Marty Slams MTA's Decision to Raise Transit Fares and Close Token Booths

Before the MTA voted to raise transit fares and close token booths at a March 6th board meeting, Marty strongly protested that any decision should be postponed until the public gets a full accounting of the MTA's finances. "I'm outraged at the MTA's rush to judgment in raising transit fares, closing token booths and hiking bridge and tunnel tolls," Marty said. "There was no reason why it couldn't have waited a few more months to let our independent fiscal experts, the state and city comptrollers, finish their audits of the MTA's books to determine if any of these actions were truly necessary. These tax hikes will disproportionately hit those who can least afford it. Governor Pataki, who promised to be New York City's savoir during the campaign, has now thrown us under a bus." The MTA's initial plan was to close 50 Brooklyn token booths. After inspecting nearly all of those slated to be closed, the BP repeatedly called on the MTA to immediately remove 24 token booths off its list due to very serious safety concerns. The MTA responded to Marty's numerous requests by keeping 19 of these token booths open. But the MTA is still planning on closing 23 Brooklyn token booths. "The only sliver of good news is that these and some other token booths will remain open," Marty said. "But the closing of any token booth will endanger riders during a time when our city is doing everything it can to protect our residents. The MTA is sacrificing the safety of our straphangers, and I will continue this fight to get the MTA to overturn this dangerous decision." Here are the 19 token booths that will remain open at the following stations: High Street (A), Church Avenue (Q), Lorimer Street (L), Halsey Street (L), Clinton-Washington (C), Kingston-Throop (C), Utica Avenue (C), Nostrand Avenue, (C), Utica Avenue (4), Marcy Avenue (J), Bergen Street (2, 3), Union Street (R), Prospect Avenue (R), 25th Street (R), Brighton Beach (D, Q), Carroll Street (F), Ocean Parkway (D), Sheepshead Bay Road (D, Q) and Myrtle-Willoughby (G).

Historic Work Begins to Clean-Up Brownfield

Work finally began this week that will lead to the clean-up of Public Place, a long-blighted brownfield in Carroll Gardens. On March 7th, Marty joined State Senator Martin Connor, Assemblywoman Joan Millman, Councilman Bill de Blasio, community residents and Keyspan at the site to announce this historic development. The eight-acre site, located between Smith Street, Fifth Street and the Gowanus Canal, has stood largely inactive since it was last used as a gas plant in 1950s. "We are one step closer to realizing a dream shared by myself, Buddy Scotto and many others of redeveloping this valuable piece of property. This is the way things get done in Brooklyn - through cooperation among citizens, government and business, that results in meaningful investment in the community," Marty said. "Whatever is developed here will represent the transformation of ruin and waste into something useful and alive." Following the urging from a number of Brooklyn elected officials, Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff and the State, Keyspan has agreed to pay for the first phase of the site's clean-up - an environmental remedial investigation -without using any taxpayer money. Keyspan has established a special hotline for neighbors to call with concerns: 718-304-2084.

Plans for New Bensonhurst Senior Center Finalized

On March 6th, Marty joined State Senator Martin Golden, Assemblyman Peter Abbate and the New York City Department of Aging in announcing that plans for a new senior center in Bensonhurst have been finalized. The new center will be located at the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge. Marty was happy to contribute $35,000 to expand and renovate this new facility. "The seniors here in Bensonhurst, as do all seniors, deserve absolutely the very best services," Marty said. "I have always made senior concerns one of my top priorities. That is why I was so pleased to have helped fund this important project."

Marty Protests Closing Firehouses

On March 8th, Marty joined Councilwoman Diane Reyna and Councilman David Yassky to protest the proposed closure of the People's Firehouse, Engine Company 212, and others across the borough. "There is no way you can justify closing this or any other firehouse," Marty said. "We all realize we must do more with less, but we can never do anything that sacrifices the safety and security of our residents."

Precious Plates Returned to Church

On March 8th, Marty presented the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Bedford Stuyvesant and Dr. Harry Wright with two commemorative plates detailing the historic nature of the church. Marty's wife randomly discovered the beautiful works of art, dating back to the 1950s, on the internet. "I'm pleased to return these treasures where they rightfully belong!" Marty exclaimed.

It's Your Money, Come to Borough Hall and Get It!

Marty, along with the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs, wants to make this tax season a very rewarding experience for thousands of Brooklynites and their families by helping them sign up for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Throughout the week of March 17th, there will be certified tax preparers at Borough Hall to help anyone eligible for EITC file their taxes FREE OF CHARGE. People can come to the Borough Hall on the following dates and times: Monday, March 17 - 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Tuesday, March 18 - 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Wednesday, March 19 - 11:00am - 4:00pm, Thursday, March 20 - 11:00am - 4:00pm and Friday, March 21 - 11:00am - 4:00pm. Borough Hall is located at 209 Joralemon Street between Court and Adams Streets and is accessible by the 1, 2, 4, 5, A, F, M, N & R subway lines. For more information on this event, please call Dottie Conway at 718-802-3931.