HOUSE PASSES WEINER LEGISLATION MANDATING COAST GUARD REPORT
By a vote of 415-0, the House of Representatives passed legislation authored by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D - Queens & Brooklyn) in September that would require the Coast Guard to conduct a study and report to Congress on pollution in Newtown Creek, the waterway that divides Brooklyn & Queens.
The legislation, initially offered as an amendment in the House Transportation Committee, passed as part of the Coast Guard And Maritime Transportation Act Of 2005.
The Weiner legislation stipulates that the Coast Guard conduct a study within one year to determine the public health risks of pollution from an oil spill in Newtown Creek.
Newtown Creek is New York City's most polluted waterway. A half century's old oil spill has sent 17 million gallons of oil seeping below 55 acres of residential, commercial, and industrial property. While some oil has been cleaned, it will take at least twenty five years to completely clear the spill. The spill was caused by refineries operated along the banks of the Creek by the corporate predecessors to ExxonMobil, BP/Amoco and Chevron-Texaco.
A joint study by Riverkeeper (a non-profit organization that advocates for protection of the Hudson River, its tributaries and the New York City watershed), and Columbia-Lamont Dougherty Earth Laboratories found that Newtown creek has the highest concentrations of CFCs (carbon based gases linked to ozone depletion) in New York Harbor. The area's asthma, emphysema and bronchitis rates are 25% percent higher than the rest of the city. The Columbia study also found that inert chemical tracers placed in the Creek can be found throughout the entire Harbor Estuary within two days.
The Coast Guard is the agency of primary jurisdiction for Marine Pollution Education, Prevention, Response& Enforcement in coastal areas. The Creek qualifies as part of the federal New York Harbor Estuary.
"Thousands of homes and businesses are effected by this terrible oil spill," said Rep. Weiner. "While the oil companies lag in their cleanup responsibilities, the public has the right to know what effects this oil spill is having on our local environment."
"Riverkeeper applauds Congressman Weiner's leadership on Newtown Creek," said Alex Matthiessen, Riverkeeper's Executive Director. "This bill gives the Coast Guard the resources it needs to fully analyze the environmental effects of the massive Greenpoint Oil Spill. The people of Brooklyn and Queens have waited two decades for this kind of attention from the federal government. We are confident that the result will be a cleaner and safer New York Harbor."
Link to the Congressman's Press Release

Mayor Bloomberg Discusses Brooklyn Waterfront on Radio Show
"One of our Administration’s central strategies for producing jobs, building housing, and creating open space has been to reclaim and bring new life to New York’s long-neglected waterfront. You can see those efforts taking shape all over the city – from Hunts Point in the Bronx to the Far West Side of Manhattan to Staten Island’s Homeport. But nowhere are they more dramatic than in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Last week, the City Council approved a comprehensive rezoning, setting the stage for a remarkable renewal of a largely abandoned and derelict stretch of the Brooklyn shoreline.
“The plan, which was developed with the full participation of the local community, will create 54 acres of parks and open space, including a new 28-acre waterfront park along the Bushwick Creek Inlet. There will also be a new continuous, two-mile-long esplanade along the East River that promises to become a favorite spot for joggers, bikers, and anyone looking for a beautiful spot to read a good book, or enjoy the magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline.
“The plan will also create nearly 11,000 new units of much-needed housing – 3,500 of which will be affordable housing. That represents the largest commitment to affordable housing that the city has ever made in such a rezoning plan. We were able to achieve this by leveraging the forces of New York’s hot real estate market and allowing private developers to build taller buildings on the waterfront – as long as they guaranteed that more apartments would be affordable.
“This will ensure that the communities of Greenpoint and Williamsburg will continue to be home to people of all incomes. With $130 million in City capital spending and $1.5 billion in private investment, the rezoning of Greenpoint and Williamsburg will lead to the creation of 11,000 construction jobs and 600 permanent jobs over the next ten years.
“What’s more, the rezoning will protect manufacturers that are currently thriving there, and also encourage new manufacturing and industrial businesses by establishing an industrial zone that will be a safe, clean, and attractive place to work. Industrial businesses that relocate to this zone will be eligible for valuable tax incentives. Encouraging and investing in all sectors of our economy is a vital part of reducing our City’s dependence on Wall Street. And that’s really crucial to New York’s long-term prosperity and stability.

Mayor Praises Rezoning and Reiterates Administration's Commitment to Strengthening Industry
“In my first State of the City address, I pledged that we would reclaim New York City’s shoreline and bring new life to our long neglected waterfront. Few other initiatives in our five-borough economic development strategy deliver on that commitment like the dramatic step taken today.
“This comprehensive rezoning for Greenpoint and Williamsburg sets the stage for renewal of a largely abandoned and derelict stretch of the Brooklyn waterfront. It opens two miles of precious waterfront to create 54 acres of open space, including a continuous public esplanade and a 28-acre park, while also preventing inappropriate heavy industrial uses. The plan creates 10,800 new units of much-needed housing, and through a powerful combination of zoning incentives, housing programs, and city-owned land, 3,500 of those units will be affordable housing.
“The rezoning also encourages the growth of the industrial sector through a series of policy initiatives and financial commitments including the designation of an Industrial Business Zone (IBZ), the establishment of a relocation fund for local businesses, and a commitment to work with Councilmembers Reyna and Yassky to identify further land use actions that will enhance the business environment in the area to the east of the Buswick Creek Inlet. And the new Mayor’s Office of Industrial and Manufacturing Businesses will be charged with making sure that local businesses are fully aware of available services and resources.
“We are committed to creating economic opportunity for everyone in this great City. The Greenpoint-Williamsburg plan, which will create 11,000 construction jobs and 600 permanent jobs over the next ten years and $1.5 billion in private investment, is the result of our successful collaboration with the City Council, and a plan that will benefit not only these neighborhoods but the City as a whole for generations to come.”

MARKOWITZ URGES REDUCED HEIGHT FOR PROPOSED DUMBO BUILDING
On Thursday, July 1, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz recommended the disapproval of a ULURP application for a 178-foot-tall residential building that would have blocked views of the legendary Brooklyn Bridge. The building at 38 Water Street, which was proposed by the real-estate developer Two Trees Management, would have obstructed bridge views for residents of DUMBO and Fulton Ferry and impeded views from the bridge’s pedestrian walkway. Borough President Markowitz’s recommendation suggested that the maximum height of the Water Street building be reduced to approximately 80 feet to eliminate any obstruction of bridge views and to fit in with the historic character of the nearby Civil War era buildings.
“The Brooklyn Bridge defines the elegance, grace and boldness of our borough for the rest of the world,” said Borough President Markowitz. “As Borough President I consider it my duty to be the caretaker of the most recognizable symbol of all of Brooklyn, and to preserve its magnificent views, which all Brooklynites cherish and revere.”
Borough President Markowitz also commended the defining role that Two Trees Management and the Walentas family have played over the last two decades in transforming DUMBO into a thriving residential and commercial neighborhood while also maintaining its artistic roots. He is optimistic that Two Trees will find a way to build successfully on the 38 Water Street site while preserving the unique character of Brooklyn’s most prominent landmark.

Yassky: Report Condemns Power Plant in Greenpoint-Williamsburgh
New York City Councilmember David Yassky joined waterfront advocates and local community groups to release a report from the state Department of Public Service criticizing the proposed plan to build a power plant on the Greenpoint-Williamsburgh coast.
In a brief sent December 22, 2003, the State Electric Generation Siting Board, public service staff roundly condemned Trans Gas Energy's plan to build a massive 1,100-megawatt facility on eight acres of prime waterfront property in North Brooklyn. According to the Public Service Department - the state's lead agency for energy planning - placing the plant at the proposed site "would have unavoidable adverse impacts" on the local environment, while violating existing costal policies.
Yassky and waterfront advocates want open space and new housing development on the Tras Gas site, which today comprises part of a derelict former manufacturing area. Last year, Mayor Michael Bloomberg wrote Governor George Pataki and the siting board, requesting that they reject the proposal.
The board and governor will decide in June whether to grant Trans Gas permission to build the plant.

Department of Transportation: Weekend Lane Closure on Williamsburg Bridge for October 11-12 and 18-19, 2003
The NYC Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) is conducting major long-term maintenance and repair work on the Williamsburg Bridge. Due to the effects of age, weather and increased traffic volume, extensive rehabilitation was deemed necessary. The following is a travel advisory detailing particular lane closures as it relates to work to be performed.
WEEKEND LANE CLOSURE NOTIFICATON
For the Contractor to stage equipment and deliver material for the erection of access platforms on the main towers of the bridge, the following temporary closure of the south outer roadway is required for the weekends of October 11-12 and 18-19, 2003:
Brooklyn Bound - South Roadways
4:00 AM Saturdays to 8:00 PM Sundays on October 11-12 and 18-19, 2003
Both lanes of the Brooklyn bound south outer roadway will be closed during the times listed above. During this period, two lanes of traffic will be provided Brooklyn bound on the south inner roadway. Since no trucks are permitted on the south inner roadway a truck detour to the Manhattan Bridge will be implemented for Brooklyn bound truck traffic.
Manhattan Bound-North Roadways
For Manhattan bound traffic, two lanes will be maintained in the current configuration with one lane closed on both the north inner and outer roadways. However, during these temporary closures, the single lane on the north outer roadway will be closed form 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM to service the painting equipment stored in the closed lane.
Mitigation Measures
To minimize the impact of work on motorists and surrounding communities, NYCDOT will implement a number of measures during these temporary weekend roadway closures. These measures include, 1) additional traffic enforcement agents; 2) 24-hour tow truck operation, 3) no additional lane closures on the Manhattan Bridge; 4) advance notification on VMS throughout New York City and; 5) notification to NYCDOT press office and community boards.
KEEPING YOU INFORMED
By keeping the community informed we hope to minimize any traffic impacts that may occur as a result of rehabilitation activities. Regular updates will be provided on an ongoing basis. Questions regarding the project may be addressed to:
Williamsburg Bridge
Field Office
Community Outreach Line
1 (877) WillyB8 (945-5928)

Councilmember Yassky Announces New Gun Control Legislation
Councilmember David Yassky, Assemblyman Scot Stringer, and Senator Eric Schneiderman unviel bold state legislation aimed at stopping the flow of illegal guns into New York. The legislative measures would make firearms manufacturers liable for reckless selling practices that put guns in the hands of criminals.
The legislation would allow any victim of gun violence in New York State who is injured or killed by a gun to sue the gun's manufacturer. Manufacturers could exempt themselves from liability, however, by meeting a code of responsible conduct designed to prevent illegal gun trafficking. Another bill would also prohibit gun companies who do not adhere to the code of conduct from selling to state agencies, including guns for police forces, correctional services and public safety agencies.

Homepage of the Community Gazette for District 33
|
|
|
|
THE OFFICIAL WORD FOR DISTRICT 33
HOUSE PASSES WEINER LEGISLATION MANDATING COAST GUARD REPORT
(Oct 25, 2005)
Mayor Bloomberg Discusses Brooklyn Waterfront on Radio Show
(May 16, 2005)
Mayor Praises Rezoning and Reiterates Administration's Commitment to Strengthening Industry
(May 11, 2005)
MARKOWITZ URGES REDUCED HEIGHT FOR PROPOSED DUMBO BUILDING
(Jul 15, 2004)
Yassky: Report Condemns Power Plant in Greenpoint-Williamsburgh
(Jan 12, 2004)
Department of Transportation: Weekend Lane Closure on Williamsburg Bridge for October 11-12 and 18-19, 2003
(Oct 03, 2003)
Councilmember Yassky Announces New Gun Control Legislation
(Sep 24, 2003)
|