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Dear John,

To those observing the Jewish mourning holiday of Tisha B’Av next week, we wish you a meaningful day of reflection and contemplation.

Brooklyn Marine Terminal Update

I’m grateful that the leadership of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Taskforce has unanimously decided to postpone the vote ([link removed]) on the Vision Plan originally scheduled for this past Thursday. Over the past week, I joined several of my colleagues in strongly urging this delay.

As I shared in our last newsletter ([link removed]) , had the vote proceeded, I would have voted no. This delay creates space for the Task Force to meaningfully engage with impacted communities and establish a clear set of bottom lines that must be met in order to build consensus.

This plan has the potential to reshape our future, if done right. My focus remains on elevating the voices of local residents and securing critical improvements to the plan. In particular, I’m pushing for:
* Robust transportation planning that expands public transit access for underserved communities and accounts for future population growth;
* Stronger climate resiliency infrastructure to address flooding risks and long-standing environmental burdens;
* A greater share of deeply affordable housing units, not just market-rate development;
* Real displacement protections for rent-regulated tenants and small businesses; and
* A firm commitment to preserving Brooklyn’s last large-scale industrial waterfront, including maritime and industrial job retention and growth.

If we get this right, we can deliver a “Harbor of the Future” that reflects community priorities, strengthens our economy, and makes our neighborhoods more affordable and resilient. I urge the Economic Development Corporation to take this feedback seriously and return with a revised proposal that Task Force members—and our communities—can support with confidence.

Kensington Business Walkthrough

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of joining Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga for a Business Education Day right here in Kensington. Together, we visited local shops, answered questions, and shared vital information to help small businesses understand and comply with the City’s business laws—ranging from workplace protections and consumer rights to licensing and financial counseling.

Brooklyn is at its best when our small businesses thrive. That means making sure business owners have the tools they need to support their workers, serve their customers, and stay in compliance. I was especially proud to help spread the word about the Worker Bill of Rights ([link removed]) , which was created through my legislation,Local Law 161 ([link removed]) . Every worker deserves to know their rights—and every employer should have the resources to uphold them.

Council Member Shahana with DCWP Commissioner Mayuga

Constituent Services Corner

When a neighbor flagged a vacant lot on 1st Street that had become overrun with trash, our office stepped in. Constituent Liaison Jacqui Nieschmidt coordinated directly with the property owner, and thanks to her persistence, the site has now been cleaned up! Take a look at the difference—just goes to show what happens when neighbors speak up and we jump into action.

Photos of the 1st Street lot before and after being cleaned up.

Community Bulletin
* On Tuesday, July 29th at 7PM at the P.S. 372 Recreation Center (219 1st Street, Brooklyn, NY) the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is hosting a public input meeting concerning the brownfield cleanup site at 459 Smith Street. See more details here ([link removed]) .
* On Thursday, July 31st, please join the Gowanus Oversight Task Force ([link removed]) at P.S. 133 (610 Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY) for its ninth quarterly public update meeting and hear updates on progress on all 56 City Commitments ([link removed]) and priorities moving forward. There will be a meet and greet starting at 5 PM and the formal meeting will start at 6 PM.
* On Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday, August 3rd, Prospect Park Alliance is hosting free rink admission at the LeFrak Center for rollerskating, pickleball, yoga and more. See details here ([link removed]) .
* On Saturday, August 2nd from 1–5 PM, Prospect Park Alliance is partnering with Public Health Solutions and the NYC Department of Health to host a Community Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. RSVP here ([link removed]) . The event will include:
+ Free, on-site connection to vital social services for Medicaid members
+ Support with food, housing, and other resources for families
+ Free healthy snacks and refreshments and live music
* Beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New York State are now eligible to receive a complimentary Discoverer Membership ([link removed]) to the American Museum of Natural History.
* On Tuesday, August 5th at 12 PM, Heights and Hills is hosting an interactive online workshop designed to empower caregivers with the tools, insights, and support they need to navigate the complex behaviors often seen in Alzheimer’s. Register here ([link removed]) .
* BrooklynSpeaks has created a petition for members of the public to call on Governor Hochul to keep the State’s commitment on liquidated damages for missing Atlantic Yards’ affordable housing deadline, supporting the same call from local elected officials including myself. Sign on here ([link removed]) .

In Solidarity,

Council Member Shahana

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Our mailing address is:
New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif
197 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
USA
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