State Senator Squadron To Host Town Hall Meeting About The F Train

F Stands for...
If you think the F train service leaves lots to be desired, you are not alone. Overcrowding, re-routing and outages are a constant annoyance for local commuters. When State Senator Daniel Squadron took office in January 2009, he promised to work on the problem and asked the MTA to review the F line. The results were made public in October. Now, the senator is inviting the community to a town hall meeting on the subject. Below is more info from the senator's office:

This past summer, State Senator Squadron called on the MTA to conduct a full line review of the F Train in response to the many constituent complaints he received regarding ongoing service problems. In October, the MTA released the findings from this review in a comprehensive report (which you can find on Senator Squadron's website at: www.squadron.nysenate.gov).

To make this report even more accessible to the public, Senator Daniel Squadron and Community Boards 2 & 6 invite you to attend a Town Hall Meeting about the F train. MTA representatives will discuss the recent report about F train performance, and discuss proposals for improving service.

F Train Town Hall

Hosted by State Senator Daniel Squadron 

WHEN: Thursday, December 10

6:30 pm

WHERE: PS 58 Auditorium

330 Smith Street, Brooklyn NY

(Corner of Smith and Carroll streets, at Carroll Street stop on the F line)

If you have any questions about this event or would like to receive a copy of the F train report, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am available by phone at (718) 802-3818 or by e-mail at ellen at danielsquadron dot org.


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Thanks To State Senator Squadron, MTA To Review F Train

State Senator Squadron's letter to MTA

State Senator Daniel Squadron certainly deserves thanks for urging the MTA to address the many problems plaguing the F train. The ridership on this line has exploded in recent years. Then there is the problem with deteriorating stations. (9th Street in particular is a nightmare.)
Most importantly, some of the elevated tracks look disastrous.
In an email, Ellen Whelan-Wurst, the Senator's Brooklyn Office Director, writes:

I wanted to let everyone know that thanks to a request made by Senator Daniel Squadron, the MTA has begun a full-scale, comprehensive review of the F train. Senator Squadron reached out to the MTA on this matter after having heard from many constituents about the increasing problems facing F train riders, including delays, crowded trains and poor station conditions. We are happy that the MTA has begun this review, and of course we will share the conclusions as soon as they are released.

Sounds great to me.
And for those who missed it last week, our State Senator got special mention in an editorial in the New York Times.

It is worth noting that the befuddled Democratic majority was nothing to wave the flag about. In many ways, it turned out to be almost as bad as the Republicans who ran the Senate for more than 40 years until January. But some Democrats, like Senator Daniel Squadron of Manhattan, were pushing for real changes that would, for example, have started to clean up the campaign finance system.

Thanks, Senator Squadron!
For related reading go to The Brooklyn Paper

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This Sunday, State Senator Squadron Invites Constituents To Community Convention. Don't Forget To RSVP

photo credit: office of NYS Senator Squadron

State Senator Daniel Squadron at his first Community Convention in 2009

REMINDER: THIS SUNDAY!

Don't Forget To RSVP

Now in his second term as our State Senator, Daniel Squadron has kept his promise to keep an open dialogue with his constituents to discuss pressing legislative and community priorities. He held his first Community Convention in February 2009 and followed up with a series of neighborhood specific meetings in 2010. His office has just announced the third annual convention, scheduled for March 13th.

Here is Squadron's email with the pertaining information.

Dear Friend:

Please join me on Sunday, March 13th, for the third annual 25th Senate District Community Convention. I am hosting the convention at St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street in Downtown Brooklyn, from 2:00-5:00PM.

At the convention, I will ask you about your thoughts and ideas on legislative and community priorities.

Last year, more than 400 community members attended and offered valuable feedback on topics as far-ranging as school overcrowding, park planning and nightlife. We divided into small discussion groups so each attendee could participate actively, and the great ideas I heard influenced my work at home and in Albany.

I hope you will join me this year to offer your input on those topics, as well as affordable housing, health care, Albany reform and more than 20 others. For a complete list of topics, please visit http://www.nysenate.gov/community-convention.

Will you join me at the community convention on Sunday, March 13th? Please RSVP to Rosemarie Diaz in my office at 212-298-5565 or rdiaz@nysenate.gov. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Daniel

Daniel Squadron

State Senator

25th District

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Squadron Follows Up His Community Convention Starting This Wednesday

Daniel Squadron at his Community Convention in March 2009

Some of the Carroll Gardeners who were in attendance

Back in March, shortly after his inauguration, our State Senator Daniel Squadron held a "community convention" at Borough of Manhattan Community College, in order to reach out to his new constituents. Hundreds attended to discuss their concerns and to share their perspective on such varied issues as quality of life issues, term limits and the MTA.
Daniel Squadron promised to take those ideas and input and to make them legislative priorities for the coming year.
Our State Senator is now ready to address these points. From an email to his constituents:

Greetings,

I just wanted to remind you that on Wednesday I’m hosting the first in a series of conference calls that will serve as an update on the goals and priorities we outlined at the first-ever 25^th District Community Convention I held in March.

This Wednesday’s call will begin with an overview, and each of the four calls will then cover some of the 22 issues from the Community Convention. Here is the schedule of calls:

· Wednesday, September 23, at 5:30.

o Overview of Community Convention Topics

o Buses, Subways, MTA Funding, and MTA Issues

o Pedestrian Safety, Street Changes, Bicycle Lanes, and Traffic Control

o Environmental Sustainability and Alternative Energy

o Parks and Open Space

Wednesday, September 30, at 5:30.

o Quality of Life: Nightlife, Public Safety, and Construction

o Zoning, Neighborhood Preservation, and Community Development

o Jobs, Workers' Rights, and Economic Development

o Criminal Justice and Civil Rights

· Wednesday, October 7, at 5:30.

o Education, School Overcrowding, and the Role of Parents

o Election Access and Participation

o Ethics, Rules, and Campaign Finance Reform

o Emergency Preparedness

· Wednesday, October 14, at 5:30.

o Public Housing

o Rent Regulations

o Mitchell-Lama, Section 8, and Tenants’ Rights

o Public Assistance and Social Services

o Disability Access

o Senior Citizens’ Concerns

o Health and Health Care

To access any of the calls, please dial 1-712-432-3100 and use access code 691380. If you’re interested in joining, please email admin@danielsquadron.org ahead of time so we can send you a more detailed list of the topics we’ll be discussing on each call. Each call will be interactive, allowing participants to ask questions ahead of time or in the moment . If you miss the calls, we will post full recordings of them on my website at http://www.squadron.nysenate.gov.

I look forward to speaking with all of you during the Community Conference Calls, and as always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you have. You can reach me by email at squadron@senate.state.ny.us and by phone at (212) 298-5565.

Sincerely,

Daniel

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State Senator Squadron To Hold His Second 25th District Community Convention

Daniel Squadron at his Community Convention in March 2009

Some of the Carroll Gardeners who were in attendance at the first

Community Convention, March 2009

New York State Senator Daniel Squadron has been an impressive representative since he took office in January 2009. Right from the start, he had promised to be available and to reach out to his constituents. He has certainly been a very responsive elected official and for that, he deserves out thanks.

He was one of the first politicians to come out in support of the EPA's listing of the Gowanus Canal as a Superfund site. He also joined community activists in protecting Carroll Gardens' historical and architectural integrity by speaking out against a planned expansion by a private school onto one of the neighborhood's signature courtyards.

In order to be more responsive to his constituents, Senator Squadron held a Community Convention in March of 2009 to discuss such issues and topics such as quality of life, education, jobs, transportation and housing. It was a very well attended event. Along with some Carroll Gardens activists, I took part in the convention and found it not only useful but empowering.

The senator followed up with a series of dial-in conference phone calls to update the community on how the goals discussed at the convention will be implemented by him and will help shape his administration's priorities.

Now, Squadron is following up with a second Community Convention. Please see the information attached below:

Dear Friend:

I am writing to invite you to the second annual 25th District Community Convention, on Sunday, April 11th. I hope you will join me to offer your thoughts and ideas on legislative and community priorities.

25th Senate District Community Convention

Sunday, April 11th

2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

at BMCC: 199 Chambers Street (just west of Greenwich)

Click here to RSVP

Last year, more than 400 community members attended and offered valuable feedback on topics as far-ranging as school overcrowding, park planning and nightlife concerns. The great ideas I heard influenced my work at home and in Albany. This year, I hope to get your input on those topics, as well as tenants’ rights, health care, ethics reform and more. (Please click here for a complete list of topics we will be discussing.)

Please RSVP to Rosemarie Diaz in my office at 212-298-5565 or rdiaz@senate.state.ny.us. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Daniel

Daniel Squadron

State Senator

25th Senate District

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Tonight, Cobble Hill Association Hosts Community Round Table With Daniel Squadron

Sates Senator Squadron

The Cobble Hill Association resumes its Community Roundtable series tonight with State Senator Daniel Squadron. The roundtable is an informal way for the community to address concerns and to discuss issues with elected officials series of In the past, the association has invited Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Councilman Brad Lander and Assemblywoman Joan Millman.

You are invited to attend the

Cobble Hill Association's

Community Roundtable Meeting

with State Senator Daniel L. Squadron

7:30 PM on Wednesday, February 16th

at Christ Church 326 Clinton Street

(at the corner of Clinton and Kane Streets)

Please join us for a "Community Roundtable" meeting with State Senator Daniel L. Squadron. Hosted by the Cobble Hill Association, the community roundtable series is to provide an opportunity for you to meet directly with your elected officials. We are honored to have Senator Squadron as our guest. This will be an informal meeting where you can discuss any issue or concern directly with State Senator Squadron.

We hope that you will be able to attend!

This meeting is free of charge and is open to all members of the public.

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Big Burger Cook-Off Between Lander And Squadron At Carroll Gardens Greenmarket This Sunday

I am a vegetarian, so I won't be able to vote for either State Senator Daniel Squadron's or Councilmember Brad Lander's burger during their "Epic Burger Showdown" on Sunday, but it sounds like a fun event, especially because local teens will join the two electeds as Sous Chefs.

Here is more info:
This Sunday at 11:30am, State Senator Daniel Squadron and City Councilmember Brad Lander will face off in a showdown of epic proportions: who makes the better burger?

Squadron and Lander, each assisted by two teen sous chefs from local high schools, will grill up their best burgers. Then it's up to the crowd to vote on who will be named the Better Burger Champion.

Squadron and Lander will use the event to highlight the success of the NYC Greenmarket program, including the fact that markets now accept EBT payments.
WHAT: Senator Daniel Squadron, Councilmember Brad Lander face off in the Better Burger Challenge

WHEN: Sunday, September 16 - 11:30am

WHERE: Carroll Gardens Greenmarket, Smith and Carroll Streets, Brooklyn

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A Sunday Afternoon Conversation With State Senator Daniel Squadron

A small group of  Brooklyn constituents gathered this past Sunday afternoon at Long Island College Hospital to take part in an open conversation with our State Senator Daniel Squadron.  Most residents were from Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill, but Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, Vinegar Hill, and the Columbia Waterfront were represented as well.
Senator Squadron, who was just elected for a second term, has planned such open conversations around his district in order to give people an opportunity to voice their concerns about legislature, reform in Albany and neighborhood issues. The senator obviously enjoyed the dialog and stated that it helps him to stay focused on what matters to his constituents. 
Senator Squadron started by giving a brief overview of his last two years in the Senate. He spoke about the budget crisis and the looming $9 Billion deficit, campaign finance reform, the political partisanship, as well as the cuts in subway and bus services by the MTA.  Answering questions about budget cuts,  Squadron is hoping that Andrew Cuomo, the governor elect, will take less of an across-the board approach than the previous administration. 
To increase revenues, Squadron would not be opposed to a sugar tax, which could potentially add as much as $1 billion to the state's coffers. "Sugar is not needed by anyone." he said.
From Albany, the conversation then turned to more community-based concerns. The first issue discussed was the proliferation of night life in brownstone Brooklyn and the lack of concern of the New York State Liquor Authority.  "The Liquor Authority is historically ineffective and corrupt" Squadron stated. But he is confident that the new chairman Dennis Rosen is serious about cleaning up the authority."
A Columbia Waterfront resident spoke about Resolution 414 , the implementation and enforcement of innovative environmental solutions for truck pollution related to the ports of New York and New Jersey. 
From residents of the Gowanus/ Carroll Gardens neighborhood came a request to ask the NY State Department Of Environmental Conservancy for a higher water quality classification for the Gowanus Canal, which would result in a more comprehensive level of water clean-up.
The last topic addressed was hydrofracking in New York State.  Hydrofracking involves pumping millions of gallons of water (with unknown chemicals) deep underground to shake loose capture natural gas, which is then piped away. State Senator Squadron was categorically opposed to hydrofracking in the New York State Watershed.


Open conversations with constituents should be a required by all of our electeds.  It fosters citizen engagement in politics and reminds our politicians that they have an obligation to fight for what matters to the residents in their districts.




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Report On NYS Senator Daniel Squadron's 2nd Community Convention

photo credit: office of NYS Senator Squadron

I really wanted to take part in State Senator Squadron's 2nd Community Convention this Sunday, but was not able to make it. My friends Maryann and Laura were there and said it was very well attended and very informative.

It sounds as though it was a huge success. Were you there as well, dear Reader? What did you think?

Senator Squadron's office just sent out a report on the convention. Read on:

On Sunday, State Senator Daniel Squadron hosted his second annual 25th District Community Convention, bringing together more than 300 community members to discuss legislative and community priorities.

The convention started with a plenary session, where Senator Squadron noted that, as demonstrated by those in attendance, “there are an extraordinary number of people who stand willing to take time from busy and demanding lives to become citizen activists.” Participants then broke up into 23 different discussion groups, where moderators

sought input on topics that included housing, education, transportation and ethics reform.

Senator Squadron received valuable feedback from these discussion groups, and will use these thoughts, ideas and concerns to shape his policies at home and in Albany. Joining the community members at the convention were U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Assembly Member Deborah Glick, and Assembly

Member Brian Kavanagh. The convention closed with a reception, where Senator Squadron continued the discussion with participants over

refreshments.

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State Senator Squadron Announces He Is FOR Gowanus Superfund Designation!

State Senator Daniel Squadron at last month's EPA Superfund meeting

Great News! Yesterday, State Senator Daniel Squadron announced that he is for the Gowanus Canal Superfund designation.

Daniel Squadron and his staff had hinted last week that the State Senator was about to issue a statement regarding the EPA's proposal to include the Gowanus Canal to its list of Superfund sites. After meeting with the city as well as with the EPA, the State Senator came to an informed conclusion. Here is his statement:

On April 8, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it had nominated the Gowanus Canal for consideration to be added to the National Priorities List (NPL), more commonly known as the Superfund list. If added to the NPL, the Gowanus would be entered into the EPA's cleanup program, which would include intensive study and analysis of the nature of the hazardous materials and pollutants within the canal, identification of the parties that have been responsible for the pollution, and a supervised cleanup.

Though the pressure to immediately announce a position on this issue was great, this is an enormously complex issue that cannot be decided based on headlines alone; the decisions we make now will have profound, long-ranging consequences for the local community and the effort to clean and revitalize the Gowanus. Given the gravity of such a designation, my staff and I have been working to fully understand the impact that Superfund designation would have for the canal, including the water, the silt and upland portions, and the health and welfare of the community. I investigated sites from around the country, evaluating where a Superfund designation has led to progress and where communities have succeeded with the Superfund Alternative Approach. I met and spoke with the relevant agencies, as well as Gowanus area residents, community organizations and Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs).

Over the course of these meetings, several parties indicated their belief that the Superfund Alternative Approach (SAA) program, also administered and managed by the EPA, might better achieve a positive outcome. I have concluded that while the SAA has proven to be a useful alternative for sites where there are one or two PRPs, in the case of the Gowanus it is highly unlikely that all of the PRPs will be easily identifiable, or will voluntarily accept responsibility. I also am not convinced that the SAA will guarantee the same transparency, leverage and long-term comprehensive outcomes as the Superfund program. Of course, any scenario, including the SAA, that offered additional federal dollars while meeting the standards of Superfund would be ideal. However, the burden in ensuring that such an alternative would in fact match Superfund's benefits, and bring added value, is high.

For this reason and others, I support listing the Gowanus Canal as a Superfund site. Based on the conversations I have had and the commitments that have been made, I have concluded that listing the Canal on the NPL is the best strategy for achieving a comprehensive and timely cleanup of the canal and the sources of its contamination. Superfund designation would deliver appropriate oversight to the EPA, which has a unique ability to work with other levels of government, PRP's and the community to address a complicated site like the canal.

To continue reading statement, click here

Well done, Senator Squadron!

Let's hope that some of our other elected officials will finally come the fence or change their minds regarding the Superfund designation as well. How about it, Councilman De Blasio?


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Carroll Gardener Speaks At State Senator Squadron's Inauguration

Vincent Joseph

I thoroughly enjoyed attending the swearing-in of Daniel Squadron to the office of State Senator, representing the 25th Senate District. The ceremony took place at St. Francis College yesterday. Senator Squadron had invited Carroll Gardener Vincent Joseph to speak at the inauguration. Mr. Joseph delivered a great speech.
I asked him if I could reprint it here for all and he was kind enough to agree.
Here it is.

Since December of 2007 I have served on the core committee of the Union-Sackett Block Association, an organization that formed for the purpose of giving a voice to our neighborhood in the face of large real estate development in Carroll Gardens. It is through my work for this group that I came to know Daniel Squadron, who was a fellow member of our association.

In the last week, with the inauguration of Barack Obama, we all experienced America making history in a positive way, in a way that we have not experienced in recent memory. Suddenly we are seeing new possibilities for the future of our nation.
Now, more than ever, it is very important for us to have representatives on the local level who are not interested in perpetuating the status quo.
I recognize there are limits to how much my state senator can get done on his own, but I do have some expectations.

First, I expect him to be honest, always.
I expect my state senator to be more of a role model than a sports figure or a music or movie star. They never ask for my support or my vote, my proxy, but my senator has.
I want my senator to inspire trust, even during those times when we might not agree.
It is very important to me that my senator pay special attention to the marginalized, the less articulate, the old and also the young, as both these groups often have unique and enlightening points of view, as well as special needs.
I expect my senator to lead, but also to engage us, the constituents, in dialogue often, and to be in touch frequently.
Lastly, a sense of humor is an asset that can’t be underestimated!
I think we would all agree that Daniel Squadron fills the bill in every way. I am very proud to have him as my state senator and to be here on the day of his inauguration.

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Conference Call With Senator Daniel Squadron TONIGHT!

Just got this email from Senator Daniel Squadron's office. Squadron will be talking directly to his constituents via a conference call tonight to update everyone on what is happening in Albany.
Great idea! I know I will be dialing that number...

Here is the message from Daniel Squadron:

Dear Friend,

With all that’s happening in Albany, a lot of people have been asking
me what’s going on and where I think we should go from here.

In order to speak with you directly, share my perspective and answer
any questions you might have, I would love it if you would join a
conference call I'll be having at 6pm.

To listen to the call please dial this number and, when prompted,
enter the six-digit conference code number:

Dial-in: 1-712-432-3100
Conference code: 691380

If you have any questions or thoughts please email them ahead of time
to admin@danielsquadron.org. Please let us know that you'll be joining
us by emailing us at that address as well.

I hope to speak with you this evening!

Sincerely,

Daniel

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Direct From Albany: State Senator Daniel Squadron On Ethics Reform Passing Legislature

Direct from Albany!
On Wednesday, January 20th, the New York State Senate and Assembly both passed Ethics Reform Legislation. This video was taken during the State Senate session regarding this matter. It shows our Senator Daniel Squardon speaking on a portion of the legislative package. His staff was nice enough to forward it to me.

Below is Senator Squadron's statement.

Greetings,

Last week I announced that the Senate and Assembly had introduced a package of ethics legislation that I pushed forward; today I am very pleased to report that both houses -- the Senate and Assembly -- have passed the package by an overwhelming margin. I have fought for increased disclosure, enforcement, and independence in Albany since I took office, and by passing this ethics package today, the Senate and Assembly have taken a significant step towards that goal.

When this package becomes law, it will make our state government more transparent by requiring increased income disclosure from legislators, more accountable by restoring an independent ethics commission and making it easier for the State Board of Elections to investigate campaign finance violations, and more honest by closing the "Bruno Gap" in state ethics law and making it illegal for a public officer to use government resources for outside, for-profit business.

To be clear, the package is by no means a silver bullet; there is still more work to be done, but we cannot delay reforming ethics laws any longer. On Monday, the New York Times agreed and wrote: "As State Senator Daniel Squadron, a New York City Democrat, put it, 'It is better to have a good bill than a perfect press release.' But it is only the beginning, however useful, of what must be a sustained, cathartic effort to restore the public trust."

I couldn't agree more. I worked hard to win the ethics legislation we passed today, and as we carry on the fight to reform Albany and restore New Yorkers' faith in their state government, I am committed to continuing to push for further reforms in our ethics and campaign finance laws. I appreciate the support and dedication of all New Yorkers who share my goal of meaningful change in our state government.

Sincerely,

Daniel Squadron

State Senator

25th District

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Carroll Gardeners Came Out In Force To Express Concerns About Proposed Homeless Shelter On West 9th Street

Community Board 6's Chairman Daniel Kumer

Paige Bellenbaum of Community Board 6's Youth and Human Services Committee

Robert Hess of Housing Solutions/Aguila, Inc.

Alex Zablocki, spokesman for NYC's Dept. of Homeless Services

Councilman Brad Lander, Assemblywoman Joan Millman, State Senator Daniel Squadron

State Senator Daniel Squadron

Councilman Brad Lander

Last night, the Carroll Gardens community came out in full force to an informational  meeting hosted by Community Board 6's Youth and Human Services Committee regarding the proposed homeless shelter at 165 West 9th Street.  The auditorium at PS 58, where the meeting was held, was filled to capacity.  Obviously, the proposal had generated not only much interest but also stirred some emotions.

Representatives of  Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc., the non-profit organization that proposed the shelter, and of  NYC's Dept. of Homeless Services (DHS) were also in attendance.  So were our elected officials.

CB6 Chairman Daniel Kumer opened the meeting by stating that since the shelter is being authorized under the “Emergency Contract” rule,  CB6 does not have a formal role beyond having received a notification about the proposal.  However, in a statement read by CB6 member Paige Bellenbaum, "that does not mean that we cannot express our views to the City's administration if we choose to."

Kumer explained that the Board had asked Housing Solutions/Aguila, Inc.  for a copy of the plan, but was referred to the City's Department of Homeless Services. The agency had not provided a plan as of last evening.

Robert Hess of Housing Solutions/Aguila, Inc. gave a brief presentation.  "We have operated non-profits for many, many years.  I have served as the head of Homeless Services for the city of Philadelphia for 5 years and have been the commissioner for Homeless Services for the Bloomberg Administration's second term," he stated.  "This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart."
The non-profit organization operates several shelters in the Bronx, he explained.  This particular homeless shelter will be its first in Brooklyn.  In regards to this particular location,  Hess stated:" We constantly monitor demand for shelters. Very tragically in this city, we are seeing a huge uptick in the level of demand in homeless services."  He continued: " The good news is, I think, that we live in the only city in our country that has a 'legal right to shelter'.  That means that each and every individual that has a need for shelter will be provided."
The property at West 9th Street had been shown to the non-profit by its owner Alan Lapes.  "From our perspective it was a very good facility to house single adults.  We made the City aware of the facility.  They came and took a look and agreed. We made a proposal to the City to house 170 single men in that facility.  We expect a significant security force, case managers, record and supervisors and specialists on sight."  He added: " So that's our objective. It really isn't more complicated that that."

Representatives of NYC's Department of Homeless Services (DHS) then gave a brief presentation.
The agency's spokesperson, Alex Zablocki explained that the homeless men will be referred to this particular shelter from the agency's central intake point at 32 First Avenue in Manhattan.  The Carroll Gardens shelter will house employable men, who will stay at the facility from 6 months to a year on average.

Zablocki further explained the “emergency contract” rule.  "Our agency must offer a bed to every individual that comes to our intake center for services. In May 2012, our census number for single adults showed that there are 8,965 people in the system, 5% above the level in 2011 and 17% above the level in 2010."
In June of 2012, DHS's Commissioner made a request to the City's Comptroller John Liu in order to be able to expedite proposals to bring the number of available shelter beds up in order to fill the need."
We want you to understand that we work under the State mandate , that we have to provide this service, and that we look to communities across the city to put shelters online.
Asked whether some of the homeless men sheltered at the facility may be criminals or sex offenders, DHS representatives explained that the agency is not allowed to inquire about criminal history.  "The 'Right To Shelter' policy does not disqualify those with a criminal record" he stated. "They are coming to us because they don't have any other options."

Assemblywoman Joan Millman, State Senator Daniel Squadron and Councilman Brad Lander stood united in declaring that the way DHS has handled the proposal by Housing Solutions USA and Aguila, Inc. "has not been collaborative, thoughtful, or well conceived."  Despite repeated requests in writing, the agency has failed to " substantially address the issues we raised."

Some of the issues are:
-how is it possible to squeeze 170 people into a 10-unit building?
-no building  plans have been provided
-no security proposal has been provided
-no service plan has been provided
-DHS has failed to address serious potential conflicts of interests

Senator Squadron felt that: " As a Carroll Gardens resident, I just want to say that we understand fair share and we do understand that,  because of a woefully failed homeless policy by the City administration, we have a higher rate of homelessness than we ever had and that every neighborhood has to play a fair and reasonable part.  The problem is that this proposal is ill-conceived and ill thought-out.  I don't know if you have ever walked on that block, but the idea of 170 people, whether it be seniors in need or college or single homeless men or any one living there doesn't make sense."

Carroll Gardens residents were very vocal about their concerns throughout the meeting.  They demanded to know if it was safe to put so many people in the proposed building,  why construction crews were currently working on the building without permits,  why bunk beds and mattresses had already been moved in, and most importantly, why this had been done through side -door process.
Members of the audience also mentioned more than once that the relationship between the owners of the building and Housing Solutions USA/ Aguila Inc. certainly gave the appearance impropriety.
(See the handout by Coalition For Carroll Gardens Brooklyn below)


Alex Zablocki  explained that the New York State Office Of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA), not DHS, will make the final decision to issue an operating certificate for the West 9th Street facility.  As for determining whether the building is safe for 170 people,  that is the responsibility of the Building's Department.

After most of the residents had left, the members of CB6's Youth and Human Services Committee
unanimously passed a motion which read:  "Community Board 6 opposes the use of 165 West 9th Street for a 170-bed homeless shelter for 170 men and calls for the New York City's Department of Homeless Services to reject the proposal on the basis of lack of process and merit."
The motion will be voted on by the full Board at the next general meeting.

Where you there last night?  What did you think?

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