BENSONHURST'S PREMIER NEWS BLOG

Source: Google Maps

Last week, seven people were injured in a horrific car crash on the corner of West 5th Street and Quentin Road. The impact took the life of a 60-year-old grandmother who was walking with her husband, daughter and 1-year-old granddaughter.

Residents of the area said that accidents on this intersection are commonplace. Councilman David Greenfield wants to do something to prevent any future incidents at the dangerous crosswalk.

“There’s no question traffic calming measures have to be put in there,” Greenfield said to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.

A Jeep Cherokee traveling eastbound Quentin Road and an Acura MDX heading northbound on West 5th Street crashed into one another and the force of the crash caused one of the cars to jump the sidewalk and mow down the pedestrians.

According to Greenfield, there are no traffic lights at the intersection and only one stop sign. He requested that the DOT conduct an inspection of the intersection.

“It is common for people to run the stop sign,” he said.

Greenfield also met with District Attorney Charles Hynes to discuss whether or not criminal charges should be filed.

At this point, it is not known what, if any, safety measures will be taken in the future to prevent crashes.

Source: Councilman David Greenfield’s office

From the offices of Councilman David Greenfield:

More than 150 Borough Park residents, elected officials and ambassadors to Sweden and Hungary braved the rain yesterday afternoon on the first day of Chanukah to honor the legacy of great humanitarian Raoul Wallenberg at a street co-naming ceremony hosted by Councilman David G. Greenfield at the corner of 13th Avenue and 50th Street. As a result of yesterday’s ceremony, the entire stretch of 13^th Avenue in Borough Park from 36th Street to 60th Street is now co-named “Raoul Wallenberg Way” in honor of the great World War II hero who helped save as many as 100,000 Hungarian Jews from certain death in Nazi concentration camps.

Yesterday’s ceremony was the culmination of a year-long effort to honor Raoul Wallenberg’s legacy on his 100th birthday and came after the City Council approved the street co-naming earlier this year. Borough Park is home to the largest population of Holocaust survivors in the United States, and many local families are descendants of individuals saved by Wallenberg, making 13th Avenue a fitting location for this historic event. As a result, future generations of Borough Park and Brooklyn residents will know of Raoul Wallenberg and his heroic actions on behalf of others during the Holocaust.

Joining Councilman Greenfield were prominent elected officials including Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, former City Comptroller Bill Thompson, State Senator-elect Simcha Felder, Assemblyman Bill Colton and Assemblyman David Weprin, along with members of the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Commission, Consul General of Hungary Karoly Dan and Honorary Consul General of Sweden David E.R. Dangoor. In addition, more than 150 local residents, including many whose relatives were saved by Raoul Wallenberg, attended despite the steady rain. After remarks by many of the leaders in attendance, Councilman Greenfield led the formal unveiling of a new city sign designating 13th Avenue as “Raoul Wallenberg Way.”

“The Talmud tells us that one who saves a life saves the world. In essence, that is what Chanukah is all about, a handful of people refusing to stand by and instead standing up to end the religious persecution nearly 2,200 years ago. But only 68 years ago Raoul Wallenberg made the ultimate sacrifice for doing the right thing. There are literally thousands in Borough Park who trace their lineage to someone saved by Raoul Wallenberg, and many of us would not be here today without Raoul Wallenberg. That is why we are here along the most important commercial strip in Borough Park recognizing Raoul Wallenberg. He chose to do the right thing, which is why he is a genuine hero. It is that lesson that we celebrate with this street naming in honor of a person who stood up and made a difference,” said Councilman David G. Greenfield.

“The realization of Raoul Wallenberg Way will forever be a testament to the heroism of Raoul Wallenberg and will indeed forever be a symbol of our gratitude to Raoul Wallenberg for saving 100,000 Jewish lives many of whom later re-established themselves here in Boro Park including my late grandfather, the previous Liska Rebbe of blessed memory,” said Ezra Friedlander, CEO of the Friedlander Group, which spearheaded the creation of the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Commission.

“Raoul Wallenberg saved members of my own family and yesterday we celebrated the life of a true hero of the Jewish people who will always occupy a special place in our hearts. That’s why the street naming ceremony was a true Kiddush Hashem and on behalf of the Wallenberg Commission, we thank Council Members David Greenfield and Brad Lander,” said Peter Rebenwurzel, chairman of the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Commission.

“Sweden is very fortunate to participate in this event to honor Raoul Wallenberg and we are very proud as a country to have him as part of our legacy. I want to take this opportunity to thank Councilman David Greenfield and Councilman Brad Lander for holding this important event,” said Honorary Consul General of Sweden David E.R. Dangoor.

“I would like to thank the Wallenberg Commission for putting forth this wonderful street renaming so Raoul Wallenberg’s name is here forever. One hundred years from now we have to make sure Raoul Wallenberg’s name is not only marking this street, but something that means something important to us,” said Consul General of Hungary Karoly Dan.

“Raoul Wallenberg is certainly one of the great heroes of our time, and we need to never forget his incredible courage and his inspiration in the face of tragedy. He certainly is a man for all the ages. How appropriate it is that we keep strong the name Raoul Wallenberg here in Borough Park. Congratulations to David Greenfield and Brad Lander for sponsoring this resolution,” said State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

“Let this sign indicate from today and for all the days to come exactly who the true world heroes are. They are not sports figures, and they’re not entertainers, they are men and women who put their own life on the line to ensure democracy, freedom and equality, and to stand up to injustice. Let this corner stand as a testimony from this day forward that goodness will always prevail over evil, and the true heroes of this world are people like Raoul Wallenberg,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

“This is such a great moment here in Brooklyn, as we make the statement that we will never forget those who stood up and did the right thing, and realized that we are all connected as people. Raoul Wallenberg showed that in the middle of such inhumanity, there are those who don’t forget that we are one people. Thank you to Councilman Greenfield for bringing us together. Even on a rainy day, the sun is still shining because this is a great moment for our city,” said former Comptroller Bill Thompson.

“We still face forces of evil, and there are still forces that seek to destroy, so this street renaming is a sign and a light. It is very appropriate that it be during this period of Chanukah. It is a light to the world of hope and determination to make sure that good survives, and I want to thank Council Members Greenfield and Lander for bringing this great opportunity. We will never forget.” said Assemblyman Bill Colton.

“This is a righteous person and someone who should be recognized by the world. It is certainly appropriate that the main street in the middle of Borough Park be named for Raoul Wallenberg. When young children pass by, their parents will be able to tell them that Raoul Wallenberg is a real hero for all of eternity,” said Assemblyman David Weprin.

“This co-naming is very important, especially for the younger generations who do not know as much about our history, so that we look up and see Raoul Wallenberg Way. That is the way that you should live your life,” said CB 12 Chairman Yidel Perlstein.

“I am proud to join the community in paying tribute to the life of Raoul Wallenberg. His actions saved so many lives during the Holocaust. He is a hero not just for Jews, but for all of humanity, and his story should never be forgotten,” said Councilmember Brad Lander in a statement.

Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat who put his life on hold in the summer of 1944 and embarked on a mission that led to the saving of as many as 100,000 Hungarian Jews who were otherwise bound for death in Nazi concentration camps. Serving as first secretary at the Swedish Legation in Budapest, Wallenberg devised a plan to issue Swedish “protective passports” and establish safe houses in buildings throughout Budapest.

“It was great to see so many community members take the time to join us for yesterday’s ceremony. It is only right that our community show hakaros hatov for Raoul Wallenberg’s inspiring and selfless actions, so my thanks to Councilman Brad Lander, the Wallenberg Commission and everyone who worked hard to make this event a reality. As a result of this street co-naming, the name Raoul Wallenberg will live on forever along 13th Avenue here in Borough Park,” concluded Councilman Greenfield.

Source: USHMM Photo Archives Photo #069 via Wikimedia Commons

For the office of Councilman David Greenfield:

Councilman David G. Greenfield invites the community to join him and Councilman Brad Lander this Sunday, December 9th at noon at the corner of 13th Avenue and 50th Street in Borough Park for the unveiling of a new street sign in honor of World War II hero and great humanitarian Raoul Wallenberg. The new street sign will formally co-name the Borough Park stretch of 13th Avenue as “Raoul Wallenberg Way” in honor of the Swedish diplomat whose efforts saved more than 100,000 Jews from death at the hands of the Nazis in Hungary.

The City Council approved the co-naming of 13th Avenue between 36th Street and 60th Street earlier this year at the urging of Councilman Greenfield and Councilman Lander to ensure that Wallenberg’s legacy and heroic efforts live on for generations to come. The co-naming is the centerpiece of the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Commission’s efforts throughout the year to commemorate Wallenberg’s 100th birthday.

“I am proud to lead the effort to honor Raoul Wallenberg and urge the entire community to join us for this historic event. Quite literally, there are thousands of people in our community who would not be here today but for Mr. Wallenberg’s intervention. This street co-naming will ensure that generations will know of the sacrifices that this heroic individual made on behalf of so many. It is only right that our community show hakaros hatov for Raoul Wallenberg’s inspiring and selfless actions, so my thanks to my colleague Councilman Brad Lander, the Wallenberg Commission and everyone who worked to make this event a reality,” said Councilman Greenfield.

“I look forward to joining with the community to pay tribute to the life of Raoul Wallenberg. His actions saved so many lives during the Holocaust. He is a hero not just for Jews, but for all of humanity, and his story should never be forgotten,” said Councilmember Lander.

Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat who put his life on hold in the summer of 1944 and embarked on a mission that led to the saving of as many as 100,000 Hungarian Jews who were otherwise bound for death in Nazi concentration camps. Serving as first secretary at the Swedish Legation in Budapest, he devised a plan to issue Swedish “protective passports” and establish safe houses in buildings throughout Budapest.

Borough Park is home to the largest population of Holocaust survivors in the United States, and many local families trace their lineage to individuals saved by Raoul Wallenberg, making 13th Avenue a fitting location for Sunday’s ceremony. In addition to local elected officials and community leaders, Honorary Consul General of Hungary Karoly Dan and Honorary Consul General of Sweden David E. R. Dangoor are scheduled to attend the event. This historic event is open to the public. Residents are encouraged to attend this Sunday, Chanukah, at 12 noon at the corner of 50th Street and 13th Avenue in Borough Park.

Near the site of the proposed center via Google Maps

From the Offices of Councilman Greenfield and Councilman Recchia:

Councilman David G. Greenfield and Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. have joined the Bensonhurst and Midwood communities in opposing the proposal to open a drug treatment and rehabilitation center on McDonald Avenue. The Council Members formally stated their concerns and objections to One World Counseling, LLC’s application to open a treatment center at 1990 McDonald Avenue in a letter to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) this week.

Numerous residents have contacted Councilman Greenfield and Councilman Recchia in recent weeks to express their concerns about this proposal, which is also officially opposed by Community Board 11. In particular, the Council Members are especially concerned about the center’s plans to treat individuals who have criminal records or were recently released from incarceration, especially due to the location’s proximity to many nearby homes, schools, daycare centers and businesses.

“Neighbors should not have to fear for their children’s safety because of a drug rehab center. Simply put, this is the wrong location for this type of facility. This is a quiet, safe neighborhood with many homes, schools and businesses, and it’s not right that residents’ lives be disrupted as a result of this drug rehab center,” said Councilman Greenfield.

“I am deeply concerned about the drug treatment facility that is being proposed for McDonald Avenue. To place a facility that intends to serve criminals and parolees for drug and alcohol abuse treatment in such close proximity to schools and residential neighborhoods is misguided and a threat to the safety and security of the community. I strongly urge the OASAS to deny this facility’s application, so that it may find a more suitable location,” said Council Member Recchia.

Very little is currently known about the corporation seeking to open the center, including the individuals behind the proposal or specifics about services it plans to offer at 1990 McDonald Avenue. One World Counseling, LLC was incorporated with the state in August and operates out of an address in Fresh Meadows, Queens. The application with the OASAS indicates that the facility will provide youth treatment for high-school adolescents, services for individuals with a second DSM IV Axis I or II diagnosis in addition to drug or alcohol dependency, legally-mandated counseling for individuals who have been placed on parole or probation following incarceration, and as an alternative to incarceration for individuals found guilty of a crime.

“I am committed to standing in partnership with Councilman Recchia and the entire community in opposition to this facility as the state continues to review the application. This neighborhood has a great past and a bright future, and we will not stand by as our quality of life is threatened by this shortsighted plan,” concluded Councilman Greenfield.

Aron with defense attorneys. Source: ctv.ca

According to Levi Aron, Leiby Kletzky asked him for directions. This set off a horrific chain of events that led to the young boy’s tragic death.

Now, Councilman David Greenfield proposes to create a public safe space in every neighborhood so that no child has to approach a stranger for anything.

Under “Leiby’s Law,” businesses would be designated as safe places for kids who are lost or need some help.

According to the New York Daily News, store owners and employees of the store would have to go through a lengthy background check and fingerprinting. Then, business owners could put a green sticker in their store window to let kids know that it is a safe spot.

Residents of Borough Park gathered together to show their support for the plan.

“It would be a pleasure to be a part of it,” stated Faigy Lebovich, owner of Kosher Candy Man at 4702 13th Avenue.

“We are hopeful and optimistic that thousands will sign up,” Greenfield said.

However, there is another clause in the legislation. Homeowners can be designated as safe spaces too, if they go through the same background check.

“I will definitely participate in this,” said Anna Cali, a teacher at St. Athanasius. “I think I would rather my kids go into a store than a home though.”

The legislation will be presented at the end of August.

Councilman David Greenfield plans to introduce legislation that stops the city from writing parking tickets on Black Friday, which is often the day upon which cops collect the most from parking tickets.

As most schools and businesses are closed on the day after Thanksgiving, people believe that parking rules are suspended. In reality, the Friday after Thanksgiving is just any other day when it comes to parking regulations.

According to the New York Daily News, twice as many parking tickets come in that day.

“People just feel like the day after Thanksgiving is a gotcha day for tickets,” said Greenfield. “There’s definitely a belief that there’s a lot more parking enforcement on that day than on other days.”

If he gets council backing, the regulation change would take effect next year.

From the offices of Councilman David Greenfield and Congressman Jerrold Nadler:

Councilman David G. Greenfield, Congressman Jerrold Nadler and Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty are teaming up to host an event for residents who need help applying for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Any homeowner or tenant who needs help filing for FEMA funding is welcome to schedule a time to stop by Councilman Greenfield’s Borough Park district office this Wednesday, November 21st for a fifteen-minute appointment with a Met Council expert. During this meeting, the representative will assist with all of the associated paperwork and answer questions. They will also be able to explain other types of government assistance available to help New Yorkers recover from Hurricane Sandy. For more information, call Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.

“I know that many New Yorkers are still assessing the damage that Hurricane Sandy caused to their homes and belongings. This is a difficult and long process, so we are committed to doing everything we can to help ease the stress and burden for residents. It is critical that everyone impacted by the storm utilize the federal, state and city programs being offered, and my office is here to assist with that process. I thank Congressman Nadler and Met Council for partnering with me to help residents through this difficult time,” said Councilman Greenfield.

“It is crucial that those who were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy receive the assistance they need to move on with their lives. I will continue working in Congress to ensure that there is adequate funding – through FEMA and other avenues – for Brooklyn residents and businesses to rebuild and repair, and my office is here to help connect constituents with those resources. My staff has assembled key resources for those seeking federal assistance,” said Congressman Nadler.

After applying for FEMA assistance, city residents can then apply to the newly-created Rapid Repairs NYC program, which will help provide expedited repairs through licensed contractors that have been brought in to the city’s hardest hit areas. Using their FEMA identification number, residents can apply to Rapid Repairs NYC by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov. Under this program, inspections and certifications from the city Department of Buildings and Department of Housing Preservation are being completed as quickly as possible to get residents back in their homes sooner.

In addition, a number of other programs are available through agencies including the United States Small Business Administration, the Governor’s Homeowner Repair and Rebuilding Fund, the NYC Department of Small Businesses, Legal Services of NYC, and more. Call Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704 for more information about Wednesday’s FEMA event which is by appointment only, or about any of the other programs currently available to city residents.

Source: Onderwijsgek via Wikimedia Commons

From the offices of Councilman Greenfield:

Councilman David G. Greenfield is pleased to announce that residents in Kensington, the northern part of Midwood and the eastern part of Borough Park once again have a neighborhood library branch to visit with the soft opening of the new, state-of-the-art Kensington branch of Brooklyn Public Library. Local residents have been without a nearby library branch since the old location was closed three weeks ago and the opening of the new building was delayed for two weeks due to Hurricane Sandy. Brooklyn Public Library officials are planning a formal ribbon cutting ceremony at the new branch, located at 4207 18^th Avenue, in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Councilman Greenfield wanted to inform the public that the branch is now open to residents. This marks the first brand new library branch in Brooklyn in years. This new library replaces the leased temporary facility at 410 Ditmas Avenue.

“I know how important public libraries are for many residents, so I am thrilled to have worked on the completion of this great addition to our neighborhood. Libraries are an integral part of any community and serve a wide range of constituents, from book lovers to students to job seekers. This new state-of-the-art building is a great investment in our community and will be enjoyed by generations of families and residents,” said Councilman Greenfield.

The 18,500-square-foot, two-story building is handicapped accessible and features self-checkout machines, external book drops and pre-teen, teenage and adult reading areas. It also has computers for children and adults, wireless internet access and public meeting spaces. Greenfield thanked his predecessor, former Councilman Simcha Felder, for initiating the project, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for supporting the new library. Most of the funds for the $15 million project were allocated by the New York City Council.

From the offices of Councilman David Greenfield:

Councilman David G. Greenfield is inviting all Bensonhurst residents to join him this Thursday, November 15^th as he continues his participatory budgeting initiative in the 44^th Council District. Participatory budgeting allows residents to decide exactly how $1 million in capital funds are spent on projects right on their block or in their neighborhood. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in PS 205 at 6701 20^thAvenue. During this meeting, residents will learn more about exactly how participatory budgeting will work between now and when projects are voted on this spring, and will have a chance to suggest specific projects they would like funded.

“I invite all residents to come out and suggest their ideas for capital projects they feel are most needed in their neighborhood. We have heard lots of creative and interesting ideas so far at meetings throughout the district, so I am looking forward to hear all of the ideas that Bensonhurst residents have in mind for their corner of the district. This is a great way to get involved in the community and have a real say in how your tax dollars are spent,” said Councilman Greenfield.

This meeting follows similar ones in Boro Park and Midwood over the past month. It was originally scheduled for November 1^st, but was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy. During these meetings, known as neighborhood assemblies, residents will break down into smaller groups focusing on specific areas like transportation, recreation, public safety or education and more. After all three meetings are held, ideas suggested by residents will be researched to make sure they comply with all the requirements, including that they serve a public purpose and have a lifespan of at least five years. This spring, all district residents will be invited to vote on which projects they prefer, and the top idea from each of the three neighborhoods will ultimately be funded to ensure all areas of the district benefit from this initiative.

“These tax dollars belong to the public, so it is only right that residents have a direct say in how they are spent in their neighborhood. I vowed to make the budgeting process as open and transparent as possible, and I am proud to build on that campaign promise by bringing participatory budgeting to our district. This exciting initiative truly puts the power in the hands of the people and gives them a real voice in their government,” concluded Councilman Greenfield.

For more information about Thursday’s meeting, call Councilman Greenfield’s district office at (718) 853-2704. To learn more about participatory budgeting, visit pbnyc.org.

Source: Andy C via Wikimedia Commons

Councilman David Greenfield wants the city to change a law that allows cars to park 15 feet away from fire hydrants in no-standing zones while a driver is in the car from sunrise to sunset only. He wants the law revamped to extend to a 24-hour time allowed for parking.

“It seems like one of these archaic laws that’s been on the books for many, many years, back before there were lights and sirens,” said Greenfield to the New York Post.

Greenfield introduced the bill yesterday. He states that his constituents have complained to him regarding receiving parking tickets when parking near hydrants after sunset. The tickets are as high as $115.00.

“One hundred years ago, when you had fire vehicles without lights and sirens, they probably didn’t want you parking at a hydrant at night because you couldn’t see them, but I would imagine in the year 2012 . . . you could hear these guys coming from a mile away.”

Greenfield is no stranger to parking woes. He’s been introducing bills related to hydrant parking since his election into office. Last year, he introduced a bill that would have required the curb in front of a hydrant be painted red to mark the illegal zone. Another bill was meant to shorten the 15 feet no-parking zone to just 10. Neither of his bills have been passed, but it doesn’t seem like Greenfield will stop trying to change what he deems to be New York’s antiquated parking laws.