BENSONHURST'S PREMIER NEWS BLOG

Image courtesy of Assemblyman William Colton

From the offices of Assemblyman William Colton:

Declaring the B64’s return to Southwest Brooklyn a “victory we can all be proud of,” Assemblyman William Colton (D-Bensonhurst) and his Transportation Improvement Coalition Co-Chairs Mark Treyger and Priscilla Consolo have organized a Celebration Rally to mark the first day of the bus line’s return to Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Coney Island. The community celebration is scheduled for Sunday, January 6, 2013, at 11 A.M., on the corner of Bay 50th Street and Harway Avenue. Colton’s coalition is celebrating the MTA’s July 2012 decision to completely restore B64 service in Southwest Brooklyn, which was partially eliminated in 2010 due to budget cuts and sparked community uproar. The 2010 MTA cuts eliminated B64 service from 25th Avenue in Bensonhurst to Mermaid Avenue in Coney Island, which negatively impacted thousands of riders and the local economy.

The Brooklyn legislator is helping organize the victory gathering to show his appreciation to the enormous support the successful B64 fight received from community leaders, groups, and residents. “Together with the help of countless individuals and community organizations who fought hard to restore B64 service in Southwest Brooklyn, we proved that there is truly strength in numbers,” asserted Assemblyman Colton. “Our formula of success was having families, children, seniors, small businesses, community groups, and concerned residents work together toward accomplishing a common goal, added Colton. “This victory marks the beginning, not the end, of our work ahead to ensure further transportation improvements in Southern Brooklyn,” Colton went on to say.

“The B64’s complete restoration is a victory that solely belongs to the families and small businesses of Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Coney Island,” insisted Co-Chair Mark Treyger, who along with Co-Chair Priscilla Consolo, assisted in organizing residents against the MTA cuts. “The MTA often loses sight of the impact its reckless decisions have on families, children, disabled persons who rely on public transportation, and small businesses. To have cut service from Bensonhurst to Coney Island, especially at a time when Coney Island’s amusement district is being revamped, was an unconscionable decision made by the MTA. I am so proud of our community for coming together and successfully pressuring the MTA to reverse course,” added Treyger.

“The restoration of the B64 is a victory for the entire neighborhood to celebrate. With the return of this vital bus line, the lives of many people, ranging from students to senior citizens to the disabled to working people, will have their quality of life improved. Restoring the B64 will mean residents will be able to travel easier and more people will have access to public transportation,” stated Co-Chair Priscilla Consolo.

From collecting thousands of petition signatures, to holding rallies, to even requesting the federal Justice Department’s intervention on behalf of people with disabilities, Colton and his coalition did not relent in their successful fight to restore bus service for Southwest Brooklyn residents. Additionally, they are determined to keep this alliance in tact to make further transportation improvements that are greatly needed.

Some of the organizations involved in helping make this victory possible include; Most Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church, Transport Workers Union, United Progressive Democratic Club, Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst, Bensonhurst West End Community Council, Harway Terrace Apartments Board of Directors, Contello Towers residents, Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, Castellammare del Golfo, Aidone Social Cultural Association, ASU of New York, Community Education Council – District 21, NIA Community Services Network, Southern Brooklyn Democrats, and the United Chinese Association of Brooklyn.

(ltr) Mark Treyger, Coney Island resident and Sandy victim John Quintana and Assemblyman Colton. Source: Assemblyman Colton’s office.

From the office of Assemblyman William Colton:

Brooklyn Assemblyman William Colton (D-Bensonhurst) and community leader Mark Treyger are asking Governor Cuomo to issue an executive order requiring the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to waive and refund costly registration and plate transfer fees that have socked thousands of Hurricane Sandy victims. Assemblyman Colton penned a letter to the governor asking him to proceed with this proposal as part of the state’s overall response plan to assist victims who have been severely affected by the wrath of Sandy.

In addition to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy evidenced across the tri-state region, it is estimated that over 200,000 cars were lost in the NY area alone due to the salt-water packed storm surge that pummeled the Northeast during Sandy’s landfall.

As countless victims are still trying to pick up the pieces of their lives following Sandy, many are being forced to confront unfair and costly fees to replace their lost vehicles. New York State residents who purchased or leased another car to replace a car they lost because of the storm are being charged hefty registration and plate transfer fees. One Coney Island resident, John Quintana, who along with suffering extensive damage to his home, was hit with an exorbitant fee totaling over $800 to replace three vehicles lost to Sandy’s wrath. Mr. Quintana is one of the thousands of Sandy victims that is grappling with financial burdens as he tries to recover and move on with his life after Sandy.

That is why Assemblyman William Colton (D-Bensonhurst) and community leader Mark Treyger are urging the DMV to act swiftly and waive all registration and plate transfer fees for Sandy victims. “Victims of Hurricane Sandy are going through too much in their lives to be told to pay up a lot more. The DMV needs to do the right thing and exempt Sandy victims from these exorbitant fees,” asserted Assemblyman Colton, who is a member of the New York Assembly’s Ways and Means committee. “This is the least that the government can do to help struggling Sandy victims recover and move on with their lives,” added community leader Mark Treyger, who has been working closely with Assemblyman Colton on advancing this relief plan.

Their proposal would also retroactively apply to those victims who have already replaced their vehicles and paid either new registration or plate transfer fees since the storm. Once verified by insurance claim paperwork, the state would reimburse or waive the hefty fees levied against New York victims.

The DMV is currently waiving the fee to replace lost registration documents and license plates due to Sandy, which can add up to $28. However, the agency is not waiving the more hefty cost of registering a newly acquired vehicle or transferring plates from the replaced vehicle, which can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars. “Since it is estimated that over 200,000 cars were lost in NY due to Sandy, New Yorkers are not asking the state to mail them a replacement registration for their lost vehicle. Instead, New York victims are being told by the DMV to pay up the cost of registering a new vehicle or transferring plates to a new vehicle,” insisted Colton.

As Assemblyman Colton and community leader Treyger await word from Governor Cuomo on their relief proposal, they are urging Sandy victims, who have had to pay these costly DMV fees to replace their lost vehicles, to contact the assemblyman’s office at 718-236-1598 and ask for Mark Treyger. They will make note of all cases and present them to state leaders while urging them to expeditiously implement the proposed relief plan.

Source: assembly.state.ny.us

From the office of Assemblyman William Colton:

Assemblyman William Colton (D-Brooklyn) is announcing the creation of an enhanced New York State driver’s license for all veterans. Starting next year, all veterans will have the option to have a notation placed on their license or I.D. card indicating their veteran status. The piece of legislation creating this new option for veterans was co-sponsored by Assemblyman Colton and recently signed into law by Governor Cuomo. Veterans will not have to pay an extra fee for the notation. The new law will take effect next fall.

The purpose of this legislation is to assist veterans in easily providing proof of service when applying for employment opportunities and to receive certain benefits or discounts from businesses. Instead of the hassle of keeping track of numerous service paperwork or waiting years for lost documents/medals due to Hurricane Sandy to be re-issued, veterans will be able to rely on the new state card as a one-stop shop for proof. Once verified, the new card will clearly have stated on it “U.S. Veteran,” to provide some convenience to veterans that reside in New York.

The signing of this legislation also comes on the heels of Assemblyman Colton’s support for the creation of a Veterans’ Jobs Portal on the Division of Veterans’ Affairs website, which aims to help connect unemployed veterans to job opportunities in the state, and his “Veterans’ Appreciation Night”, which was held at the United Progressive Democratic Club and honored local heroes returning to the states from Iraq. The event was organized and emceed by Club President Mark Treyger.

“Each year I look forward to supporting additional veterans’ legislation which builds on the successes of the previous year. While this law is a relatively small gesture compared to the sacrifices made by our brave men and women, it will definitely help veterans to easily obtain benefits and discounts offered by local businesses,” Assemblyman Colton said.

“Whatever our government can do to make the lives of our heroes easier is worth fighting for and getting done. I applaud Assemblyman Colton and his colleagues for making this happen,” stated supporter of the new law and UPDC President Mark Treyger.

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.

Assemblyman William Colton and U.S. Marine Manuel Marin. Photo courtesy of Assemblyman William Colton’s office.

From the offices of Assemblyman William Colton:

Over 100 guests packed the United Progressive Democratic Club’s “Veterans Appreciation Night” meeting last Wednesday evening. Club President, Mark Treyger, organized the event with Assemblyman William Colton to show the club’s appreciation to local veterans who continue to serve their country in so many ways.

“Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” insisted Assemblyman Colton, who has aggressively fought for and passed Veterans employment, education, and health care legislation in the NY legislature.

“Our country sends these brave men and women to the most dangerous parts of the world to protect our freedom. Therefore, we in government have a solemn obligation to fight and stand up for our veterans,” Colton added.

“Many veterans put aside festivities during Veterans Day to participate in relief efforts to assist Hurricane Sandy victims,” said president Treyger. “The spirit of service to our country never dies in these heroes,” Treyger continued.

Source: The U.S. Army

On the heels of Veteran’s Day, Assemblyman William Colton is stepping up for vets in our city.

From the office of Assemblyman William Colton:

Assemblyman Colton is announcing the creation of the Veterans’ Employment Portal on the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs website. The portal is meant to serve as a resource to veterans in obtaining and maintaining employment in both the public and private sector. The website provides links to both state and national veteran job banks with searchable databases listing thousand of jobs and employers looking to hire veterans. This program was created in response to legislation Assemblyman Colton co-sponsored and passed this year.

“Veterans have sacrificed so much in the defense of our nation and our values. We deploy them to some of the most dangerous parts of the world and it is our duty to help employ them and their skills once they come home. They deserve the dignity and respect that comes from employment,” said Assemblyman Colton.

If you are a veteran or know a veteran seeking employment, please visit: http://www.veterans.ny.gov/employment.html.

Source: Leon V.

Assemblyman William Colton is sponsoring a local Sandy volunteer-based cleanup as part of his continued “Speak-Up & Clean-Up” campaign efforts.

The event takes place on Saturday, November 3 at 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at 155 Kings Highway. The efforts will be focused on cleaning up Kings Highway between Stillwell Avenue and McDonald Avenue.

Tools and materials will be provided by the NYC Department of Sanitation and Home Depot. Further,
pizza and service credit will be given to all volunteers. They will also receive a NYS Assembly Certificate of Achievement.

For more information or to register for the event, please email Assemblyman Colton’s Special Assistant, Priscilla Consolo at priscillaconsolo@gmail.com or check out Colton’s Facebook page.

Source: Chmee2 via Wikimedia Commons

The neighborhood clean-up campaign sponsored by Assemblyman William Colton continues on October 27 at 29 Bay 25th Street from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The “Speak-Up & Clean-Up” campaign is looking for volunteers to participate in beautifying the neighborhood. As a reward they’ll get to see some sparkling streets and chow down on free pizza.

Volunteers will also receive a NYS Assembly certificate and community service hours.

The work will take place throughout 86th Street and in Bensonhurst Park. Tools and materials will be provided by the NYC Department of Sanitation and Home Depot.

For more information, please email Assemblyman Colton’s Special Assistant, Priscilla Consolo at priscillaconsolo@gmail.com.

Groups are encouraged to attend, please let Consolo know if you are part of an organized group.

Source: Flickr upload bot via Wikimedia Commons

From the offices of Assemblyman William Colton and Councilman David Greenfield:

ASSEMBLYMAN COLTON AND COUNCILMAN GREENFIELD ORGANIZE MAJOR BENSONHURST NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP EFFORT WITH HELP OF LOCAL YOUTH GROUPS AS PART OF AN ONGOING“SPEAK-UP! & CLEAN-UP!” CAMPAIGN ACROSS SOUTHERN BROOKLYN

Date: Sunday, September 23, 2012

Time: 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m.

Meet-up location: Assemblyman Colton’s community office at 155 Kings Highway (between West 12^th and West 13^th Street)

In response to neighborhood concerns about cleanliness across Bensonhurst, Assemblyman William Colton (D-Brooklyn) and Councilman David Greenfield (D-Brooklyn) have organized another major neighborhood cleanup project with the help of local youth groups on Sunday, September 23, 2012.  An army of volunteers has signed up to help clean up the following areas: Seth Low Park, Kings Highway from McDonald Avenue to Stillwell Avenue, and Bay Parkway from 65^th Street to 78^th Street. Assisting the two elected officials in organizing this effort is Priscilla Consolo, a young dynamic community activist and college student.

“There is no better civics lesson for our young people than to take ownership of their neighborhood by keeping it clean for all residents to enjoy,” stated Assemblyman Colton. “Our sustained Speak-Up! and Clean-Up! campaign encourages residents to alert us about areas in need of cleaning up while mobilizing our neighborhood’s youth to get the job done. This is surely a win-win for our community,” Colton added. “I am thrilled to work with Assemblyman Colton and our youth groups to ensure that our neighborhood remains beautiful and vibrant to the benefit of Bensonhurst residents,” stated Councilman Greenfield. “I am so proud to be a part of this important effort to revitalize our neighborhood with the help of Assemblyman Colton, Councilman Greenfield, and my friends,” added Priscilla Consolo, who helped recruit volunteers for the cleanup effort.

The list of volunteers include: Members from Our Lady of Grace Teen Group, members from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, students from New Utrecht High School, students from Midwood High School’s Key Club, students from Brooklyn Technical High School’s Key and Red Cross clubs, students from John Dewey’s Key Club, students from Edward R. Murrow’s Key Club, members from Bensonhurst Cluster Youth Ministry, and members from the United Chinese Association of Brooklyn.

The scheduled cleanup is the sixth cleanup initiative undertaken by Assemblyman Colton’s youth group coalition. Previously, hundreds of teenagers led successful cleanup efforts along 86^th Street, Bath Avenue, Kings Highway, Bay Parkway, and Avenue U.

Additionally, the Department of Sanitation and Home Depot have indicated that they will supply the groups with tools to assist them in the clean-up effort. For more information about this clean-up campaign, please contact Priscilla Consolo at priscillaconsolo@gmail.com.

Source: Marvin Nauman via Wikimedia Commons

On Thursday, September 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Assemblyman William Colton has arranged for representatives from Coney Island Hospital to adminster free flu shots at in a mobile van in front of his office at 155 Kings Highway, between West 12th and West 13th Streets.

No flu shots will be adminstered without an appointment, so make sure you call ahead. Appointments can be made by calling Mike Andronico or Paul S. Lipton at 718 236-1598.

There are a limited number of spots available.

“I realize that our seniors have a difficult time traveling for necessary medications and care. That’s why I’m happy to offer these shots in my convenient, accessible Community Office.  If more become available, then I intend to distribute them again,” said Assemblyman Colton.