One Brooklyn
August 18, 2020
Brooklyn, NY – Today, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, State Senator Simcha Felder, Assembly Member Simcha Eichenstein, and City Council Member Kalman Yeger released a letter sent to New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Kathryn Garcia calling on the agency to withdraw summonses issued between March 18th and June 8th in the catchment area of Brooklyn Garage 12, which serves the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Borough Park, Mapleton, and Midwood. In the letter, the elected officials note that constituents in those areas were unfairly ticketed for litter that accumulated around their properties despite the fact that a shelter in place order was in effect during that period, essentially penalizing them for following that directive.
“We were disappointed to learn that law-abiding New Yorkers were ticketed by DSNY enforcement agents who were patrolling our residential areas during this crisis. The summonses are uncalled for and unfair. Our constituents diligently followed government orders despite the difficulty and hardship involved. Issuing $300 fines to innocent homeowners during that painful period, who are struggling due to the economic crisis sparked by this pandemic, is helpful to no one. We urge DSNY to withdraw these tickets immediately,” said the signatories to the letter.
DSNY issued summonses in these areas and throughout the city to homeowners with litter and other garbage in front of their properties at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. During roughly the same period, Alternate Side Parking was suspended, suggesting an inconsistent approach to street cleanliness by the City that has only created greater confusion and hardship for residents already struggling with unprecedented public health and economic crises. Borough President Adams, Assembly Member Eichenstein, State Senator Felder, and Council Member Yeger believe the City must re-evaluate these summonses issued in the catchment area of Brooklyn Garage 12 and throughout the rest of the city.
The full text of the letter, which was sent to Commissioner Garcia on Monday, August 17th, can be accessed here.
###
