Marty joins Mayor Bloomberg, Council Speaker Miller and Councilmember Recchia in announcing Coney Island Development Corporation

On September 25th, Marty joined with Mayor Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Gifford Miller and Councilmember Domenic Recchia on Coney Island’s historic boardwalk to announce the incorporation of the Coney Island Development Corporation (CIDC). The local development corporation, which includes City officials, Brooklyn business and community leaders, and real estate executives, is charged with spearheading and implementing a comprehensive planning process for Coney Island and creating a coordinated economic development strategy for the area. The thirteen-member Board is made up of seven members selected by the Mayor, five by the City Council and one by the Borough President. New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Chief Operating Officer Joshua J. Sirefman will chair the Board, and each of the members serves for a term of two years. “Coney Island is full of a wealth of treasures waiting to be rediscovered, and the establishment of the Coney Island Development Corporation is an important step in that direction,” Marty said. From the Cyclone, the world’s most famous roller coaster to the Brooklyn Cyclones, one of America’s most successful minor league franchises, Coney Island is still a fantastic draw, but we have so much more to offer. Tourism is a major growth industry for Brooklyn, and Coney Island will be a key part of that. My dream is that one day, visitors will board a ferry in Manhattan and get off on a pier in Coney Island, ride the Cyclone, take in a concert, and dine at any number of seaside restaurants as they watch a spectacular fireworks display. I’d like to see Brooklyn’s Eiffel Tower, the Parachute Jump, become an international symbol once again. From our beaches and the boardwalk to our restaurants and nightlife, the best days for Coney Island are right in front of us.” State Senator Seymour Lachman and Assemblymember Adele Cohen were also on hand.

Marty Joins Govenor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg in Opening Newest Section of Brooklyn Bridge Park

On September 22nd, Marty joined Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg to open the newest segment of Brooklyn Bridge Park. This 1.5-acre segment was converted from a parking lot into lush green parkland as part of a far-reaching City/State plan to transform a 1.3-mile stretch of the formerly industrial Brooklyn waterfront. In July of 2001, work began to provide increased public access to Brooklyn’s historic waterfront, and this opening celebrated the $6.6 million, city-funded renovation of this portion of the park. Marty contributed almost $1.5 million in funding for the project. “This is Brooklyn at its best. When we reclaim our waterfront, we reclaim our past while ensuring our future. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create something that will out last all of us here today, which is why I was thrilled to be able to help fund this historic project,” Marty said. “This park is a great example of what can happen when government and the community work hand in hand creating an urban oasis in the greatest city in the world – Brooklyn!” State Senator Martin Connor, State Senator Martin Golden, Assemblymember Joan Millman and Councilmember David Yassky were also on hand.

Important resource guide for care givers of Brooklyn elderly

On September 26th, Marty joined with the Park Slope Geriatric Day Center (PSGDC) and the Brooklyn Caregivers Resource Committee in releasing the Brooklyn Caregivers Resource Guide, an important publication containing a wealth of information about how to access adult day services, in-home services, caregiver support programs and other resources for caregivers and their loved ones. Brooklyn has the largest population of seniors in the city, including the largest number of frail elderly over the age of 85. “There is nothing more important than caring for or providing assistance to an aging parent, friend or relative. But this is often an exhausting, around the clock job that can take a tremendous toll on a person’s physical and mental health,” Marty said. “The driving force behind this project was PSGDC Executive Director Marianne Nicolosi – bravo Marianne!” Marty and noted New York Times health columnist Jane Brody have written introductions to the Guide. Assemblymember Joan Millman, Councilmember David Yassky and DTFA Commissioner Edwin Mendez-Santiago were also on hand. For more information, or to request copies of the Brooklyn Caregivers Resource Guide, please contact Borough Hall at 718-802-3777, the Park Slope Geriatric Day Center at 718-499-7701 or visit www.psgdc.org.

Kudos Brooklyn!

This past week was another example of why the best medical care is right here in Brooklyn. On September 25th, Marty attended a ground breaking ceremony for the Maimonides Comprehensive Cancer Center, which will be Brooklyn’s only such facility, where coordinated services and treatment will be provided within a compassionate care model, all under one roof. Patients will be able to receive diagnosis, support, counseling and treatment at one site. Marty contributed $500,000 to the project. It is scheduled to open in the spring of 2005. Kudos to Pamela Brier, President and CEO, Maimonides Medical Center and Martin Payson, Chairman of the Board. Also on September 25th, Marty attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Brooklyn’s first Gilda’s Club, which is operating out of a brownstone in Park Slope. Gilda’s Club was founded by actor Gene Wilder in memory of his wife, Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989. Gilda’s Club offers free cancer support services and a networking community to cancer patients, their families and friends in a comfortable, non-medical, homey setting. A big thank you to NY Methodist Hospital for its incredible generosity; it is charging Gilda’s Club only $1 a year in rent for the entire brownstone.

Happy New Year!

I want to wish all Brooklynites who are celebrating a L’Shana Tovah!