ed on the importance of not losing this manufacturing and maritime opportunity. The BMT sits in between Red Hook and the Columbia Waterfront District - it’s a tough parcel to develop; both of these areas experience tremendous truck and vehicular traffic and congestion due to their proximity to the BQE, cruise ships, and the last mile delivery warehouses. There is no reliable public transportation near the area. Your only bet is the B61 bus, which is often delayed or slow. (For years, I have advocated for the return of the B71, and for a bus connection between Red Hook and lower Manhattan.) I don’t see how we can justify a task force vote without information and planning on how traffic issues will be resolved. Please review this Eagle article which covers the traffic and mobility concerns in more detail. This process has been rushed and pressured from the start, fraught with an artificial timeline for a vote, which soon made way for dueling task force member op-eds, side deals, and threats of concrete recycling facilities to obtain the necessary votes. In addition, we have just learned that the state is willing to increase its contribution to the construction of the port, although it is as yet unclear how much funding would be provided or for what or when. I look forward to learning more about the state’s plans. We need a comprehensive plan for the BMT that is feasible and just and I am hopeful that with more time, the essential studies can be shared so that proper assessment of the proposed plan can take place to ensure that we protect our working waterfront and truly make it “a harbor of the future.” The final BMT Vision Plan proposal is now available online here. Happy Pride! It's more important than ever to support the LGBTQ+ community that has given so much to our City and our nation. I'll keep fighting the federal administration's efforts to roll back hard-won civil rights and to undermine the dignity of LGBTQ+ people. I was glad to join the best Pride celebration right here in Brooklyn at the Twilight Parade! And, I was excited to join the New York City parade, as well. Love is love!
Atlantic Yards Fails to Deliver Affordable Housing. I am deeply dismayed that Empire State Development, which oversees the Atlantic Yards project, is allowing the Atlantic Yards developer to escape accountability for failing to deliver affordable housing by the May 2025 deadline. Affordable housing is particularly important in central Brooklyn, an area that has seen rapid gentrification over the past few decades and resulted in the erosion of long-time Black neighborhoods. It’s been 22 years and we are still waiting for nearly 900 units of affordable housing to be built at Atlantic Yards. Over a decade ago, after years of advocacy over violations of federal and state fair housing laws, the State agreed to require Greenland USA to pay a fine of $2,000 per month per unit that was unfinished by the deadline. That equates to $1.7 million per month in penalties that are not being collected and not added to the city's coffers to preserve affordable housing. Our communities deserve accountability and housing, not broken promises. The state can’t waive the penalties without consent from the community groups involved in the process for the past 11 years - we have a signed settlement agreement. ESD's refusal to enforce its own 2014 agreement undermines public trust and delays desperately needed affordable housing. Read more about Atlantic Yards' broken promises. You can stay up to date on this project through the watchdog blog by local journalist Norman Oder, linked here.
July 4th Fireworks - Closures & Viewing Areas. Like many of you, we were so excited to learn that the annual July 4th fireworks display was coming back to the East River, with better viewing opportunities for people in Brooklyn. However, I do wish there had been more communication from the Mayor's office and City agencies about the logistics, publicly available tickets, street closures and other closures surrounding the event that impact local residents and businesses. Please see below all the pertinent information that we have gleaned thus far. And, have a very Happy 4th of July! The annual July 4th Fireworks Display is returning to the East River this year, but free tickets are required to view the display from Brooklyn Bridge Park and surrounding areas. The City created a lottery system, but the tickets were claimed quickly and the lottery is already closed. Residents of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights should expect significant disruptions, including major street closures starting at 2pm for safety and security reasons. If you live or work in this area, you will be required to show proof of your address to get to your block and you will need to meet guests at designated NYPD checkpoints. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade will be closed for viewing (this Eagle article reports that the Promenade will be restricted to city employees). Street & Other Closures on July 4th:
Residents & their guests, hotel guests, or those who work in the area may enter via the following intersections:
Please check for updates before you go:
No Trash, Curbside Compost, or Recycling Collection on July 4th: Residents who typically have trash or curbside compost collection on Fridays should place their items at the curb by Friday evening for collection starting Saturday, July 5. Residents who usually receive Friday recycling collection should hold on to their paper, metal, glass, plastic, and carton recyclables for one week. They should place their recycling at the curb on Thursday, July 10, for collection on Friday, July 11. Transit Updates: G train & Bus Lanes Cameras. G Train Summer Work. The MTA is continuing their sigal modernization on the G Line. This will require some weekday overnight and weekend outages. Free shuttle buses will run during these outages. There will be no G service between Court Sq and Bedford-Nostrand Avs. A fare free shuttle bus service will operate between Court Sq and Bedford-Nostrand Avs making all local stops, running every 3-4 minutes. G service will continue to operate between Church Ave and Bedford-Nostrand Avs. Please see dates here. Bus Lane Automated Camera Enforcement is now in effect. This is a bus-mounted camera system that issues violations to vehicles occupying bus lanes, to vehicles parked illegally along bus routes, and to vehicles blocking bus stops. The program is administered in partnership between the MTA, the NYC Department of Finance, and the NYC Department of Transportation. Learn more here. Composting Fines Paused for Certain Buildings. The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has temporarily paused composting fines for buildings with fewer than 30 units and extended the outreach and education period for these buildings to prepare. Buildings with 30+ units are subject to fines after several warnings. Learn more here. Summonses that were already issued are still valid. However, you can choose to fight the summons at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) by following the directions on the summons. I still strongly encourage you to compost - it’s a great way for us to help protect our environment and composting is still mandatory in New York City. Contact my office if you would like a free small, 1-gallon compost bin. Beat the Heat: NYC Cooling Centers. New York City opens cooling centers when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory with a forecasted heat index of 95 degrees or higher for two or more days, or 100 degrees for any period of time. You should use a cooling center during a heat wave if you have no access to a cool environment, especially if you are at risk for heat-related illness. You can locate a nearby cooling center by calling 311 or by looking through NYC’s Cool Options Map. New Free Package Lockers. LockerNYC has installed two new package lockers located at 632 Vanderbilt Avenue. LockerNYC is a free pilot program that aims to cut down on package thefts and reduce delivery truck trips. Summer Reading Challenge for Students. I’m sponsoring a summer reading challenge to encourage kids to read regularly during the summer break. Those who fulfill a pledge to read for at least 15 minutes a day for 40 days earn a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading certificate. A great place to start your summer challenge is the public library! Download the printable summer reading challenge here or let me know if you would like to receive one in the mail (email [email protected]). My New Deed Theft Bill to Protect New Yorkers: Deed theft is a cruel and calculated crime robbing New Yorkers, especially communities of color, of their homes. It can take a variety of forms, including the scammer befriending the owner of a home to gain their trust and access their records. Too many New Yorkers have lost their homes to deed theft and didn’t realize it until it was too late. I’ve partnered with Senator Jabari Brisport to introduce a bill A8222, that would provide a 1-year lookback window so victims can seek justice and have a chance to fight back and reclaim what’s rightfully theirs. It’s time to hold bad actors accountable. Having lived in his Brooklyn home for 56 years, 90-year-old Ray Cortez faced eviction after being the victim of deed theft by a con man. This scheme was so convoluted that the original action is beyond the statute of limitations, and hence his case is the inspiration for this bill. We have held rallies with Ray, his family, and neighbors to raise awareness about deed theft, as no one should lose their home to fraud and greed. Student Loan Borrowers: Protect Your Credit & Avoid Collections! The Community Service Society of NY’s EdCap program can help you understand how delinquency and default impact your credit and income, and what steps you can take now to stay on track.
Stop Workplace Harassment Retaliation. As an employment lawyer, I know that people who report harassment are often punished for speaking out. That’s why I introduced legislation, A1310, to protect survivors from intimidation and retaliation. This legislation ensures that those accused of harassment cannot weaponize the legal system by suing victims before their claims are fully resolved. It’s a critical step towards justice, accountability, and a safer workplace for all. Take the New Yorkers United for Childcare Survey: They aim to hold Mayor Adams accountable for his promise that every child wanting a 3-K seat will get one. If you're a parent or guardian with a child headed to 3-K, share your experience. Did you get a seat far from home, get waitlisted, or receive an offer at an unexpected location? Please provide your feedback. NYC Department of Small Business Services Small Business Webinar: On Tuesday, July 8, from 11 am to 1 pm, learn about essential entrepreneurial competencies, assess yourself, and create a self-improvement plan. Discover motivations and resources for launching a successful business, and outline your expectations and action plan. Additional webinars will also be available to support your business and career. Community Events & News:
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