CM James and Gillespie Family Hold Press Conference; 12/29; 250 Broadway

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** December 28, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

THE FAMILY OF DELORIS GILLESPIE HELD PRESS CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS TRAGIC MURDER OF THEIR MOTHER, WHO WAS SET ON FIRE

(Brooklyn, NY)- “The family of Deloris Gillespie wanted to speak with media about their mother’s death. Most of the family members have traveled from out of town; therefore I have been supporting them as much as possible. Deloris Gillespie’s family would like to share their mother’s story as they prepare for her memorial service, which is taking place in Brooklyn this week,” said Council Member Letitia James.

A Memorial Service for the beloved Deloris Gillespie was held Friday, December 30 at 12PM at First AME Zion Church, located at 54 Macdonough Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216; (718) 638-3343, (718) 443-3001; www.amez.org

DONATIONS STILL BEING ACCEPTED: FUND SET UP FOR DELORIS GILLESPIE, MURDERED BY FIRE ON SATURDAY IN PROSPECT HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN (MORE FUND DETAILS BELOW)

In light of the horrendous murder of Deloris Gillespie, who was set on fire in her apartment building elevator, the community has set up a rehabilitation fund to assist her family in their time of need.

Council Member James said: “This horrific crime has shocked everyone in New York City, and Carver Federal Savings Bank is accepting donations into a Rehabilitation Fund for Disaster Victims to support the family, which was set up by the community with the assistance of my office. We have come together to support the family of a local resident in need. I believe that it is the responsibility of the community to hold up their neighbors during unfortunate times such as these; we will do whatever we can to make sense of this gruesome crime, and more importantly to help put the lives of the family members of Deloris Gillespie back together. Family and friends remember Deloris as a generous, active member of her community; she fed and clothed the hungry, worked closely with the 77th Precinct Community Council, as well as was a dedicated U.S. Postal Service employee.”

Donations for Deloris Gillespie can be sent to Carver Federal Savings Bank, to the Rehabilitation Fund for Disaster Victims (set up by the community). The account number for deposits is: 801281750. Carver Federal Savings Bank is located at 4 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, NY, 11217. For more information please contact (718) 230-2900.

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*Photo credited to Prospect Heights Patch.

ATTENTION: FCR and CM James Again Provide FREE Waste Receptacles

Forest City Ratner (FCR) Companies and Council Member Letitia James are again providing free rodent-proof waste receptacles to 35th District residents.

The heavy-duty, plastic cans with lids are approved by the City's Department of Health.

The receptacles can be picked up at the District Office of Council Member James, 67 Hanson Place, between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Bring identification and proof of address when picking up, and call (718) 260-9191 to confirm availability.

ATTENTION: 2nd Annual Franklin Avenue Halloween Parade; 10/30

The 2nd Annual Franklin Avenue Halloween Parade welcomes the community!

WHEN: Sunday, October 30, 2011
3:00PM
WHERE: Walt Shamel Dean North Community Garden
1096-1099 Dean Street
Brooklyn, NY
(parade ends at Crow Hill Community Garden)

Pumpkin painting will be available following the parade. Please contact (917) 838-2421 for more information.

ATTENTION: NFBID Hosts 2011 Children's Fall Festival!

The North Flatbush BID is hosting their 2011 Children's Fall Festival!

WHEN: Saturday, October 29, 2011
12:00noon- 4:00PM

WHERE: 6th Avenue & St. Marks Avenue
(at Triangle Park)

Children will be able to participate in pumpkin carving, face painting, and experience a puppet show!

For more information, contact info@nfbid.com or (718) 783-1685.

CM James Sponsors "Beautify and Unify" To Encourage CrH/PH Revitalization; 8/20

Council Member Letitia James invites the Crown Heights and Prospect Heights communities to "Beautify and Unify", sponsored by Council Member Letitia James, NYC Community Cleanup, the Crown Heights Mediation Center, The Prospect Heights Street Tree Task Force, and the Executive Director of IKOKO!



The event is Saturday August 20th, beginning 10:00am (participants are encouraged to meet at 9:45am) on the corner of Sterling Place and Nostrand Avenue.



The clean-up day will encourage and assist in the ongoing North Crown Heights revitalization, and include graffiti removal, store front cleaning, garbage removal and street tree care. NYC Community Clean Up will provide these services (with the exception of street tree care) at no cost to the merchants and residents. Prospect Heights Street Tree Task Force will handle tree care which will include soil aeration, mulching, and pruning. The Crown Heights Mediation Center conceived of the clean-up day as a way to support new and existing businesses along Nostrand Avenue.



Council Member James encourages store owners along Nostrand to contact the Brooklyn Solution Center Branch of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, which provide alternate sources of capital and business solutions. Also, we encourage new store owners to access NBAT, New York City business acceleration initiative.



If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jonathan Perez at the Office of Council Member Letitia James at 718-260-9191.

ATTENTION: FCR Companies Provide FREE Waste Receptacles

FCR Companies Provide FREE Garbage Receptacles



Forest City Ratner (FCR) Companies will provide free waste receptacles to tenants, superintendents, and building owners near the Atlantic Yards project in an effort to address the Prospect Heights rodent infestation.



Health Department-approved lidded, heavy-duty trash cans are being offered by FCR to help keep rodents away from buildings.



**To be eligible, your building must be located: south of Atlantic Avenue from 4th Avneue to Vanderbilt Avenue; Vanderbilt Avenue from Atlantic Avenue to Bergen Street; Bergen Street from Vanderbilt Avenue to 4th Avenue; 4th Avenue (East side only) from Bergen Street to Atlantic Avenue.



How to get your free garbage can:

1. Make sure your building is located within the boundaries and has 12 units or fewer;

2. At pick-up, provide photo ID and proof of address by showing a utility bill with your unit number dated within the last three months;

3. Visit the Atlantic Yards Community Liaison Office located in the trailer on Carlton Avenue (between Pacific and Dean Streets).



Cans will be available during the following hours:

Monday, August 15th- 10am-4pm

Tuesday, August 16th- 10am-3pm and 6pm-8pm

Wednesday, August 17th- 10am-4pm

Thursday, August 18th- 10am-3pm and 6pm-8pm

Friday, August 19th- 10am-1pm



For more information on how to prevent rodents, please attend an educational forum hosted by Empire State Development and New York City Departments of Health and Sanitation at the Pacific Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library on--

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 from 6pm-8pm.



For more information, please contact the Atlantic Yards Community Liaison Office at 1-866-923-5315 or communityliaison@atlanticyards.com.

CM James Announced First Annual Building Bridges Bike Day; Sat. Aug. 13; Grand Army Plaza

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

August 9, 2011



Contacts: Jonathan A. Perez at (718) 260-9191



COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES ANNOUNCES FIRST ANNUAL BUILDING BRIDGES BIKE DAY THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 AT GRAND ARMY PLAZA



Building Bridges Bike Day was founded by Council Member Letitia James to work with the public and other community officials, public officials, and advocates to raise awareness about public safety. The event is taking place at the crossroads of three major bike lanes, running lanes, and pedestrian walkways, and is a symbol of the bridge between these diverse groups.



The purpose of the event is to inform the public about safety concerns, and a table and tent for the Building Bridges Bike Day will be located in the center of the Green Market at Grand Army Plaza on this Saturday afternoon. Participants will coordinate between the local riders and pedestrians to create a greater awareness of rules, regulations, and safe streets in New York City.



Starting at 11 a.m. (during peak time of the Grand Army Plaza Green Market), the Building Bridges Bike Day table will feature Council Member Letitia James, Council Member Steve Levin, Council Member Brad Lander, and the initiative run by staff of Council Member James’ Office. Following presentations by elected officials and safety advocates, ambassadors from Transportation Alternatives and Recycle-A-Bicycle will talk to riders at the market and along Prospect Park’s bike lanes. Safety information, maps, other literature and bicycle donation information will be available.



“I’ve started bicycle riding myself this summer, and my hope is that a renewed culture of respect for pedestrians and bicyclists will continue to grow as the outcome of this very important initiative,” said Council Member Letitia.



Who: Council Member Letitia James, Council Member Steve Levin, Council Member Brad Lander, Transportation Alternatives, Recycle a Bicycle, Safety Advocates

What: Building Bridges Bike Day

When: Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 11a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Grand Army Plaza Green Market between Vanderbilt, Flatbush and Plaza Street



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AY Rodent Control Meeting Report

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
July 20, 2011

Contact Jonathan Perez at (718) 260-9191

ATLANTIC YARDS RODENT CONTROL MEETING REPORT

This past week, Council Member Letitia James, representatives from City Council Member Steve Levin’s Office, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery’s Office, other community leaders and stakeholders met with ESDC, City agencies and Forest City Ratner Companies (FCR) at an Atlantic Yards Cabinet Meeting in Brooklyn. The meeting’s focus was on rodent infestation, which has become a serious concern in the Atlantic Yards footprint and surrounding community.

Recently, neighbors of Dean Street near the Atlantic Yards project have reported cat-size rats and an uptick in the rat population. Many have expressed concerns about the rodent population’s increase in the neighboring homes and streets surrounding the construction site. A common notion has been that rats have not been a problem until the arena’s construction, while others have referred to it as a “rat tsunami.”

During the meeting, a New York City Department of Health rodent-specialist identified a number of hotspots near the immediate area of the Atlantic Yards property. In response, Forest City Ratner stated they would provide vouchers for the community to purchase special trash cans that could contain and deter rodents. Forest City Ratner agreed to work with Colony, a pest management company, which provides integrated pest management to alleviate the situation through education, outreach, and bait control. The MTA representative in attendance also shared that employees would continue to check rat bait traps every thirty to forty days in subway stations located near Atlantic Yards.

The Department of Sanitation reported that certain recommendations would be made for homeowners in this Prospect Heights area. These include that all garbage in cans be placed on the street at or around 9 p.m. Another recommendation is garbage be put in secured cans (which would be enforced by the Sanitation Department). Forest City Ratner also stated it would lead a new initiative that separates the food waste from the construction garbage on the Atlantic Yards site.

“I appreciate Forest City Ratner’s cooperation, as well as FCR taking action on the rodent control problem. Also, I look forward to starting the process of providing vouchers to residents for steel or rubber trash cans within the next two weeks, as well as educating the public at large about this ongoing problem,” said Council Member James.

Other Prospect Heights’ issues discussed at the meeting include Council Member James’ goal to secure a new dumpster for Engine 219 and Ladder 105 on Dean Street. She also seeks funding for improvement of conditions at the Dean Street playground. Lastly, the abandoned properties near the Atlantic Yards Arena need to be addressed as possible breeding grounds of the rat population.

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ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

Lecture on Skin Cancer: Prevention and Detection
Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Brooklyn Infusion Center will host a free community lecture on skin cancer prevention and detection on Thursday, July 28, 2011 from 5PM- 7PM at the Brooklyn Infusion Center (557 Atlantic Avenue). Space is limited and registration is required. Please call 718-752-6190 to register.

Panera Bread Cafe Manager

An upcoming Panera Bread restaurant to be located at the intersection of Adams Street and Willoughby Street in Downtown Brooklyn is seeking to fill a position for a Café manager.

Comptroller John Liu Town Hall
Today, June 13, 2011, Comptroller John Liu will be hosting a town hall. The Comptroller will be on hand to discuss the work he has done over the past year and a half. Comptoller Liu's Community Action Center will also be on hand with information about constituent services, claims guidelines, audit submission forms, etc.

Wednesday, July 13th
6:30pm-7:30pm
Prospect Park Residence
Multipurpose Room, 5th Floor
1 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, NY 11215

ATTENTION: CM James and PH Hold Community Safety Meeting

In an effort to address a string of robberies and muggings that have occurred recently in the Prospect Heights area, Council Member Letitia James and the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council will host a community meeting with Commanding Officer Capocci of the 77th
Precinct.

The meeting will address the following--
* How is the precinct working to address the recent increase in street crime?
* What steps can the community take to improve safety and security?

WHEN: Thursday, June 30, 7:00 PM
WHERE: P.S. 9, 80 Underhill Avenue
(between St. Marks Ave. and Bergen St.)

Gus Vlahavas of Tom's Restaurant – Retirement & Going Away Celebration

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
May 18, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183
THIS SATURDAY: PLEASE JOIN RELATIVES; NEIGHBORS; FRIENDS; LOCAL LEADERS; BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ; NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES; BROOKLYN STEPPERS MARCHING BAND; NOEL POINTER FOUNDATION(CHILDREN MUSICIANS); AND THE COMMUNITY TO HONOR GUS VLAHAVAS OWNER OF TOM’S RESTAURANT ON HIS RETIREMENT – MAY 21 AT 10:30AM - CORNER OF WASHINGTON AVENUE AND STERLING PLACE
Facts: Constantine (Gus) Vlahavas …is 72 years old, and married to Nonie Vlahavas. The son of Stella and Tom, the family lives on Sterling Place adjacent to their business Tom’s Restaurant. Gus is a neighborhood legend (as is Tom’s Restaurant), as well as a dedicated member of two church choirs.
The Restaurant: Tom’s is located at 782 Washington Avenue on the corner of Sterling Place. It was started in 1936 as Lewnes, an ice cream parlor, and taken over by Vlahavas family during the 1940s. The restaurant soon evolved into a luncheonette and was renamed Tom’s in 1945 when Gus’ father, Tom came home safely from Philippines in WWII.
The Feel and Décor: The enue is quintessential Americana style with Coca Cola signs and stained -glass windows. Also, during the 1968 Crown Heights riots both black and white customers protected the restaurant from looters, who destroyed other businesses in their neighborhood. FYI - Tom’s restaurant is not the inspiration of Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner” song, but IS the inspiration for the Greek diner in Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel Middlesex. Also, Tom’s is known for Lime Rickey and Perfect Egg Cream, along with its Belgian Waffle Sundae.
Who: Fans and Friends of Gus Vlahavas
What: Celebration and ceremony for Gus’ retirement and move to Colorado
When: Saturday, May 21, beginning at 10:30am (ceremony at 11am, party until 1:30pm)
Where: 782 Washington Avenue (corner of Sterling Place) in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, (718) 636-9738; Transit - 2, 3, 4 trains to Eastern Parkway - Brooklyn Museum (0.2 mi S)

ATTENTION: No Co-Location BK East Collegiate Charter School In PH Building

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 1, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

CONGRATULATIONS TO PS 9 STUDENTS, PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY ON THEIR VICTORY

NY State Education Commissioner David Steiner overturned the decision by the DOE to co-locate Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School in the Prospect Heights Building

This week, Commissioner of Education David Steiner annulled the Feb. 3 vote by the Panel for Educational Policy, which oversees New York City public schools, to co-locate a charter school in PS 9’s building at 80 Underhill Avenue. His response stated that the City’s plan for sharing the space was unfair.

“I am grateful for this decision, and I know that if the DOE had listened to parents, the community and elected officials regarding the building sharing of PS 9, the Bloomberg Administration would not have had to suffer this defeat. Proposed actions such as this one explain why the Mayor’s poll numbers remain low, despite his efforts to promote himself. This is the second time within a year the State Education Commissioner vetoed co-locating a City charter school,” said Council Member James.

Seven parents filed an appeal of the decision on March 7. The appeal was made under a new law that took effect last year authorizing an expedited process for co-location appeals in particular. The law set out strict rules for co-locations, including one that requires thorough details about their impact that Steiner concluded the City violated at PS 9.

Commissioner Steiner wrote: “I am unable to conclude that DOE’s failure to comply with the statute’s requirements in this respect was harmless error.”

“The fact that State continues to scrutinize the City’s adherence to the charter school law passed last year instills faith in government - the community’s voices were heard, and our children’s education does matter. Closing schools is bad public policy and excluding opinions of parents and teachers is also bad decision making. I am ecstatic, as are advocates of PS 9 that we prevailed,” said Council Member James.

Besides rescinding the decision, the commissioner also prohibited the DOE from moving forward with any phase of the co-location of Brooklyn East into 80 Underhill until it offers a more reasonable division of building resources.

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ATTENTION: CM James Joins Advocates and Officials To Rally Against Proposed DOE Phase-Out of MS 571; Co-Locations of Charter Schools

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 27, 2011


Contact: Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081, and Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES, ALONG WITH PARENTS, STUDENTS, PUBLIC OFFICIALS, AND ADVOCATES RALLY AGAINST DOE PROPOSED PHASE-OUT OF M.S. 571, AND CO-LOCATIONS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS AT P.S. 9/M.S. 571 & P.S. 316/M.S.353 -- PROTEST THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 29TH, AT 1:00 PM IN THE BASEMENT OF DURYEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - 362 STERLING PLACE

Last Month, the DOE released the Educational Impact Statement proposing the phase-out of M.S. 571 - The Bergen Upper School and a re-siting and co-location of Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School in the 13K009 building. The DOE claims M.S. 571 “lacks the capacity to turn around” and there’s a need of high-quality options in school district 13. Much like P.S. 316 and M.S. 353, the DOE is not allowing the possible expansion and growth of P.S. 9.

The community knows each of these schools was never given the chance to succeed and grow. We demand that chance!

WHAT: Rally against proposed DOE phase-out of M.S. 571 and co-locations of charter schools
WHEN: Saturday, January 29, at 1:00 PM
WHERE: Duryea Presbyterian Church - 362 Sterling Place (corner of Underhill Avenue), Prospect Heights, Brooklyn - (718)783-2451

Also, the proposals for significant changes in school utilization will be considered at the February 3, 2011 Panel for Educational Policy meeting - at Brooklyn Technical High School located at 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn, NY, 11217. We ask that all stakeholders attend this hearing and the press conference held prior to the hearing.

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ATTENTION: Comptroller John Liu Hosts Audit Info Event; 1/26; Prospect Heights

NYC Comptroller John Liu invites you to "The Power of an Audit: A Town Hall Meeting" to learn about the who, what, when, where, and why of audits.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 26, 2011
6:00PM- 8:00PM
Brooklyn Public Library
Dweck Center for Contemporary Culture
10 Grand Army Plaza (at Eastern Parkway)
Brooklyn, NY 11238

You can also share your ideas about audits to save the City money, increase revenues or improve agency efficiency, please see "Open Audit" here: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/mymoneynyc/openaudit/

ATTENTION: MS 571 Hosts Forum To Discuss DOE Proposed Phase-Out; 12/15 TODAY; 6PM; PH

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
December 15, 2010

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

FORUM TO DISCUSS NYC DOE PROPOSED PHASE-OUT OF MS 571K IN PROSPECT HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN

The M.S. 571 School Community will gather Wednesday, December 15th at 6pm in the auditorium of the school to discuss a Fact Sheet and letter distributed by the NYC Department of Education (DOE) and the District 13 Superintendent stating that Middle School 571 is unable to turnaround.

Local Representatives, teachers, parents, and students have a differing opinion. M.S. 571 School Community members question the accuracy of the DOE Fact Sheet, as well as are disappointed that they were not notified of this trouble more in advance.

“A comprehensive reform model was not offered by the DOE, which disappoints all who support this important educational institution for the Prospect Heights neighborhood. This is simply unacceptable,” said Council Member James.

Everyone is welcome to attend this forum. Please come to learn more about the DOE’s plans, as well as help discuss how M.S. 571 plans to move forward in opposition to the proposal.

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What: Forum to Discuss Planned Proposed Phase-Out of MS 571 by the DOE

Who: M.S. 571 School Community, Council Member Letitia James, Parents, and Advocates

Where: M.S. 571 - 80 Underhill Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238 - (718) 935-3978

When: 6pm

CM James Talks Residential Parking Permits at AY Traffic Forum

Council Member James discussed her support of residential parking permits at the recent Atlantic Yards Traffic Forum in Prospect Heights:



Read more info here.

*Video borrowed from the Atlantic Yards Report.

ATTENTION: North Flatbush Avenue BID Banner Contest

The North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) invites the submission of graphic designs for decorative banners that hang from street lamp posts in the BID district. There are thirty vinyl banners that advertise the district. All submissions should include four designs that represent the uniqueness of the area and identifies the BID as a shopping destination.

The projected date of completion for this project is Friday, December 10, 2010. The selected designer will receive a check in the amount of $500 dollars when work is fully completed, as well as the opportunity to have their work displayed throughout the district.

For complete details and the RFP submittal package, please send a request to info@nfbid.com.