Marty Praises Brooklyn City Council Delegation

"I want to commend the Brooklyn City Council delegation for working together as a group to make sure that Brooklyn did not have to shoulder a disproportion amount of the budget cuts that were finalized in the recent budget modification. After serving in the State Senate for 23 years, I know raising property taxes was the last thing any elected official wants to do. We all realize that these are very difficult fiscal times and we are not out of the woods yet. The next budget process will be even more painful. That is why I'll be working with the Brooklyn City Council delegation in the coming months to come up with various out-of-the-box ways to raise money so Mayor Bloomberg will never have to think about closing fire houses, senior centers or eliminating day care slots ever again. We also hope the Mayor is successful in his efforts to get more desperately needed state and federal aid. The bottom line is we need to make sure the City is functioning as productively and creatively as possible as we face these daunting budget deficits which we hope will disappear as our economy recovers."

BP Speaks Out on Commercial Waste Inequities

On November 18th, the Department of Sanitation (DOS) held a public meeting at Borough Hall to hear from residents, environmental advocates and elected officials on the state of commercial waste handling in Brooklyn. The BP's comments focused on the disproportionate amount of commercial waste that is handled within the borough. According to a preliminary Commercial Waste Management Report issued by DOS in June of this year, Brooklyn now handles over 50% of all putrescible (food containing) waste from commercial sources throughout the City. Furthermore, Brooklyn handles close to 50% of all construction and demolition debris produced in the City. This clearly does not honor the City's "fair share" policy. Furthermore, the concentration of land based waste transfer stations in Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Sunset Park, Red Hook and East New York contribute to a deteriorating quality of life for the residents and businesses in those communities. They are subjected to excessive truck traffic, diesel pollution, dust, noise and odors. Marty recommended the following to be included in the Commercial Waste Management Study: complete the Waste Characterization Study so that the City can identify and improve opportunities for commercial recycling; study and improve enforcement of transfer stations and truck traffic, especially the use of non-truck routes; perform a feasibility study to use the Marine Transfer Stations for commercial as well as residential garbage with the goal being the closure of truck based transfer stations in the affected neighborhoods - rail and barge are favorable to trucks; investigate new technologies (other than traditional incineration) to handle commercial waste.

Brooklyn Public Library Gets New Executive Director

Ginnie Cooper has been named Brooklyn Public Library's new Executive Director. Ms. Cooper comes to Brooklyn from Portland, Oregon where she ran the highly regarded Multnomah County Public Library system for the last 12 years. "I know that Ginnie Cooper will do a fantastic job running one of the finest libraries in the country. Brooklyn welcomes her with open arms," said Marty. She will become Brooklyn Public Library's first female Executive Director and expects to begin her new job in January.

Milestones from the Borough Of Churches

Salem Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Thomas Boyd recently celebrated his 85th birthday. To honor the Pastor for his 42 years of outstanding service to both the church and his community, Salem Missionary Baptist Church installed a new pipe organ, which was dedicated on November 17th with a special concert choir from Shaw University. Brooklyn also congratulates Rev. Wilmont Taylor on his installation as senior minister at the Flatbush-Tompkins Congregational Church in the heart of Flatbush. Also, the Fenimore Street United Methodist Church in the Prospect-Lefferts Manor community celebrated the appointment of Pastor Rev. Dr. Maxine Nixon.

Thanksgiving Message from the Borough President

"I just wanted to wish everyone in Brooklyn and beyond a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. During this time of the year, we pause to give thanks for all of the good things that we have in our lives. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for here in Brooklyn. Even though these have been trying times, Brooklynites have proven, over and over again, to be incredibly generous. Some of us need help, some of us can help, but the bottom line in Brooklyn is that we always help each other. That is something all of us need to remember during this holiday season. Whether you donate some food, money or your time, please remember those less fortunate. Brooklyn's strength is our incredible diversity and that strength is what will propel us in the days, months and years ahead. Enjoy your holiday."

Kudos to Brooklyn!

Money Magazine recently named Brooklyn one of the best places to live around New York City. "We think Brooklyn is the only place to live in New York City, but we greatly appreciate being honored by such a prestigious publication. The word is getting out that there is no better place to work, live and have a great time than Brooklyn!" said Marty.