Dear John
What started on Tuesday as vague rumors about a disruption on the subway quickly turned out to be one of the worst tragedies this City has faced in years. When it became clear what had happened, I made sure my colleague and friend, Council Member Avilés, was okay. She was my first and last call that day, and my team did everything we could to support them. My heart is still with her team and everyone in Sunset Park. Many people will hold deep trauma from these events and if we’re to move forward as a City, we must acknowledge it. If you can, there is a community fundraiser to support the survivors of Tuesday’s shooting. Any amount helps.
In addition to extending our hand to help, schools were at the top of my mind on Tuesday. The trains that morning were not just packed with people going to work but many students from our community heading to class. A number of schools were under lockdown or shelter-in-place orders for several hours, with limited information being shared with parents. My team and I contacted nearly every school in the district to understand what they were doing, where they needed help, and what information we could share with parents calling our office.
We can longer accept failed strategies for public safety. We all want a safe city, one where we can travel, see friends, and go to work without the fear of violence. But we must admit that the current strategies our City is employing simply aren’t working. We have never had more cops, more technology, and more funding for the NYPD, yet crime continues to rise. We already have surveillance technology in nearly every station and a record 3,500 cops patrolling the subways, yet they failed to prevent this tragedy or catch the person responsible.
It was every day New Yorkers, from transit workers to the people who rushed others off the trains, to our new hero Zack Tahhan who helped catch the gunman, who stood up and helped each other. Tuesday exemplified the abolitionist saying, “we keep us safe,” and we must remember this as the calls for more police intensify. Our City has difficult choices and conversations to have as we prepare to vote on a budget this summer. We can double down on failed policies or make the investment in housing, education, and healthcare that we know keeps us safe.
Gowanus Update
Since taking office, my team, alongside Council Member Lincoln Restler’s team, has been hard at work making sure the commitments made during the Gowanus Rezoning process are kept. We’re collaborating with Community Board 6 and community stakeholders to find a facilitator for the Gowanus Rezoning Oversight Task Force to help oversee the 56 Points of Agreement the City and community agreed to as part of the rezoning. With support from the facilitator, the Task Force hopes to foster productive and respectful engagement between City representatives, developers, and diverse stakeholders to elevate the voices of those most impacted by the rezoning. Our office, and everyone involved in the task force, are intent on ensuring the City follows through on all of its commitments. You can find more information about the facilitator position on our Council website.
Composting
GrowNYC has been circulating a petition asking the Council to restore composting funding for next year, and I want you all to know I’m in full support! Composting is an incredible program that we can use to fight climate change, cut waste to landfills, and educate the next generation of environmental leaders in our schools. I’ll be fighting for composting and other zero waste solutions in this year’s budget because New York City needs universal composting, for both the sake of the planet and our City!
COVID-19
Driven by the BA.2 subvariant, we are continuing to see cases trending upwards in all parts of the City, and the state; however, the increase has been gradual for the most part. Hospitalizations haven’t increased and are at their lowest point since April 2020. For the most part, public health guidance remains the same while we’re still at a low rate of community transmission, but I encourage you all again to get your booster, get tested if you don’t feel well, and, when appropriate, mask up indoors. Also, if you’re over 50 or are immunocompromised, you can now get COVID-19 antiviral treatments from your primary care provider.
Community Bulletin
- Our office has seen an uptick of rat complaints and so this Tuesday 4/19, at 4 pm, we’re hosting a Virtual Rat Academy! Register and join us to learn about different methods of rat prevention and throw your name in to win a rodent-resistant garbage bin for your small business.
- If you are behind on your utility bills and need help, we’re holding a Public Utility Rights Town Hall this Tuesday, 4/19 at 5 pm. The Public Law and Utility Project will be sharing information to address concerns and let you know what your rights are if you’re behind on your bills. Register here for the Zoom link co-hosted by our office, Council Members Hudson and Joseph, Assembly Member Mitaynes, and State Senator Myrie.
- Safely dispose of your e-waste at North Flatbush BID’s Earth Day 2022 celebration! Drop off your big electronics this Friday, April 22nd, from 4-8 pm, at the 6th Avenue Triangle (Flatbush Avenue and Saint Marks Avenue).
- In honor of Ramadan, our office, in partnership with the Arab American Family Support Center, will hold a free food and PPE distribution for the community at Kensington Plaza this Friday, April 22nd from 5 pm to 7 pm. Come by to meet our team, pick up a box of food, and an extra at-home COVID-19 testing kit!
- Join Prospect Park Alliance for a fun and festive day of arts and activities to celebrate Mother Earth with their B’Earthday Bash on Saturday, April 23rd at 1 pm! RSVP required.
In Solidarity,
Shahana
P.S. Happy Passover and Easter!
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