NYS DOT to Eliminate Right Turns onto Avenues J, P, Kings Highway Heading North and South

‘Call the Mayor and the Governor to express your frustration; ask them to save Ocean Parkway from this insanity!’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) will host a rally with the community this Sunday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m. on the corner of Ocean Parkway and Avenue J in an effort to fight traffic changes coming to Ocean Parkway, calling it “Stop the Madness on Ocean Parkway.” The changes, which will be implemented in the coming weeks by NYS DOT, include eliminating right turns onto Avenues J, P, Kings Highway and other avenues heading North and South along Ocean Parkway, forcing motorists to turn one block earlier onto the service road to make the right at the intersection.

“Eliminating the right turn on these avenues will pose a dangerous threat to the safety of both pedestrians and motorists alike, ultimately creating havoc, confusion and frustration for all parties involved,” Assemblyman Hikind said of the NYS DOT’s two-year Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety project that will cost over $15 million in taxpayer dollars. “Ocean Parkway is a major thoroughfare that over 100,000 people use on a daily basis. I agree that safety is a top priority, and while I believe the project has good intentions, I’m not the only one who believes these changes will create havoc and frustration.”

Last week, Assemblyman Hikind penned a letter to Gov. Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio, fellow elected officials and residents within the 48^th District to notify them of the changes being made, asking for their cooperation in rectifying the plans. “Never before has my office been inundated with complaints of this magnitude,” Hikind said. “The community is in an uproar over these changes! Hundreds of people who live adjacent to Ocean Parkway are so frustrated with these proposed plans, with many acknowledging they weren’t aware of the changes taking place. Countless motorists who commute along Ocean Parkway described the changes as ‘stupid’ and ‘ridiculous,’ and called on my office to help them scrap these changes. As someone who has lived adjacent to Ocean Parkway for over 25 years, I concur with their objections.”

In addition, Hikind published a video that garnered 20,000 views in days, urging members of the community to contact the offices of Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio to express their frustration with the traffic changes. “Please call the Governor at 518-474-8390 and the Mayor at 212-788-3000 and ask them to save Ocean Parkway from this insanity,” Hikind said. “It is unconscionable that people gathered in an office somewhere in Albany and agreed these changes would be a good idea. This will undoubtedly cause major aggravation and confusion for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians alike. Forcing motorists to turn one block earlier onto the service road will only direct traffic down these narrow, congested avenues, creating a hazardous safety risk for hundreds of children and their families. It must be stopped, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure the plans are corrected.”

‘The newspaper of record???’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) blasted The New York Times on Wednesday following an article published on pg. 7 in Sunday’s edition on the Iranian-Saudi conflict, how it tore apart the Middle East and the power struggle between many of its countries. The article entitled, “How the Iranian-Saudi Proxy Conflict Tore The Mideast Apart,” included a map of the Middle East that left out one country: Israel.

“I’m so disappointed and perplexed with The New York Times for leaving out the state of Israel on its map of the Middle East,” Assemblyman Hikind said. “Did they forget that Israel is part of the Middle East or was it left out intentionally? I find it absolutely appalling that The New York Times would follow the lead of many newspapers throughout the Middle East that don’t accept the existence of Israel, and therefore Israel is not on the map.

Hikind continued: “How can one of the most decorated publications in the world fail to even acknowledge Israel’s existence on a map? How dare you call yourselves the newspaper of record!”

Assemblyman Hikind demanded that The New York Times publicly acknowledge this error and apologize for it.

“It’s evident that The New York Times is pushing a bias, slanted view against Israel, and it needs to stop,” Hikind said. Leaving Israel off the map of the Middle East is exactly part of the problem with mass media and its attempt to continue pushing a liberal, progressive agenda. At what point do we draw the line?”

‘Senator Schumer, please reconsider your support for such toxicity’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) called on fellow Democrats to steer clear of supporting Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) for the Democratic National Committee chairmanship Tuesday afternoon.

As the first Muslim elected to Congress, 53-year-old Keith Ellison has already garnered the support of top Democrats for the position, including Sens. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), while also receiving endorsements from Senate leaders Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and retiring Harry Reid (D-Nev).

“Has the Democratic Party absolutely lost their minds in picking the most radical candidate imaginable?” Hikind asked. “I cannot believe that a party I have represented for the past 34 years could stand behind someone with such a toxic track record. Senator Schumer, please reconsider your support for such toxicity.”

As a student at the University of Minnesota, Keith Ellison – who had written for the student newspaper under the name Keith Hakim – defended Farrakhan against accusations of anti-Semitism in 1989 and 1990. In addition, Ellison shared a photo back in June that referred to Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian territories as apartheid. In the caption, a sign read: “Caution: This was taken by Israel. You are entering apartheid.”

“I call onto all Democrats to please reconsider your support for such a dangerously radical candidate to be the next chairman of the DNC,” Hikind said. “Please make your voices heard, and come together to choose a more mainstream candidate as the next chairman.”

‘Something is not Kosher on the Palisades Interstate Parkway’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) blasted the Palisades traffic court Thursday after it dragged Chaveirim volunteer David Konnhauser to multiple hearings and rescinded a dismissal of a ticket he received for operating an “unauthorized service vehicle” while helping a member of Hatzolah change a flat tire at a rest stop.

Hikind joined Konnhauser in court to fight the violation Nov. 3 and last evening, in which the police officer didn’t make an appearance. While the original “unauthorized service vehicle” violation was dismissed, the Chaveirim volunteer was fined $50 for parking illegally.

“In the state of New York, if an officer doesn’t appear in court, the case is dismissed; Period,” Assemblyman Hikind said with disgust following last night’s hearing. “It’s bad enough the court decides to penalize someone for being a good Samaritan and helping another in need, but then to drag him out to court multiple times and rescind the prosecutor’s recommendation to dismiss the ticket is the epitome of disrespect.”

Hikind added: “The Chaveirim volunteer wasn’t even operating out of a service vehicle in the first place. So whether it’s considered an unauthorized or authorized vehicle is irrelevant. He was helping another good Samaritan change a flat tire.”

Konnhauser, who resides in Brooklyn, appeared in the Alpine, N.J. court four times dating back to mid-September, in which he continued to plead not guilty for the violation. The Palisades Interstate Parkway Commission offered Konnhauser a plea deal of $50, but he refused to pay based on principle. A hearing was then scheduled for Nov. 3.

With Assemblyman Hikind appearing at the hearing on Nov. 3, the prosecutor recommended to dismiss the ticket altogether. However prior to the judge approving this recommendation, the police officer informed the court of his desire to go to trial, thereby nullifying this agreement.

Another hearing was slated for last evening, in which Assemblyman Hikind appeared once again with Konnhauser and once again, the police officer failed to appear in court. Rather than schedule another hearing, Judge Marc Raso decided to dismiss the “unauthorized service vehicle” violation and, instead, issue a ticket for illegally parking.

Hikind, disgusted at the series of events in traffic court, is calling on the Bergen County presiding judge to conduct an immediate investigation into the behavior of the court.

“Something is not Kosher on the Palisades Interstate Parkway,” Hikind said. “This cannot be allowed to continue at the expense of the general public. Good Samaritans should never be victimized for their volunteerism.

Added Hikind: “It’s unfortunate that members of Hatzolah, who receive frequent dispatch calls, are being told by the Palisades court that they should wait for an authorized service to change a tire rather than save a life.”

‘Send a message to Jerry Nadler and stop the Iran Deal’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) campaigned with Congressional candidate Dr. Phil Rosenthal along 13^th Avenue Sunday afternoon, introducing the Republican to residents of Boro Park just days before the election.

Hikind, who vowed to vote for Rosenthal on the “Stop the Iran Deal” line, spoke about the Republican’s integrity and positions on strengthening our borders and fighting the Iran Deal championed by Jerry Nadler.

“With thousands of people disgusted with the Iran Deal and its champion Jerry Nadler, now is the opportunity to voice your concern,” Assemblyman Hikind said. “Let’s send a message tomorrow and have our voices heard. My entire family will join me in voting for Rosenthal, and I invite you to do the same. Let’s stop the Iran Deal once and for all.”

]]> http://dovhikind.com/news/hikind-campaigns-with-phil-rosenthal-along-13th-avenue/feed 0 http://dovhikind.com/news/hikind-praises-nyc-dot-commissioner-trottenberg-for-installing-new-traffic-signage-in-front-of-friends-field http://dovhikind.com/news/hikind-praises-nyc-dot-commissioner-trottenberg-for-installing-new-traffic-signage-in-front-of-friends-field#respond Thu, 20 Oct 2016 15:46:17 +0000 http://dovhikind.com/?p=8222 ‘It’s about getting things done and making our communities safer’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) praised NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Brooklyn DOT Commissioner Keith Bray Thursday for installing new traffic signage in front of Friends Field near East 4^th Street and Avenue L.

The new signage, which includes a stop sign, a “stop ahead” and playground sign, comes in response to several requests made by Assemblyman Hikind to improve traffic safety in the community.

“I applaud the work and efforts of Commissioners Polly Trottenberg and Keith Bray, as well as Mayor de Blasio for continuing to make our communities safer,” an elated Assemblyman Hikind said. “It’s about getting things done, and they have delivered.”

Prior to the new signage, Hikind said there was a major safety hazard, as most drivers would not slow down just before making the turn in front Friends Field. “You have hundreds of children and their families that use Friends Field for its services, and it can be very dangerous if drivers are speeding nearby,” he said. “Someone could get seriously injured. It’s a chance that we cannot take.”

In September, Assemblyman Hikind toured parts of the 48^th District with Commissioner Trottenberg to highlight some concerns with the lack of traffic signage, and where more signage could improve traffic safety. “We are so lucky to have Commissioners Trottenberg and Bray, as well as a mayor that cares so deeply about the needs of our communities,” Hikind said. “I look forward to continue working with NYC DOT on other suggestions regarding traffic signage and safety concerns.”

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) penned a letter to Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitchell Silver on Tuesday, requesting an increase in hours of separate gender swimming for women at Metropolitan Pool and Recreation Center in Williamsburg.

In May, after a complaint was filed with the NYC Commission on Human Rights, the Parks Department announced that it was going to end the separate swimming policy, claiming it was discriminatory. However after careful consideration, the Human Rights Commission agreed to issue an exemption that would allow the arrangement to continue.

“I applaud Mayor de Blasio and the Human Rights Commission, as well as the Department of Parks and Recreation in continuing separate gender swimming hours,” Assemblyman Hikind said in the letter. “This separate gender swimming program has proven to be very popular and well attended.”

Community Board 1 voted unanimously in favor of keeping separate gender swimming hours, 33-0, and recently asked Commissioner Silver to place a moratorium on the reduction of swimming hours to allow the community and elected officials the opportunity to resolve the issue. Hikind will join the board in its next meeting at 6 p.m. tonight at 211 Ainslie Street to support an increase in swimming hours for women.

Hikind explained that while he appreciated the continuation of the program, the hours would be reduced to half of what they were beginning in October. “Unfortunately the reduction will create overcrowding during the swim period,” he said. “Only a certain number of swimmers are permitted to use the pool at one time, and there is now a long line of women waiting their turn. Additionally, when these women have the opportunity to swim, their time will be severely limited in order to allow those waiting to have a chance.”

Added Hikind: “In order to meet the demand of the program’s popularity, I respectfully request that the Parks Department not only restore the previous hours, but actually increase them to accommodate all women who wish to take advantage of the facility. This will ensure that those wishing to use the pool have the maximum opportunity to do so. By allowing all women to swim separately, we send a clear message that NYC is culturally sensitive and recognizes the diverse nature of its residents.”

‘I AM APPALLED AND DISMAYED THAT SUCH BEHAVIOR COULD HAVE OCCURRED AND NOT BE FURTHER PURSUED BY THE YANKEE ORGANIZATION.’

In a letter to Yankee President Randy Levine, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) called for swift action to address an incident that occurred during a game at Yankee Stadium back on September 12, 2016.

A couple of weeks ago, Mr. Ben Lapin, a life-long Yankee fan and Orthodox Jew, attended a Yankee game at Yankee Stadium. There was nothing out of the ordinary until Mr. Lapin had his yarmulke (skullcap) pulled off his head by a fellow patron seated behind him. This patron proceeded to taunt Mr. Lapin and finally after numerous pleas, returned his yarmulke to him. “I am appalled and dismayed that such behavior could have occurred and not be further pursued by the Yankee organization,” said Hikind in the letter.

“Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, and people and their families attend a game to enjoy themselves. Imagine the pain and degradation Mr. Lapin experienced as this incident unfolded. He relayed to me how distraught he was and how it continued to negatively affect him for several days afterward, to the point that he was not able to enjoy his anniversary. To add insult to injury, when Mr. Lapin went to report this incident to stadium officials, they tried to minimize it and took no action.”

As an attempt to pacify Mr. Lapin, Yankee officials offered him free tickets to a future game. “It is an outrage that this type of abhorrent behavior go unanswered,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “Mr. Lapin, a father of five, did not appeal to me to take action for some free tickets. He wants the Yankee organization to set an example by helping identify these perpetrators and aid him in pursuing harassment charges.”

“We need to send a clear and strong message that there is no place for this type of behavior anywhere,” added Hikind.

This meeting was held to continue Assemblyman Hikind’s efforts to address the many concerns of residents relating to the safety of their children and dangerous conditions along the streets of the district. These concerns encompass many areas in Boro Park as well as areas along Ocean Parkway and Midwood.

“Keeping our communities, families and children safe is of the utmost importance, and we should do everything we can to ensure that that holds true,” Assemblyman Hikind said. “I look forward to working with this superstar of a commissioner to ensure the safety of our communities. Commissioner Trottenberg has always been receptive and responsive any time she has been called upon to act. I appreciate her coming to the community personally to address our safety concerns.”

Assemblyman Dov Hikind at 17th Avenue, together with Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Rebbecca Zack, Director of Government Affairs, Anne Marie Doherty, & District Leader Duvie Schwartz

At 17th Avenue together with DOT officials and local resident Zevi Silberstein

DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE IN THIS YEAR’S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Back in December, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) requested that the NYC Board of Elections make voter registration forms available in Yiddish. “I am proud to announce that as of today, these forms are now available in Yiddish,” said Assemblyman Hikind.

“There are thousands of Yiddish-speakers in my district and New York State,” said Hikind. In a prior letter to NYC Board of Elections President Michael Michel, Hikind wrote, “Making voter registration forms available in Yiddish will encourage native speakers of the language to register to vote by making the process more comfortable, inviting, and user-friendly.”

Hikind added, “I invite you to take a look at any newsstand near my office, where you will see dozens of Yiddish language newspapers, magazines, and other publications, attesting to the vibrancy and every day usage of the language. As another Election Day draws closer, ballots and other materials generated by the Board of Elections, as well as information on the website, will continue to be displayed only in Bengali, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish. The voter registration handbook was even translated into Russian. But there are no Yiddish voting materials.”

“I applaud Mike Ryan from the NYC Board of Elections and the NYC Council, as well as NYC Council Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito for making this a reality. Everyone deserves the right to have their voice heard and be able to vote. Now Yiddish speaking constituents can now register with ease,” said the Assemblyman.

“I urge all who have not yet registered to vote, to take the time now, to do so. Applications must be postmarked no later than October 14th and received by a board of elections no later than October 19th to be eligible to vote in the General Election,” said Assemblyman Hikind.

Forms are available at Assemblyman Hikind’s office located at 1310 48^th street, 2^nd floor, or it can be download online at:

http://www.nyccfb.info/PDF/nyc_votes/forms/YI_Registration_Form.pdf

“We all agree that safety is the top priority. However, after requesting, receiving and reviewing a report of the accident pattern of high crash intersections from DOT, I am more perplexed,” said Assemblyman Hikind in the letter. The NYS DOT cited numerous accident statistics to justify the above changes. Assemblyman Hikind requested the same statistics from the local NYPD precincts, only to discover that these statistics did not indicate any bicycle accidents for the past two years and hardly any pedestrian accidents at these intersections as well.

“I believe some of the planned changes will make Ocean Parkway less safe, create more traffic and leave motorists more confused,” said Assemblyman Hikind. It will, “create more traffic along the service road and more of a hazard for pedestrians, especially children.” Additionally, 15 valuable parking spaces along the service road will be eliminated to implement these “improvements” along Ocean Parkway.

Assemblyman Hikind is urging everyone affected by these changes to contact NYS DOT Commissioner Driscoll at 518-457-4422 and urge him to modify this plan.

‘Hundreds of homeowners have spent millions of dollars unnecessarily in an effort to repair damaged sidewalks they were never responsible for’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) and staff member David Schwartz visited with homeowners to address notice of violations distributed by the Department of Transportation for damaged sidewalks caused by tree roots.

After visiting with homeowners who received DOT sidewalk violations, Assemblyman Hikind called on the NYC DOT to be more transparent and clearly state what damages the homeowner is responsible for. The motion comes just weeks after Hikind’s office received numerous calls from residents who received a notice of violation after their property had been inspected and the sidewalk was found to have defects, including broken flags, trip hazards, freestanding or an improper slope. In the conjunction with the violation notice, DOT also issues an accompanying Inspection Report diagram informing property owners which of the flags are defective – a sidewalk flag marked with an “X” is identified as “non-assessable.”

“Just imagine you get home from work one day and you see a DOT violation notice in your mailbox,” Assemblyman Hikind explained. “Not only is the language and diagram very difficult to understand, but homeowners are left unaware as to what they’re responsible for. Because of that, you have hundreds of homeowners who unnecessarily spent millions of dollars repairing damaged sidewalks that they weren’t even responsible for.”

Due to a New York City law that states property owners are responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalks adjacent to their properties, homeowners may feel the need to fix the damaged sidewalks themselves. However Assemblyman Hikind’s office confirmed with Parks Department officials that homeowners are not financially responsible for sidewalk flags that are identified as “non-assessable.”

Assemblyman Hikind went on to suggest that the letter and corresponding diagram homeowners receive are confusing and difficult to understand. The notice states that New York City law, under Section 2904 of the New York City Charter and Section 190-152 of the New York City Administrative Code, “require property owners to maintain the sidewalk adjacent to their property” and is “responsible for repairing all defects.” The notice goes on to state that the homeowner is required to take out a permit and begin the work within 45 days. Should the homeowner not complete repairs, the city may opt to hire private construction firms to make the necessary repairs and bill the homeowner.

“The notice clearly puts the responsibility of maintenance and repairs solely upon the homeowner,” Hikind said in a letter to NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “The notices are very misleading.”

Hikind added, “In the era of transparency, a notice of violation must clearly state that damaged sidewalk flags caused by tree roots are not the financial responsibility of the homeowner and they will not be charged. Due to the ambiguity of the violations, many homeowners, instead, elect to reach into their own pockets to cover the cost of repairs. I urge the Department to revise the Notice of Violation and clearly explain in an easily understood fashion which flags are the financial responsibility of the homeowner.”

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) met with newly-appointed Brooklyn College President Michelle Anderson yesterday afternoon to discuss the direction of the college, policies and to forge a working relationship. The meeting comes just weeks after President Anderson assumed her post on August 1, making her the 10^th president of Brooklyn College.

“I look forward to turning a new chapter and working with President Anderson to tackle issues head-on,” Assemblyman Hikind said following Tuesday’s meeting. “After meeting President Anderson, it became very evident as to why she was hand-picked by CUNY President James Milliken to represent Brooklyn College.

“President Anderson’s willingness to reach out just days after being appointed was like a breath of fresh air,” added Hikind.

Over the past couple of years, Brooklyn College has garnered negative attention regarding several anti-Semitic incidents on the campus. Back in February, several students that belong to the student group Students for Justice in Palestine interrupted a faculty council meeting with anti-Zionist chants, calling for “Zionism out of CUNY.”

Assemblyman Hikind addressed the dilemma, calling for the institution to punish those who took part in the hate speech and to expel the student group from campus grounds. Hikind also called on the college to put an end to its “co-sponsorship of anti-Israel hatefests” after the institution was scheduled to allow Ben White—a known anti-Israel academic—to speak as a guest of Students for Justice in Palestine.

But after the introductory meeting with President Anderson, Assemblyman Hikind said he felt reassured that the college is in good hands.

“I was so impressed with the direction that President Anderson envisions for Brooklyn College,” Hikind said. “Not only is President Anderson class-personified, but her character and morals are right in line with what an academic professional should be.”

‘Notices are misleading and don’t accurately inform the homeowner that they are not responsible for the repair of a tree-damaged sidewalk’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) recently called on the Department of Transportation to revise and clarify its Notice of Violation for damaged or raised sidewalks due to uprooted trees planted by the city.

Over the course of the past few months, Assemblyman Hikind’s office has received numerous calls from residents within the district who received a notice of violation after their property had been inspected and the sidewalk was found to have defects, including broken flags, trip hazards, freestanding or an improper slope. In the violation, DOT also issues an accompanying Inspection Report diagram informing property owners which of the flags are defective – a sidewalk flag marked with an “X” is identified as “non-assessable.”

Due to a New York City law that states property owners are responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalks adjacent to their properties, homeowners may feel the need to fix the damaged sidewalks themselves.

“In many cases that we have documented, it is the thick, powerful roots of the city’s own trees that have raised or damaged the sidewalk,” Assemblyman Hikind said in a letter to DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “In conversations with DOT and Parks Department officials, our office confirmed that homeowners are not financially responsible for sidewalk flags that are identified as ‘non-assessable.’”

According to the DOT official website, “tree-damaged flags of the sidewalk are non-assessable and the property owner will not be charged for those flags.”

However, Assemblyman Hikind went on to suggest that the letter and corresponding diagram homeowners receive are confusing and difficult to understand. The notice states that New York City law, under Section 2904 of the New York City Charter and Section 190-152 of the New York City Administrative Code, “require property owners to maintain the sidewalk adjacent to their property” and is “responsible for repairing all defects.” The notice goes on to state that the homeowner is required to take out a permit and begin the work within 45 days. Should the homeowner not complete repairs, the city may opt to hire private construction firms to make the necessary repairs and bill the homeowner.

“The notice clearly puts the responsibility of maintenance and repairs solely upon the homeowner,” Hikind said in the letter. “The notices are misleading. Nowhere does it inform the homeowner that they are not responsible for the repair of a tree-damaged sidewalk.”

Hikind added, “In the era of transparency, a notice of violation must clearly state that damaged sidewalk flags caused by tree roots are not the financial responsibility of the homeowner and they will not be charged. Due to the ambiguity of the violations, many homeowners, instead, elect to reach into their own pockets to cover the cost of repairs. I urge the Department to revise the Notice of Violation and clearly explain in an easily understood fashion which flags are the financial responsibility of the homeowner.”

‘After a long day’s work, No one should be subjected to a trickling faucet or shower head; This quality-of-life issue must be resolved’

After David Schwartz, Communications Assistant to Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn), informed the assemblyman of numerous complaints regarding weak water pressure in certain sections of Boro Park, Hikind called on the Department of Environmental Protection to address and resolve this quality-of-life issue. Many of the complaints lodged were by homeowners residing between 45^th Street to 48^th Street and 9^th Avenue to Fort Hamilton Parkway.

Assemblyman Hikind’s request comes on the heels of observing firsthand the difficulties homeowners have with common household tasks, like washing dishes and doing laundry, due to a lack of water pressure. While some residents continue to suffer with low to moderate water pressure, others experience water trickling out of their shower heads and faucets at an unbearably slow rate, making it impossible to run multiple water-consuming appliances simultaneously.

DEP representatives previously came to the area to investigate the situation, but claimed that there was nothing wrong with the water pressure. Hikind consulted with Moshe Fischman, a master plumber with over four decades of professional experience, in an effort to get a better understanding of why sections of Boro Park are experiencing weak water pressure. Following the meeting, Hikind penned a letter to Vincent Sapienza, the Commissioner of Dept. of Environmental Protection, urging the department to look into the matter and address the situation expeditiously.

“After spending time with numerous irate homeowners, I saw firsthand and can attest to the serious conditions many of these families have had to endure,” Assemblyman Hikind said. “To be forced to wait several hours for a bathtub to fill up is absolutely unacceptable. Tenants within the same house are forced to coordinate when they will shower due to weak water pressure in the area. Nobody should be subjected to a trickling faucet or shower head after coming home from a long day’s work in the summer months.”

Added Hikind: “The lack of water pressure has significantly reduced the quality of life of these residents. I am requesting that the Dept. of Environmental Protection address this issue, and would welcome the commissioner to come see firsthand the conditions that these residents are forced to live with.”

###

‘This is a complete and utter whitewash; The message that Brooklyn College sends is crystal clear: we encourage students to threaten and make anti-Semitic remarks’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) slammed a decision made by Brooklyn College to exonerate its students of anti-Semitic charges brought against them after they interrupted a faculty council meeting months ago with anti-Semitic chants.

After students barged into a faculty council meeting and chanted “Zionists Out of CUNY” and “Zionist pigs” toward Faculty Council Chairman Yedidyah Langsam, the meeting was adjourned. Assemblyman Hikind, who then received phone calls from numerous professors and administrators fearful for their safety, called for CUNY to investigate the incident and for the suspension of the students.

The disciplinary committee, however, found on May 20 two students “not culpable” of three of the four charges. They received a warning for the fourth charge of “failing to comply with lawful directions.”

“I am outraged that students, who threatened a group of administrators with several hateful, anti-Semitic remarks, were exonerated; This is a complete and utter whitewash” Assemblyman Hikind said in disbelief. “I’m sorely disappointed that Brooklyn College has failed to discipline its students for intimidating a group of people; I’m in shock. Brooklyn College missed a great opportunity to set an example that hatred and intimidation will not be tolerated.”

In a press release issued by Palestine Legal, it was documented that “nine professors from seven departments testified that the ‘mic check’ lasted only a few minutes, and that the faculty council meeting need not have been adjourned, that no harm came to the faculty council or university business…”

“I spoke with professors on an individual basis, and they reaffirmed their fear of these students and were intimidated beyond imagination; some even feared for their safety,” Assemblyman Hikind said in response to the release. “By not penalizing students for their hateful actions, we’re only empowering others to repeat this offensive behavior and inviting more instances like this in the future.”

‘Thank You, Mayor de Blasio’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) announced on Thursday afternoon a major victory for human rights after being notified that the separate gender swimming hours program at the Metropolitan Pool and Recreation Center will not be closing. The Parks Department informed Hikind’s office that the women-only swimming session will continue as is every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

“I’m so thrilled to learn that the Parks Department will be continuing this separate swimming hours program,” Hikind said. “It is a major victory for the people, and the community can rest much easier this Shabbos knowing that men and women can continue to swim separately.”

After being informed by several women within the community of the program’s closing earlier this week, Assemblyman Hikind called on the City and the Parks Department to be more “culturally sensitive” and accepting of cultural differences.

“I want to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio for his swift actions in resolving this issue,” Hikind said. “With the swimming schedule remaining as is, it’s imperative that we remember to accept and be sensitive to different cultures.”

Hikind added, “I also want to thank the numerous women from Williamsburg, who reached out to express their disappointment on the program’s closing. It just goes to show that it pays off to stand up and always fight for what you believe in.”

‘It’s preposterous to think that the City could even consider this to be discriminatory’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) slammed a citywide decision to close separate gender swimming hours at the Metropolitan Pool and Recreation Center in Williamsburg, arguing that the separate hours are about being more sensitive to different cultures and religions.

After receiving numerous complaints, Assemblyman Hikind’s office confirmed that the center, located at 261 Bedford Avenue, is discontinuing the separate swimming hours program, which has been in place for many years. Hikind spoke with several women in the community, who voiced their concern and disappointment about the program’s closing, effective June 11, 2016.

“What happened to being culturally sensitive?” Assemblyman Hikind said. “I thought we were in the midst of a ‘Progressive Era,’ where we do everything we can to be more accepting of cultural differences.”

Hikind added, “It’s preposterous that the city could even consider this to be ‘discriminatory,’” It just boggles my mind how we continue to be so insensitive when it comes to respecting other cultures.”

As a sign of modesty, many throughout the Jewish community abide by a restriction that men and women swim separately. As it now stands, the program allows women to swim privately from 9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, which now will be cancelled.

“In no way is this program for separate gender swimming meant to be discriminatory,” Hikind concluded. “Anyone, regardless of their race or religion, is more than welcome to take advantage of the facility’s services. We call upon the City and the Parks Department to reverse this decision and ensure the continuation of this program.”

‘We send the wrong message when we pass legislation that diminishes punishment for criminal violations; ‘We are playing with fire’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) recently urged Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito to “reconsider” changes within the Criminal Justice Reform Act that will downgrade dozens of quality-of life offenses to fines.

The legislation, consisting of eight bills, will lessen several criminal offenses including, possession of an open alcoholic beverage, public urination and after-dusk loitering in public parks to violations penalized with a ticket. Those who cannot pay the fine will then be assigned to community service.

“We send the wrong message when elected officials pass legislation that diminishes the punishment for certain criminal violations,” said an outraged Assemblyman Hikind. “While certain violations don’t warrant an arrest, simply issuing a ticket for public urination is ridiculous. By minimizing these types of crimes, we are playing with fire.”

The Criminal Justice Reform Act will establish a system where repeat offenders will be penalized with escalating fines. City lawmakers acknowledged that repeated offenders could be dealt with through “criminal reinforcement,” however details on harsher punishment for these non-criminal violations are still being worked out.

“Certain violations are more egregious than others; Rather than altering the punishment for certain offenses, let’s allow the world’s greatest police force to do their job,” Hikind suggested.

Advocates of the legislation pointed out the disproportionate arrests and charges brought up on nonwhites for violations that often leave minorities with damaging criminal records.

“It is obvious to all conscientious people that the criminal justice system has had a disproportionately negative effect on black, brown and poor communities,” Brooklyn Councilman Jumaane Williams said. “The unequal enforcement of law and practices that happen in communities of color has had lasting intergenerational effects on families and neighborhoods, systematically destroying the futures of so many.”

“This legislation will prove to be counter-productive in terms of lowering our crime rate, regardless of the criminal’s religion, race or creed because you provide perpetrators with an opportunity to only be slapped on the wrist with a fine,” Hikind said.

Ensures that with proper enforcement from NYC Parks Dept. and NYPD 66^th Precinct, noise will dissipate

‘I will continue to work with the 66^th Preinct and Parks Dept. to make sure we deal with the deafening noise; If we enforce the rules, people will abide by them’

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) was joined by Captain Kenneth Quick of the NYPD 66^th Precinct, representatives from Erasmus Field and the NYC Parks and Recreation Dept. and local community leaders at Friends Field Clubhouse last Thursday to address numerous noise complaints coming from the fields in the evenings on weekends. After listening to nearly 30 irritated community members complain about constant noise into the wee hours of the night, including whistle-blowing, loud banging on bleachers and deafening music, leaders of the community then walked through Friends Field to begin enforcing park rules.

“It is unbelievable and unacceptable that people don’t even feel secure in their own house,” Assemblyman Hikind said during the meeting. “We have a situation where tax-paying homeowners are being disrupted, and we simply cannot allow for that to continue. This isn’t Yankee Stadium; we shouldn’t have to hear loud music being played at midnight.

Despite the noise complaints, Hikind encouraged the use of Friends and Erasmus Fields, urging members of the community to take advantage of what the fields have to offer. “These parks provide families with hours of entertainment on the weekends, and are a great place to spend time with loved ones. I’m not against anyone having fun in the park, however rules need to be enforced. If the rules are enforced, people will abide by them and we’ll start to see the noise dissipate.”

Hikind added, “I will continue to do everything in my power to address this noise issue. We must work together to ensure park rules are being enforced from this moment on.”