37th ANNUAL WEST INDIAN-AMERICAN DAY PARADE CELEBRATED

On September 6, Marty and Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham joined Mayor Bloomberg, Senator Schumer and 2 million revelers at the 37th annual West Indian-American Day Parade, the largest festival in New York City. Musician Wyclef Jean, a Haitian native raised in Brooklyn, was the Parade’s Grand Marshall. And kudos to the Parade’s president, Yolanda Lezama-Clark. The parade traveled through the heart of Brooklyn’s Caribbean-American community, down Eastern Parkway from Utica Avenue in Flatbush to Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Heights, and featured the booming music, steel drums, flashy costumes, spicy food and lively atmosphere that are the trademark of the annual carnival. In what has become an annual tradition, the Sesame Flyers were again awarded Band of the Year honors for the 6th straight year. “Brooklyn is proud to be the Caribbean-American capital of America,” Marty told the crowd. “From Haiti to Panama to Jamaica to Barbados to Trinidad and Tobago — my adopted nation, I’m a Trini from Tunapuna — Caribbeans supply Brooklyn with its spice of life every day.”

BOROUGH PRESIDENT’S CUP STAYS IN BROOKLYN AFTER CYCLONES TROUNCE STATEN ISLAND YANKEES IN SEASON SERIES

The Staten Island Yankees didn’t put up much of a fight this year as the Brooklyn Cyclones won the season series September 7 by capturing their seventh straight game over the Yankees, 5-4. The Cyclones, who are tied for the best record in the New York-Penn League, are currently in first place in the league’s McNamara division. Unfortunately, the Yankees are in last place! “All is finally right in the world of baseball!” Marty exclaimed. “Staten Island, which I consider a southwestern Brooklyn suburb, must finally come to grips with the fact that we are and always will be the ‘Kings’ of the diamond – this year, next year and every year.” “We appreciate all of the loving care Staten Island temporarily provided our trophy, but this year the Cup is staying at home in Brooklyn Borough Hall where it belongs.”

MARTY TRANSPORTS BROOKLYN SPIRIT TO ITALY

During the week of September 6, Marty greeted mayors and other dignitaries in cities and towns throughout the Region of Campania, Italy. In addition to meeting with the region’s president, Antonio Bassolino, and Father Enzo Fortunato from the Convent of Assisi, Marty issued proclamations of appreciation to Italian officials including Mayor of Capri Ciro Lembo, Mayor of Naples Rosa Russo Jervolino, Mayor of Ravello Secondo Amalfitano, and Mayor of Scala Gabriele Mansi, M.D. “Italy is known for its warm people, its welcoming culture and of course its wonderful food,” said Marty. “It reminds me of Brooklyn. The symbolic bridges that we are building today between Brooklyn, USA, and Italy’s Campania region remind us how we are all connected no matter what our language or our geography.” In Scala, Italy, Marty participated in a memorial ceremony to commemorate 9/11 at the sculpture titled Resurrection Day, created by Italian sculptor Silvio Amelio. Resurrection Day was sculpted in honor of those lost in the tragedy of September 11 and unveiled at the site last year. Amelio also sculpted La Musa Di Brooklyn, which was unveiled in the rotunda of Borough Hall in October 2003.

MARTY MOURNS SLAIN BROOKLYN DETECTIVES

On September 14, Marty expressed outrage at the senseless murder of Brooklyn police detective Patrick Rafferty and Brooklyn police detective and resident Robert Parker, both of the 67th Precinct, who were truly New York’s finest. “All of Brooklyn extends its deepest condolences to the families of Detectives Parker and Rafferty,” said Marty. “We hope the families will be comforted by the prayers, thoughts and admiration of millions of New Yorkers during this difficult time. There is no greater service in helping others than the willingness to put your own life in danger, and these detectives have paid the ultimate price.” Although police have apprehended the accused, the tragic killings highlight the great need for early intervention in domestic-abuse cases as well as the failure of the courts to monitor convicted violent criminals.

MARTY BLASTS STATE TASK FORCE’S DECISION ON WILLIAMSBURG-GREENPOINT POWER PLANT PROPOSAL

On September 14, the New York State Siting Board on Electric Generation Siting and Environment voted to allow TransGas Energy to amend its proposal to construct and operate an 1,100-megawatt electricity-generating facility at the Bayside Fuel Site at Kent Avenue and Bushwick Inlet on the border of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. TransGas’ latest proposal to put a plant underground with a smokestack peering out would store dangerous flammable petrochemicals and constantly produce noise, water and air pollution. “I am outraged at the Siting Board’s ill-advised decision,” said Marty. “Despite today’s decision by the board, I will continue to work with the people of Greenpoint and Williamsburg in their fight to prevent TransGas from building a dangerous and polluting power plant. Our vision for the waterfront is parks and affordable housing – Brooklyn will not stand for anything less.”

TEAM BROOKLYN CHALLENGES CURTIS SLIWA’S TEAM BRONX IN ANNUAL BROOKLYN STICKBALL CHALLENGE

On September 14, Marty and Team Brooklyn again took it on the chin from Curtis Sliwa and Team Bronx in the annual Brooklyn Stickball Challenge’s Battle of the Boroughs, at Borough Hall Plaza. Marty and Team Brooklyn suffered a stunning defeat, 5-3, at the hands of Team Bronx. Marty vowed to defend Brooklyn’s honor and reputation as the stickball capital of New York in next year’s competition, saying “wait till next year.” The annual event is organized and sponsored by the Daily News to kickoff the annual Daily News Stickball competition in Coney Island, which is in its 12th year.

MARTY REJECTS PROPOSAL TO BUILD WATCHTOWER AT 85 JAY STREET

On September 16, Marty recommended the disapproval of a ULURP application for the Watchtower Project proposed by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York. “The Watchtower proposal does not adequately fit the needs of the community nor enhance the economy of the DUMBO, Farragut and Vinegar Hill communities,” said Marty. “We are concerned about the height of the proposed buildings and the lack of both retail space and public parking.” His recommendations include restricting the buildings’ height to approximately 120 feet along Jay Street and 70 feet for the rest of the site, and reducing the size of the parking garage, which would not be available to the public. “These changes would promote responsible development of DUMBO and Vinegar Hill while making substantial efforts to preserve the character of this unique community,” said Marty.

BROOKLYN MOURNS

Robert Parker and Patrick Rafferty, Brooklyn NYPD Detectives killed in the line of duty. Brooklynites are united in offering their deepest condolences to the families of both officers. They will be missed.