Brooklyn Politics — Brooklynian

NYC begins a Municipal ID program

whynot_31 — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 12:14:51 +0000

In NYC, lots of people are denied the ability to open a bank account or are held by police until their identity can be verified, because they lack an identification card. Immigrants, homeless people, and people recently released from jail or prison are among those most at risk. As you may have heard, NYC is going to attempt to save tax dollars and improve the well being of these folks by issuing municipal ID cards. In this thread, you can not only jabber about the program, but also apply for a really challenging senior position within it! http://www.nynp.biz/index.php/new-jobs/21515-director-of-program-integrity-for-the-municipal-id-project-new-york-city-human-resources-administration-hra

NY State Senate District 20 Race

doughmane — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 13:57:55 +0000

It is refreshing to see someone challenging Senator Jesse Hamilton. The skulduggery of his defection to the IDC immediately after the 2016 election proves that he has no place in representing the citizens of District 20 as a Democrat. Zellnor Myrie looks to send him packing. I hope there will be debates. http://gothamist.com/2017/10/26/zellnor_myrie_jesse_hamilton.php

A Trump Presidency -Your Thoughts

MOD — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 00:33:13 +0000

I'm reviving our old Politics board!

So let it all out, Pro or Anti-Trump, whatever may be on your mind. Let's talk 'Merica! Memes, videos, comics etc.. welcome!

Breaking news: NYC Bag fee killed by the NYS Senate

mugofmead111 — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:44:30 +0000

Here is a link to the story via Gothamist.

The bag fee was supposed to go into effect next month. I guess I won't have to think about how to adapt to the new fee. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

STOP AND FRISK

shake the great — Thu, 28 May 2015 08:37:19 +0000

I actually heard a tough guy say " they should bring stop and frisk back". I actually agreed with him. I think some areas need it so the cowboys may leave their weapons at home. That uncertainty of being stopped helps....

As housing for the poorest disappears, cost of shelter soars

whynot_31 — Tue, 19 May 2015 08:19:09 +0000

NYC residents have a legally established "right to shelter". As housing for the poorest disappears, the costs of shelter soar. NYC is doing what it can to reduce shelter costs by creating rental assistance programs, but the costs continue to grow. NYC is not making much progress. Does this play out with shelters becoming something like the permanent Almhouses of old? http://www.ibo.nyc.ny.us/iboreports/further-increases-homeless-rental-assistance-additional-funds-for-shelter-still-necessary-may-2015.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almshouse

Vision Zero picks up speed

whynot_31 — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 21:02:03 +0000

While billed as a way to reduce pedestrian and bicycle deaths, many viewers perceive the effort as really being motivated by a desire to wrestle control over NYC speed limits and roadways from Albany.

Does that mean I am against it? No.

It just means that that this campaign is a little more clever than it first appears.

Congestion Pricing 2.0

whynot_31 — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 10:54:17 +0000

After their defeat during the Bloomberg Administration, advocates of congestion pricing have regrouped. This time, it looks like their pitch will be made with the proponents of the MTA and Vision Zero: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20150210/BLOGS04/150209833/optimism-grows-for-new-improved-congestion-pricing-plan ...and I think they will make some progress.

Freight Tranportation in Brooklyn

homeowner — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:05:19 +0000

This discussion was created from comments split from: Vision Zero picks up speed.

East Flatbush Subway: MTA Wants to Study It

mugofmead111 — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 23:23:24 +0000

From Brownstoner.

Transit riders, rejoice! After months of bitter battle, the MTA’s $29 billion capital improvement plan was officially approved Wednesday in a unanimous vote by the MTA’s board, reported the New York Times.

Here’s what the plan means for Brooklyn.

A bridge will connect the Livonia Avenue L and Junius Street 3 stations

Duh. The two above-ground stations in Brownsville are just a block apart. It was ridiculous for them to have not been connected in the first place — one of those relics from back when the lines were run by separate companies. The new $30 million pedestrian path will welcome riders into the 21st century.

A $5 million study will consider extending the Utica Avenue subway line

When the mayor proposed extending the 3 line beneath Utica Avenue in April, he called the strip “one of the densest areas in the city not directly served by the subway.” Now the MTA will spend $5 million gathering data to see just what kind of impact extending the 3 train through Flatbush could have. Our prediction: lots.

The area is one of the few in Brooklyn to suffer a decrease in housing values over the past decade. It is served by the B46 bus. (read more at Brownstoner)

The Brooklyn DA's Begin Again program

whynot_31 — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 09:38:39 +0000

I began jabbering about the Begin Again program while discussing NYC ID because some of the goals are the same: http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/44404/nyc-begins-a-municipal-id-program/p2 However, I think it is worthy of its own thread. Here's a flyer: Here's a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9D30zHcfhE&feature=youtu.be

The Future of Public Housing in New York, October 2nd

whynot_31 — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:13:32 +0000

Planners Network NYC Presents: The Future of Public Housing in New York

Friday, October 2, 6:00-8:00 pm
The Murphy Institute
25 West 43rd Street, New York, New York
18th Floor, Room 18 A (use elevators 5, 6, or 7)

With the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) faced with years of federal, state and city funding cuts and a growing deficits, the DeBlasio administration released the NextGeneration NYCHA plan in May 2015. The plan calls for ways to increase operating and capital funds, improve housing maintenance and lease parcels of underutilized land in public housing to developers who would build housing. Management reforms, infill development, increased rents and fees, and contributions from the state and city budget will move the agency towards solvency. In addition, "scattered-site” developments will be transferred to community-based nonprofits, and new private owners and financing will be sought for some "distressed" developments.

How has NextGen NYCHA been received by public housing residents and community organizations? What role, if any*, will tenants and surrounding communities play in the planning decisions engendered by the plan? The fear of privatization looms, as do the concerns about the levels of affordability, and echoes from criticism of Bloomberg’s infill plan remain. Join PN NY for a discussion to hear from progressive planners and people impacted by the plan who will discuss whether there’s room to be optimistic about the future of public housing in NYC.

Confirmed speakers:

-Vic Bach, Community Service Society

-Mo George, Community Voices Heard

-Damaris Reyes, Good Ole Lower East Side

-Michael Higgins, Families United for Racial and Economic Equality

NYC enlists the help of Shot Spotter

whynot_31 — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 13:18:21 +0000

I haven't seen any reports that the 77th Pct (where I reside) will receive shot spotter, but NYC announced today that it is moving ahead with implementing the program. photo: Nyc.gov http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/03/16/nypd-roles-out-shot-spotter-pilot-program-in-areas-of-bronx-brooklyn/ http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/william-bratton-nypd-commissioner-to-announce-expansion-of-gunfire-detection-system-officials-say-1.10063697 http://7online.com/news/nypd-expands-gunfire-detection-system-in-bronx-brooklyn/559708/ It seems that the areas of NYC that experience the most gun fire are being targeted.

NYC Housing Rent Control Battle, Round: 99,999,999,999

whynot_31 — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:22:16 +0000

http://www.cssny.org/userimages/downloads/NewHousingEmergencyMarch2011.pdf?tr=y&auid=8237079

As the supply of affordable housing continues to dwindle, and we continue to have budget deficits, what should we do?

Stop and Frisk

booklaw — Tue, 19 May 2015 09:11:17 +0000

This discussion was created from comments split from: Shooting on Franklin between Park and Sterling 5/18/15.

It is a really good time to be the Mayor of NYC

whynot_31 — Wed, 13 May 2015 21:47:42 +0000

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20150512/BLOGS01/150519970 He will never have enough money to achieve all of his goals, but he has a lot to work with. Albany is often for sale. Let's see if he can buy some things from them with some of NYC's tax money.

June 1, 2015: The robo calls from Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign begin

whynot_31 — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 20:05:12 +0000

Apparently, my parents are not the only ones who call on our landline.

....3 calls from Hillary today.

777,777,777 calls to go until Nov 2016.

Disparate impact zoning

whynot_31 — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 11:47:39 +0000

On a thread about the Jewish Hospital apartments going market rate @ehgee wrote:

There are alternate models for housing production and allocation, some of which do essentially keep greed at bay (or at least reduce its effects on ordinary people):
http://nextcity.org/daily/entry/five-extreme-models-to-combat-high-rents
http://www.governing.com/topics/economic-dev/gov-affordable-luxurious-housing-in-vienna.html
Of course, getting to any of those models is pretty difficult starting from zero, especially when there is little-to-no open land within a remotely sane commute of Manhattan.

The most practical would be an extension of rent stabilization, which would be much more feasible in a city with high rents (generally directly corresponding to commute time to Manhattan) and growing population than in a city with declining rents or a city rapidly transitioning from low-to-high rents. The major issue would be ensuring that enough housing is created to allow further population growth, though Vienna-style affordable housing projects could become more economically feasible if a cap on rental profits drove down land prices.

Tokyo-style market-driven hyperdensity would also be economically possible, though laws authorizing it seem unlikely to come from the political process— I could see it possibly resulting from a court decision saying that current zoning laws, which drive enormous price increases in many districts, have the practical effect of being exclusionary of protected groups.

Yes, this usually referred to as "disparate impact". There have been some court decisions about whether one needs to prove intent, or whether merely proving disparate impact is enough. The thing about zoning is that it's whole purpose is to encourage type of uses, and (to a degree...) municipalities are allowed to pursue uses that serve their interests. So, they can: - adjust density - adjust use (commercial, industry, residential, etc) And given how income, wealth and land are distributed, it is reasonable to expect that groups are going to win/gain and lose. ...you are right, it is often those who already have that gain, and those that have less tend to lose. In a country where "having" is closely correlated to race and other protected characteristics, such power is really apparent. Related reading: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=disparate+impact+zoning&gbv=2&oq=disparate+impact+zoning&gs_l=heirloom-hp.3...1060.6988.0.7441.23.18.0.5.4.1.359.2432.0j7j4j1.12.0....0...1ac.1.34.heirloom-hp..9.14.2089.PGFjtMvzP0w

Public Transportation

southeast — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 17:20:35 +0000

We have a discussion on Vision Zero and a breakaway on tolls. Public transportation is relevant to both.

Bikes and Pedestrians in NYC parks

homeowner — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:02:41 +0000

This discussion was created from comments split from: Vision Zero picks up speed.

Ever wonder where families in NYC shelters come from? Wonder no more.

whynot_31 — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 08:41:16 +0000

A really well written report: http://www.ibo.nyc.ny.us/iboreports/2014dhs.pdf

Statistics let us decide the difference between an ethnic enclave and an ethnic ghetto

whynot_31 — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 15:28:14 +0000

Aka: NYC Neighborhood Stats Galore http://chpcny.org/assets/MakingNeighborhoods_summary.pdf enjoy....

Whether you are for or against rent stabilization, today's election is a big one.

whynot_31 — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 07:01:47 +0000

This article provides a good summary of the issues: http://therealdeal.com/blog/2014/11/04/what-the-industry-is-watching-this-midterm-election/ Personally, I can't imagine the state Democrats getting the seats that would be required to give control of over rent stabilization to the city.

Politics: For a limited time, HRA will match your child support payment

whynot_31 — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:28:42 +0000

Verrazano Bridge Toll Relief

slopestar — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 07:03:14 +0000

Senator Marty Golden and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis recently launched a petition to provide a 58% discount on the Verrazano Bridge toll for Brooklyn residents. This is a no-brainer if you are one of the few local people who, like me, commute to Staten Island every day.

Please consider visiting their website to e-sign a petition in support of the campaign.

http://www.thetollsaretoodamnhigh.com/

A large provider of drug treatment services gets a large indictment

whynot_31 — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 07:52:22 +0000

I am not sure Narco Freedom is going to survive: http://www.nynp.biz/index.php/breaking-news/22853-ag-indicts-narco-freedom-execs Narco Freedom's demise would mean that Samaritan Village and Phoenix House face less competition in an ever shrinking field. A few months ago, Daytop was absorbed by Samaritan Village as a result of being approx $58M in debt. Bye.

Brooklyn Bridge Walkway (Bikes vs. Pedestrians)

homeowner — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 12:55:49 +0000

This discussion was created from comments split from: Vision Zero picks up speed.

Laurie Cumbo: Capital allocations for cultural institutions

mugofmead111 — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 12:56:27 +0000

From her Instagram:

"Today, I was pleased to announce more than 22 million dollars in capital allocations for cultural institutions. It is with great hopes that these dynamic arts and culture agents continue to flourish within District 35 and beyond. (Photo credit: @willalatriste)"

The press conference was at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I hope BBG benefits from this as well! :)

Local political club endorsements for primary 2014

raulism — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 08:30:09 +0000

Prospect Heights Democrats for Reform is a local political club working for transparency in New York and for better representation of Prospect Heights, Crown Heights and our extended neighborhood. PHDR is proud make three endorsement in 2014 election cycle. NY State Senate 20th District: Jesse Hamilton NY State Assembly 52nd District: Jo Anne Simon 57th District Leader/State Committeewoman: Olanike Alabi For a few reasons why we're standing for these candidates, go to "http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=39d54a6f-140b-4927-bf61-00a1ce6c0c11&c=9caf5a60-1b53-11e3-80a0-d4ae52843d28&ch=9cfbccb0-1b53-11e3-812d-d4ae52843d28">http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=39d54a6f-140b-4927-bf61-00a1ce6c0c11&c=9caf5a60-1b53-11e3-80a0-d4ae52843d28&ch=9cfbccb0-1b53-11e3-812d-d4ae52843d28

Send me a PM for more opinions.

We invite you to join us in supporting them on Election Day, Tuesday September 9th. Nobody will vote for you.

Polls open 6am - 9pm, check your poll site here. Have trouble voting, call

518-473-5086.

Want to get more involved? Come to our club meetings and let us know what you think. In the mean time, we can always use more hands on Election Day even if it's just for an hour or two before or after work. Call us at 917-725-1517or email

The construction unions make a good move

whynot_31 — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 07:15:05 +0000

Developers have shunned building affordable housing, in part, because the receipt of government funds requires them to utilize expensive union labor. This put Bill DeBlasio in a bind. He could either build not as much housing, or simply not enforce the requirements. The latter would have really annoyed unions. Instead, a compromise has been reached: Unions have agreed to a 40% pay cut in exchange for being relevant. http://www.cityandstateny.com/2/83/labor/rebuilding-the-trades.html#.U__efxZtdz- The hope of unions is that someday the public will again care about their plight when they errect the rat.