Volume 2 Issue 6                                                                                                                                                                                   March 14, 2015
Letter from Laurie

Dear Friend,

 

Earlier this month, I had an opportunity to present my First State of the (35th) District Address before an audience of community residents and stakeholders at the Brooklyn Museum.

 

I am proud of the progress we have made to address the issues that impact the lives and livelihoods of young professionals, families, youth and seniors in the 35th Council District. Our work as a community to sustain the vibrancy, economic and cultural diversity of the 35th Council District has only just begun. 

 

I look forward to presenting this report on numerous occasions in neighborhoods across this District. Further details will be provided at a later time.

 

From the commemoration of Bloody Sunday to the United Nations' March for Gender Equality, Women's History Month 2015 has been a moment for deep reflection on our nation's past, present, and future. The Honorable Shirley Chisholm said it best, "I don't measure America by its achievement, but by its potential." Through civic engagement, we can help shape the future for the next generation.

 

As Chair of the Women's Issues Committee, I invite you to join me, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Public Advocate James, the Women's Caucus, and Members of the New York City Council on March 30 at 5PM for our Second Annual Women's Herstory Month Celebration. I look forward to seeing you in the Council Chambers of City Hall as we honor trailblazers from all five boroughs who have done incredible work to advance the City of New York. 

 

Yours in Partnership,

Laurie A. Cumbo

Member of the New York City Council
Staff Update


 

Dear Constituents,

 

Serving the 35th Council District was a joy. I am writing you all today to inform you that I recently took a position as the Director of Small Business Services with Council Member Robert E. Cornegy Jr, who Chair Small Business for the entire City of New York. This new role will give me an opportunity to work with small business owners all over our great city, the various Chambers and the Small Business Services. We have already begun some great pieces of Legislation, and a Citywide initiative Chamber on the Go. To say the least this is not a good bye, but an opportunity to work with you in a different way. 

 

Thank you Council Member Cumbo for the opportunity to serve in my prior capacity and the foresight to see this as a way to better serve the constituents of the 35th District.  


If I can ever be of assistance to you or your small business please do not hesitate to contact me at (646) 632-7298 or [email protected].  

 

Sincerely,

Brian Cunningham
Legislative Updates
The following resolutions and introductions were introduced by Council Member Cumbo:

Res 0615-2015: Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, the Paid Family Leave Act to provide support and security for New York's working families


Res 0586-2015: Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign, legislation to give correctional authorities the discretion to allow incarcerated women who give birth while in custody to return home on temporary supervised release for the first three weeks after they give birth.

Int 0671-2015: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring countdown pedestrian signals at intersections adjacent to schools and parks.

Int 0660-2015: A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to requiring the office to combat domestic violence to provide clients with service satisfaction surveys.
Announcements
  • The deadline for parents to apply for a seat on a Community or Citywide Education Council has been extended to March 16, 2015. 
  • If you live in New York City and your child was born in 2011, he or she is eligible to attend pre-K in September 2015. The Pre-K application period will be held from Monday, March 16 - Friday, April 24. There will be a Pre-K Information Session at Clara Barton High School (901 Classon Avenue Brooklyn, NY) on Tuesday, March 17 at 6PM.  
  • The Homeowner Tax Benefit Application must be postmarked March 16, 2015. The application is for the following programs: Basic and Enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR), Cooperative/Condominium Abatement (CCA), Senior Citizen Homeowners? Exemption (SCHE), Disabled Homeowners? Exemption (DHE), Veterans? Exemptions (Basic, Combat and Disabled), and Clergy. 
  • Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that those in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off can now apply for a second emergency benefit through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The deadline to apply is March 27, 2015. For more information about the Home Energy Assistance Program, please call the hotline at 1-800-342-3009, or connect online. (announcement).  
  • On January 1, 2015, a new electronic waste (e-waste) law went into effect that imposes a $100 fine for improperly disposing of various electronic items for curbside pickup by the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). As of April 1st, disposing of electronics in the trash will result in a $100 fine.  
  • If you owe property taxes, water charges, or other charges against your property, these charges may become tax liens for sale. The last day to pay your debt or enter into a payment agreement is May 14, 2015. The Lien Sale will take place on May 15, 2015. Check the 90-Day Publication List of Properties Eligible for the Lien Sale!
  • The NYC Freeze Program is for Senior Citizen tenants or tenants with a disability who qualify to have their rent frozen at their current level and be exempt from future rent increases 
  • Mayor De Blasio and Chancellor Fari�a Designate Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha Official School Holidays ( press release).
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In this Issue
Cumbo in the Press

Brooklyn Marches for Selma!
Bereavement Notices
Dorothy Forsythe
Horace Morancie
Well Wishes
On behalf of the 35th Council District, I would like to applaud these individuals on their continued success.

Florence Timothy - lifetime achievement and invaluable contributions to the neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill

The National Association of University Women - Brooklyn Branch marked its 60th anniversary.

Chief Gerald Nelson of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North announced his retirement after 42 years of service in the New York City Housing Police Department.

Assistant Chief Owen J. Monaghan of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South announced his retirement after nearly 34 years of service in the New York City Police Department.
 
Meetings & Upcoming Events

Meetings are subject to change.  Please call to confirm.

Get Connected to District 35
Are you searching for employment or grants? Wondering about the film or TV production crew on your block? Feel free to visit our blog for more information.
Ongoing Constituent Services in the 35th District Office
  • FREE Immigration Services through CUNY Citizenship Now: Tuesdays 10AM - 5PM. Please call (718) 260-9191 to schedule an appointment and get FREE HELP with your immigration questions related to Naturalization and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. All services are confidential and open to any member of the community.
  • FREE Housing Legal Clinic: Second Thursday of the Month 1PM - 6PM. Is your landlord suing you in landlord-tenant court? Do you have questions about repairs, rent stabilization, overcharge, or other rental apartment issues? Meet with an attorney from the Brooklyn Programs of Legal Services NYC. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 260-9191.
Copyright � 2015. 
 Office of New York City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo. All Rights Reserved.