Destroying Affordable Housing in Brooklyn

"In the dead of the night, Governor Pataki and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno made an incredibly anti-tenant decision that could ultimately destroy rent regulations in New York City," Marty said. "By extending the current rent regulations for the next eight years and allowing landlords to continue charging market rates for vacated rent-stabilized apartments once they reach $2000, hundreds of thousands of apartments will lose these critical rent protections over the next several years. Brooklyn is in dire need of more, not less, affordable housing, and this reckless action is a slap in the face of tenants across the borough. This is about preserving affordable housing and neighborhoods for moderate and middle class New Yorkers, who already have very few options left in the city. New York is on the road to becoming home to the only very rich and the very poor, which would be devastating for Brooklyn and the rest of the city. This will force people out of apartments they've lived in for decades, because once your rent reaches that magic $2000, the landlord doesn't even have to automatically renew your lease! A person should have some security in life, and this is ripping it away. If Governor Pataki and the Senate want to obliterate rent stabilization for 285,000 Brooklyn apartments, they should be just as committed to building more affordable housing. On behalf of Brooklyn, I believe New York City's State Republican senators have failed to safeguard tenant's rights. Strengthening rent control protections and eliminating vacancy decontrol must be Albany's top priority in the fall. But that won't happen unless all of Brooklyn rallies together and says enough is enough. Remember, you may be just a few rent increases away from losing your apartment."

Kids From P.S. 312 Present Donations to Families Who Lost Loved Ones in Iraq

On June 16th, Marty joined with the students of P.S. 312 in Bergen Beach, as they presented donations they raised to help the children of families who lost loved ones in Iraq. "It is sometimes easy to forget those who sacrificed everything, so millions of Iraqis can hopefully taste freedom and democracy. But the toll it has taken on families in Brooklyn, and throughout New York City, has been enormous," Marty said. "The children of P.S. 312 wanted to let these families know that they are in our hearts and souls. The Yellow Ribbon Campaign is a beautiful way to express those sentiments to the children in these families. While these donations will never replace those we have lost, this is a strong message of love and support from the students at P.S. 312, and the entire borough." P.S. 312 students, spearheaded by Principal Linda Beal-Benigno and Computer Cluster Teacher Rosemary Sera, raised $2000 in its Yellow Ribbon Campaign. The children sold yellow ribbons for $1 throughout the community. The money raised was donated to two New York City families whose sons paid the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq. The four children from each of the two families will each receive $500. U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Riayan Tejeda was killed in April in the battle that followed the fall of Baghdad, leaving behind two young daughters - Lorina, 6, and Miranda, 4. U.S. Marine Lance Corporal William White, from Bushwick, was killed in a vehicle accident in March in Iraq leaving behind two younger brothers - Bryan, 16, and Charles, 19.

Russian Heritage Celebration at Borough Hall

On June 19th, Marty, with The Daily News and the Russian American Arts Foundation, hosted a celebration in honor of Russian Heritage Week. "The number of Russian speaking Brook-lynites has swelled in recent decades, and your culture, food, and customs increasingly enliven our neighborhoods each year," Marty said. "During Russian Heritage Week, I am especially thrilled to be able to present the work of the great Russian born, 20th century costume designer, sculptor, and graphic artist Erte. He was a creative force in so many different artistic arenas, and the same can be said of Brooklyn's incredibly vibrant and dynamic Russian community." Marty is pleased to present this month-long exhibition on loan from Mark Schachner, a Brooklyn art collector, art dealer and owner of the Mill Basin Deli. Kudos to Russian-American Arts Foundation President Marina Kovalyov, and John Campi from the Daily News, for making this such a great evening. Nikolay Pashchenko, Deputy Counsel General, Consulate General of the Russian Federation, was also on hand.

Marty Swears in Newly Appointed Community Board Members

On June 17th, Marty swore in the dozens of newly appointed members of Brooklyn's 18 community boards. "Our community boards are the backbone of Brooklyn. They are often the first place that important local issues, like real estate development, zoning changes, and neighborhood planning, get discussed and voted on," Marty said.

Lighten Up Brooklyn Finale at Coney Island!

Come to the Coney Island Boardwalk on June 29th from 1:00 - 3:00pm to participate in a fantastic event - the Coney Island Fitness Beach Boot Camp. Workout with Marty and other Brooklynites as a number of fitness experts teach you great ways to get into shape. Lighten Up Brooklyn - Fitness Forever is a month long campaign to get people to try a number of different exercises and incorporate those that work best into their daily life. Throughout June, Brooklynites have been working out in free exercise classes in parks across the borough. For more information, log onto www.brooklyn-usa.org

Brooklyn Mourns

This week, we note the passing of two dedicated and devoted Brooklynites. Hortense Bradham, one of the founders of the Shirley Chisholm Institute, and Carrie Wilkins, an active member of the Berean Baptist Church, Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. and PSA #2. They both will be sorely missed.