BROOKLYN NEEDS BLOOD — BE A DONOR!

On June 29, Marty joined New York City Fire Department Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and New York Blood Center President Robert Jones at the FDNY Squad 1 firehouse on Union Street in Park Slope to launch the Brooklyn drive of a citywide blood-donation campaign. Initiatives have already begun in Manhattan and the Bronx, with the goal of encouraging New Yorkers to donate blood as part of their life routine — every 2 months or so — because the City is experiencing its worst blood shortage in history. FDNY and NYBC also want community groups to organize their own blood drives, and information about how to do so will be available at many Brooklyn firehouses and other locations, and at www.nybloodcenter.org. “Brooklyn is proud to be one big family, so we know that blood is thicker than water,” said Marty. “And if we join together like a family, we can wipe out the blood supply drought.” One blood drive will be held Thursday, July 29, at the New York Congregational Nursing Center, from noon to 5:30 p.m., at 123 Linden Boulevard in East New York. For more information, call 718-693-6060.

MARTY URGES REDUCED HEIGHT FOR PROPOSED DUMBO BUILDING

On July 1, Marty recommended the disapproval of a ULURP application for a 178-foot-tall residential building that would have blocked views of the legendary Brooklyn Bridge. The building at 38 Water Street, which was proposed by the real-estate developer Two Trees Management, would have obstructed bridge views for residents of DUMBO and Fulton Ferry and impeded views from the bridge’s pedestrian walkway. Marty’s recommendation suggested that the maximum height of the Water Street building be reduced to approximately 80 feet to eliminate any obstruction of bridge views and to fit in with the historic character of the nearby Civil War-era buildings. “The Brooklyn Bridge defines the elegance, grace and boldness of our borough for the rest of the world,” said Marty. “As Borough President I consider it my duty to be the caretaker of the most recognizable symbol of all of Brooklyn, and to preserve its magnificent views, which all Brooklynites cherish and revere.” Marty also commended the defining role that Two Trees Management and the Walentas family have played over the last two decades in transforming DUMBO into a thriving residential and commercial neighborhood while also maintaining its artistic roots.

MARTY COMMENDS RECENT MITCHELL-LAMA PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

On July 1, Marty endorsed the new initiative by the City to offer low-interest loans as an incentive for Mitchell-Lama developments to remain in the program as a prudent strategy to preserve affordable housing for another generation. He said that without such an opportunity, the affordable-housing gains through new developments would continue to be offset by the loss of our affordable stock resulting from Mitchell-Lama buyouts, luxury decontrol of rent-stabilized units and gentrification of non-stabilized units. “I look forward to working with the administration to maximize utilization of the Repair Loan Program in Brooklyn for the more than 3,000 units of eligible Mitchell-Lama housing,"

MARTY SUPPORTS CARIBBEAN TEACHERS LEFT IN LIMBO BECAUSE OF EXPIRED VISAS

On July 1, Marty expressed support for those teachers from the nations of the Caribbean who are trying to renew their visas through the State Department. Marty commended these teachers for providing an invaluable service to the New York City public-school system, and urged that their sacrifices and contributions be taken into consideration during the visa-renewal process. Although this situation is no longer under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Education, Marty suggested that the Department take on greater responsibility regarding the teachers that it recruits in the future. “I call on the Department of Education to provide more rigorous support and guidance to international teachers in the future,” said Marty, “so that they may truly benefit from the time and money invested in them.”

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN DEVELOPMENT PLAN

On July 1, Marty joined Mayor Bloomberg at the new Bank of New York Brooklyn office tower in the Atlantic Terminal building to announce the approval of the Downtown Brooklyn Development Plan by the City Council. The Mayor and Marty hailed the vote as ushering in a new era for Brooklyn’s economy which will create jobs and business opportunities for many years to come in the heart of our borough. They were joined at the press conference by Bank of New York Chairman Thomas Renyi, Economic Development Corporation President Andrew Alper, Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff, City Planning Commission Chair Amanda Burden, and City Councilmembers Letitia James and David Yassky. “In the days to come, I envision a natural synergy that will develop between downtown Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn,” said Marty. “It’s the kind of cooperative effort that makes me think we might have to coin a new term: YIMBY — yes in my backyard!”

GREECE WINS EUROPEAN CUP SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP — BROOKLYN’S GREEKS CELEBRATE!

On July 6, Marty joined Brooklyn’s Greek community, the second largest in New York City, in celebrating Greece’s triumph in the European Cup soccer championships. Marty commended the Greek team’s drive, which he said serves as an inspiration to Brooklyn’s youth to strive for success. “The team evokes the spirit of Brooklyn: coming from behind, often underestimated, but through sheer determination, resilience and keeping their heads in the game, they have earned their place in soccer history,” said Marty. “As the Olympics in Athens approaches, this Greek victory was destined. When Greece wins, Brooklyn wins.”

SUMMER CONCERTS

On July 8, the 26th Annual Seaside Summer Concert Series launched at Asser Levy Park in Brighton Beach, with the debut Brooklyn performance of none other than the great Linda Ronstadt! On July 12, the Martin Luther King, Jr., concert series at Wingate Field kicked off with the legendary New Edition’s first-ever performance in the borough. Future concert series highlights include: Dionne Warwick, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, En Vogue, and the Mighty Sparrow. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. — Mondays at Asser Levy Park; Thursdays at Wingate Field. For a complete lineup, call the concert hotline at 718-469-1912, or log onto www.brooklynconcerts.com.

BROOKLYN MOURNS

Joan Snow, wife of the late Dr. Snow, mother of Jamie Snow Markowitz, and mother in law of Borough President Marty Markowitz. She will be dearly missed by all in Brooklyn.