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Dear John,
Happy New Year! On Wednesday, January 7, the New York City Council held our Charter Meeting, during which Council Member Julie Menin was elected as Speaker of the Council. With a new Council Speaker and a new Mayor, we are officially underway in a new Council term. I find it particularly meaningful that our first Jewish Council Speaker and first Muslim Mayor will begin their tenures side by side.
It is a privilege to continue serving you, and I am excited to begin introducing and re-introducing legislation in the weeks ahead. Our first Council Stated meeting will take place on Thursday, January 15. Stay tuned!
Our last newsletter highlighted 39 big wins in 2025 across the 39th District. We also shared a video recap of these accomplishments—watch it on Instagram or on Facebook.
This newsletter is an important tool for constituents to stay connected and informed. We use it to share important community engagement opportunities and local updates, including Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) meetings, Community Board land use information, ways to get involved in Participatory Budgeting, grant opportunities, leaf bag distributions and other giveaways, e-waste collection events, and updates from City Hall.
Please share this newsletter with your District 39 friends, family, and neighbors, and encourage them to subscribe. And if you don’t already, follow us on social media—we’re on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Bluesky. Social media allows us to share updates more frequently, making it a great way to stay informed about the issues affecting our district and citywide organizing.
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| | Standing Against ICE Violence
On Wednesday in Minneapolis, Renée Nicole Good, a poet, mother of three, and beloved community member, was shot by an ICE agent. Her death has sparked widespread sorrow and national attention, underscoring that this is not the first time ICE has killed someone—32 people died in ICE custody last year.
This killing and the “self-defense” spin we’ve seen from Trump and his allies is part of the escalation and militarization that ICE brings into our communities, amplified by their fascist propaganda machine. Everyone who cares about free speech and the right to protest—fundamental pillars of our democracy—is rightly terrified.
On Wednesday, I joined an emergency rally at Foley Square with the New York Immigration Coalition, fellow elected colleagues, faith leaders, and concerned New Yorkers. Together we stood in solidarity with Minneapolis and reaffirmed to immigrant New Yorkers that they belong in our city and that we will continue to stand with them in the face of fear and violence.
In District 39 and across New York City, we are committed to combating ICE with every tool available. In the new session, I will continue to be laser-focused on advancing legislation that protects our sanctuary city laws. We are also continuing to bring resources to support neighbors and neighborhood groups organizing in solidarity with immigrant communities.
Last year, we organized Know Your Rights trainings, informational townhalls, and small business canvassing to ensure business owners and workers understood their rights in the event of an ICE encounter. We also host ongoing immigration legal services at our office in Bangla and in Spanish. We are expanding these efforts to keep our neighbors safe. Let’s extend extra kindness and care to one another, and remember that we keep us safe.
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| | Investing in Environmental Education
This week, President Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a deeply troubling step backward for international climate action. As a Council Member, I remain committed to environmental leadership, including strong investments in environmental education. I want to share two highlights from work our office has supported in District 39 schools.
One example is the NYC H2O, an organization educating New Yorkers about the city's water ecology. With funding from our office, NYC H2O brought 346 students from 17 District 39 classes on hands-on Water Ecology Field Trips and reached 23 additional students through a virtual lesson.
At PS 118 in Park Slope, a partnership with the Gowanus Canal Conservancy is giving students hands-on, place-based science education rooted in their own community. Thanks to a grant from our office, students are growing plants in a hydroponics lab, learning how green infrastructure helps manage flooding and pollution, and seeing how environmental stewardship can directly support their neighbors through community fridges. Read more here. |
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| | Local Land Use Updates and Community Meetings
I am excited to announce that the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Development Corporation (BMTDC) has been formally established and will oversee the BMT project through the environmental review process. The appointed Board includes a strong group of elected officials and community members.
I especially want to celebrate and congratulate James DeFilippis, Professor at the Rutgers University Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and Board Member of the Columbia Street Waterfront Association, on his appointment to the BMT Development Corporation! His leadership is essential to ensuring our community’s voices are heard and meaningfully reflected in decision-making.
Separately, the Atlantic Yards Public Workshop #3 will be held virtually on Thursday, January 22 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Register here. |
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| There is also still time to complete the Empire State Development’s survey about the future of Atlantic Yards. Fill out the survey here. |
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| | Constituent Corner
New Litter Baskets Installed
The Department of Sanitation has installed 19 new litter baskets across District 39! They are located at: |
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| Court Street Court St & Kane St Court St & Warren St
4th Avenue
5th Avenue |
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| 6th Avenue
7th Avenue 7th Ave & 8th St 7th Ave & 10th St 7th Ave & 11th St (3 bins) 7th Ave & 12th St (2 bins) 7th Ave & 13th St (2 bins)
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| If your neighborhood needs a litter basket, you can submit a request through the NYC 311 portal. Note that garbage bins are placed at street corners along standard collection routes and are limited to commercial or mixed-used areas––not residential blocks. Requests should clearly explain why a new or replacement basket is needed at the proposed location.
Cleaner McDonald Avenue
This week, ACE, an organization our office funds, removed additional trash along McDonald Avenue! |
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| | New Free Package Locker Installed
A new, free, shared-use package locker has been installed in our district through LockerNYC at 563 Coney Island Avenue, outside Corner Town Deli. The locker is available 24/7 at no cost to the public. GoLocker will operate and maintain the locker during the pilot, and the program is compatible with multiple delivery carriers.
Unlicensed Cannabis Stores Shut Down
Last year, the NYC Sheriff’s Office shut down three illegal and unlicensed cannabis stores in District 39. These shops undermine New York State’s legal cannabis program, which ensures cannabis is regulated, locally grown, lawfully sold, and taxed. If you have concerns about unlicensed cannabis sales in the district, please contact our office. |
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| | Community Bulletin Applications for discretionary funding from the Council are now open to nonprofits. We are co-hosting an information session on Wednesday, January 14 from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, with other council members and the NonProfit Help Desk, to explain what NYC Council discretionary funding is and how to apply. More information and sign up here!
Caring for an aging parent, partner, or loved one can be isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join Heights and Hills’ free online caregiver workshop on Monday, January 12 from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. The workshop covers essential caregiving tips, self-care strategies, and common challenges and allows you to connect with other caregivers. Register here.
Martin Luther King Day is on Monday, January 19. We encourage you to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through acts of service, as well as reflect on how we can build the “Beloved Community” year-round.
In the spirit of community care, Dancewave will host its second annual Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, from 1 PM – 4 PM. Open to members of Dancewave's extended community, participants are invited to donate supplies and/or help assemble 150 bagged lunches to support CHiPS’ daily lunch service. Learn more and sign up here.
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| For MLK Day or anytime, the NYC Service Mayoral Office is a great place to look for opportunities to volunteer or donate, around NYC and in your neighborhood. Check out their resources here.
Have questions about Medicare? Heights and Hills is hosting an informational session on Thursday, January 29 at 6:30 PM reviewing how to enroll, coverage options, prescription drug plans, and cost-assistance programs. The presentation will be led by Dr. Gil Kunken of NYC Department for the Aging’s HIICAP program. Register here.
Are you a CUNY senior or recent graduate looking to jumpstart your career in public service? The Civil Service Pathways Fellowship, a two-year paid program, is now accepting applications for its next cohort. This program offers professional development, mentorship, and hands-on experience in shaping the future of our city. Applications are due Friday, February 13. Learn more and apply here.
Are you a freelancer? The Freelancer’s Union wants to know the needs of freelancers across the city and the impact of the recent ACA cuts. Please fill out this survey to help them continue to do work that serves you! The survey is here, and you can find out more about the Freelancer’s Union here.
Join SBIDC’s Plan for Growth: Finance Bootcamp—a two-week, high-impact program for Brooklyn makers, manufacturers, and creative entrepreneurs. Launching in March, the bootcamp includes four classes plus 1:1 coaching to help you understand your business model, boost profitability, and build a clear P&L in QuickBooks Online. Applications due February 6. Learn more and apply here.
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If you are interested in seasonal work as a lifeguard, the last qualifying exams for summer 2026 are this month! City lifeguards must be at least 16 years old by July 18 and earn $22/hour. Find out more about becoming a lifeguard here, and more information about the lifeguard qualifying test here.
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| In solidarity, Council Member Shahana |
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