City Council Sanitation Committee Chair Letitia James To Speak At NY League of Conservation Voters Forum on City Solid Waste Challenges

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
December 5, 2011

Contact: Dan Hendrick at (212) 361-6350 x206

City Council Sanitation Committee Chair Letitia James To Speak At NY League of Conservation Voters Forum on City Solid Waste Challenges

(New York, NY)— Did you know that New York City ships 10,500 tons of residential waste to out-of-state landfills every day? That adds up to nearly 27 million miles a year— all on large, long-haul trucks that spew massive amounts of climate-warming emissions into our air.

New York City is lagging behind other major cities in the adoption of new technologies, even as our current system grows more and more expensive. Isn't it time for the Big Apple to rethink its solid waste management strategy?

On December 6, 2011, Council Member Letitia James will be joining the New York League of Conservation Voters (Education Fund) at “Wasted Opportunity: Confronting NYC's Solid Waste Challenges” to discuss how New York City can best manage the nonrecyclable fraction of its municipal solid waste. Panelists will include NYC Deputy Mayor for Operations Caswell Holloway; NYC Environment- Natural Resources Defense Council Director Eric Goldstein; Citizens Budget Commission President Carol Kellerman; as well as others.

The forum will take place Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at the New York City Bar Association (42 West 44th Street) from 8:00AM to noon.

See more information here: http://www.nylcvef.org/wastedopportunity

NYC Parks Department Offers Grant To Non-Profits Using Green Infrastructure

The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation recently announced that up to $4M will be available for private property owners, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations that use green infrastructure to reduce or manage stormwater on private property and public sidewalks in combined sewer areas of New York City—such as building green roofs, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, right-of-way bioswales, and similar methods.

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection is strongly encouraging applicants to apply online at: www.nyc.gov/dep/grantprogram, and will be hosting grant workshops for those that are interested in applying.

Brooklyn Workshop
Brooklyn- December 6, 2011, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Brooklyn Brooklyn Borough Hall Courtroom– 2nd Floor
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Please contact the Office of Council Member Letitia James for more information at (212) 788-7081.

NYCC Committee on Public Safety and Sanitation Hold Hearings on Snow Plans and Emergency Protocols; 11/30; 250 Broadway

Dear Neighbor,

Next Wednesday, November 30th, the City Council's Committees on Public Safety and Sanitation and Solid Waste Management will be holding a joint oversight hearing on the borough-based snow plans and citywide winter emergency protocols issued by the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), respectively.

Copies of the DSNY borough-based snow plans are available at http://www.nyc.gov/html/dsny/html/snow_plans_mapping/snowplans.shtml, and the OEM Snow Preparedness and Response Report is available at http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/downloads/pdf/2011snowreport.pdf.

I know snow removal and other snow-related issues are on many people's mind, especially as we edge closer to winter, and anyone who wishes to is more than welcome to attend this hearing.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in the 14th Floor Committee Room at 250 Broadway in Lower Manhattan.

If you would like to testify, please be sure to register with the sergeant-of-arms on the 14th Floor. Due to increased building security procedures, please bring identification and allot some extra time for entry through the building lobby.

You can also email your written remarks to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov.

If you have any questions about Wednesday's hearing, please feel free to contact my office at (212) 788-7081.

Thanks and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Chair, Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Committee
NYC Council

Job Opportunity: DSNY Registering Emergency Snow Laborers

The NYC Department of Sanitation is registering emergency snow laborers who can be called upon to remove snow and ice citywide from bus stops, crosswalks, and from step streets in sections of the City after heavy snowfalls. The rate of pay begins at $12 per hour and increases to $18 per hour, after completing the first 40 hours, each pay week.

Interested individuals can register at any DSNY garage between the hours of 7 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday. The Manhattan District 12 garage is located at 301 West 215th Street between 9th Avenue & the Harlem River in Inwood. The District 10 garage is at 110 East 131st Street between Lexington & Park Avenue and the District 9 garage is at 125 East 149th Street between Bronx Gerard Avenue & Walton Avenue.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be eligible to work in the United States, and be capable of performing heavy physical labor. All applicants must bring their social security card and a photo copy of it; two (2) small photos (1 1/2” square) and two (2) original documents and photo copies that prove identity and employment eligibility, such as a driver’s license; federal, state or local identification; school identification with photo, or passport, at time of registration.

For more information on how to register to become an emergency snow laborer, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/sanitation.

Anyone interested in becoming an emergency snow laborer this winter will be required to fill out important paperwork before being hired.

CM James On MTA's Proposal To Remove Trash Bins from Subway

Over at the Prospect Heights Patch, Council Member Letitia James has posted a short piece on the MTA's proposal to remove trash receptacles from subway stations.

Patch: http://prospectheights.patch.com/blog_posts/removing-trash-bins-from-mta-subway-stations-a-bad-idea

CM James’ Statement Regarding Resignation of Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 4, 2011

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James’ Statement Regarding Resignation of Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith

(New York, NY)— After serving fourteen months with the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Operations Stephen Goldsmith today publicly announced his resignation from this position.

In this position, Deputy Mayor Goldsmith was integral to the development of “NYC Simplicity”, a comprehensive online system created to make City services more focused, innovative, and efficient. He was also involved with the updates to PlaNYC, the mayor’s comprehensive sustainability plan; as well as increased efficiency to the Department of Building’s construction approval process.

Deputy Mayor Goldsmith oversaw operational management during the Snow Blizzard of 2010, during which the administration failed to adequately respond to unplowed streets and overflowing garbage in many communities. At the time Council Member Letitia James, chair of the Council’s Sanitation Committee, joined many of her colleagues in chastising the administration for its poor response to the blizzard, as well as being out-of-touch with the conditions in outer boroughs. In April 2011, the City Council passed a legislative package with the intent of increasing intergovernmental communications and transparency during snow emergencies. Deputy Mayor Goldsmith was also heavily involved in the City’s contracting agreement, which has seen a number of high-profile errors related to poor management and insufficient oversight— the most visible being the CityTime disaster.

“I have always believed Deputy Mayor Goldsmith to be both hard-working and responsive,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I do not believe one man is responsible for the administration’s numerous blunders, and I sincerely hope he is not being punished for poor polling numbers. I look forward to working with Commissioner Holloway in his new capacity.”

Mayor Bloomberg has appointed Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Caswell F. Holloway to the Deputy Mayor for Operations position.

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CM James' Responds to Allegations of 2010 Blizzard Sanitation Slowdown

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
June 10, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES’ RESPONSE TO NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF INVESTIGATION - INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATIONS OF POSSIBLE SLOWDOWN BY DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION DURING BLIZZARD OF DECEMBER 2010

Almost two feet of snow was dumped on New York City on December 26, and the Tri-state area was covered with nearly 30 inches of snow that week… Sanitation Department slowdown never verified, completely unfounded

“The report issued recently by the Department of Investigation (DOI) regarding the 2010 Blizzard confirms a significant amount of what the Council and the Sanitation Committee discovered during hearings on the blizzard of December 2010. It also brings to light a few important issues that remain unresolved, and I hope to work with DSNY to address these items in the coming months.

Above all, the report underscores the need for improved planning and transparency, which are the two primary objectives achieved by the legislative package passed by the City Council in April. DOI deserves significant credit for conducting a thorough investigation of the allegations of a slow-down, and of other factors that may have contributed to the inadequate response to the blizzard that hit New York City on December 26th and 27th of 2010.

DOI interviewed over 150 witnesses including employees from DSNY, DOT, various elected officials, and several dozen members of the public. DOI also read numerous emails, viewed photos from the public, reviewed hours of video footage obtained from the public and law enforcement sources, issued numerous subpoenas, and conferred with several different prosecutors located in New York City. A number of positive conclusions and important corrections to the record should be emphasized. Most importantly, the allegations of a slow-down were never verified and appear to be completely unfounded.

Furthermore, the vast majority of Sanitation workers were doing the best that they could under the circumstances, although even some of the best equipped plows were getting stuck because of the severe conditions - the level of personnel and equipment was commensurate with levels of recent significant storms. Although there were reports of trucks driving with raised plows, most of the reported incidents that were captured on film were circumstances where the plows were supposed to be up, and DSNY is looking into the few instances where plows appeared to be improperly raised.

When GPS was used, it appears to have been effective, and we are glad to note that DSNY is going forward with our recommendation to expand the use of GPS to all snow plows. According to the DSNY official, the Queens East 8 Garage achieved a higher percentage of streets salted and plowed during the blizzard of December 2010 compared to garages in other districts that received approximately the same amount of snow. The report does identify a number of issues that require further attention such as greater planning and coordination must be in place for sensitive locations such as hospitals.

As I pointed out at the City Council hearing on January 10th, there were significant complaints from Sanitation workers that the chains used during the storm were inadequate. The DOI report provides evidence to support this claim. According to DSNY, there were 3,760 chains that were damaged during the cleanup - about 44% of the chains used during the storm - which raises questions about whether the new chains used by DSNY are durable enough to be trusted in the future. Furthermore, a significant number of DSNY employees stated that trucks had insufficient number of chains.

Other issues cited include: the disagreement between management and rank-and-file DSNY employees regarding when to cease salting during the storm, which could have been addressed through better communication and planning, and those disagreements should be resolved before the next snow season begins. DSNY should reconsider its policy requiring that one employee stay with each and every DSNY vehicle that becomes stuck or stalled during a storm.

During a severe storm such as the December 2010 blizzard, a significant number of employees could have been reassigned to other tasks that could have expedited snow removal more directly, and the appearance of so many employees simply sitting in stalled vehicles created a negative perception of the work being done.

Finally, I also urge DSNY to review its procedures with respect to ordering the proper amount and type of snow shovels. Many lessons were learned from the 2010 Blizzard, and I am confident that when snow storms hit again this winter the City will be much better prepared to handle it in every way.”

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CM James, Sanitation Committee Chair, Supports Legislation To Ease ASP Burden

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 28, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Council Member James, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Supports Legislation to Ease Alternate Side Parking Burden on Brooklyn Residents
New law reduces alt-side requirements for areas that meet cleanliness standards

(Brooklyn, NY) A proposed law, (Int 287-A) addresses the Mayor’s Office of Operation’s Scorecard Cleanliness Report, which determines street cleanliness. In March 2010, my office sent a letter to the department requesting to be included in any updates on the scorecard methodology, specifically any streets chosen to be “representative” streets for the purposes of the report.

This bill, sponsored by Council Member Brad Lander empowers community boards with an average cleanliness rating of 90%, over 2 consecutive years, to submit a request to the department to receive reduced street cleaning by one day (for a qualifying district). All community boards located within the 35th CD: 2, 3, 8, and 9 are eligible for this reduction. The department would have the option to resume the original street cleaning schedule if the sanitation district receives an average score of less than 90% under the Mayor's office of operations scorecard program for any period of three consecutive months, or if the average score of the sanitation district falls below 90% over a period of two consecutive fiscal years.

“After working with the Mayor’s Office of Operations regarding their scorecard cleanliness methodology, I am pleased with the legislation being put forth. The quality of life will be better for everyone in New York City when parking becomes easier and more available,” said Council Member James. “This is good news and should decrease the amount of expensive tickets given to drivers, as well as the hassle of moving cars. Also, I believe that through giving community boards with high cleanliness ratings the option to reduce street cleaning, we are empowering communities to make independent decisions in the best interest of local residents.”

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CM James Commends City Council Restoration of Funds for SWMP Implementation

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 26, 2011

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Commends City Council Restoration of Funds for SWMP Implementation
Important Plan Addresses Borough Equity and Environmental Responsibility In Waste Handling

“Last week, the New York City Council restored important capital funding for the implementation of the 2006 Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP). During recent Preliminary Budget discussions, the administration proposed a budget that all but gutted SWMP by eliminating funding for critical infrastructure, and delaying that funding as far into the future as Fiscal Year 2019.

As the Chairperson of the New York City Council’s Committee on Sanitation and Waste, I believe that SWMP is both timely and integral to achieving the City's vital goal of diminishing the impact of exporting our waste outside of the City, and addressing the injustice of siting solid waste infrastructure in low-income communities.

For over ten years since the premature closure of the Fresh Kills landfill, New York City has operated under an ‘Interim Plan’ for handling waste. This system relies on privately-owned waste transfer stations concentrated in low-income communities that unfairly bear the brunt of waste-handling. In addition, the system depends heavily on long-haul trucks to export waste out of the City. In 2006, SWMP was passed in an effort to serve the critical goals of equity and environmental responsibility for the City of New York. Central to this Plan was a system of marine- and rail-based transfer stations located throughout the City that would eliminate millions of miles of truck traffic each year, as well as advance borough equity.

The Department of Sanitation’s Preliminary Budget would have effectively eliminated funding for four Marine Transfer Stations (MTSs), including all three MTSs to be sited in Manhattan (approximately 40% of the new waste-handling capacity envisioned in the SWMP plan). If this proposed budget had been implemented, this would have cut borough equity out of the SWMP, dramatically reduced its environmental benefits, and betrayed commitments made by the administration to both the City Council and the stakeholders that worked to pass the Plan. In fact, the proposal would have effectively undermined the Plan under the guise of delaying capital funding beyond the current administration. Waste and recyclables that would otherwise go to these facilities would instead be trucked to overburdened communities, and back out of the City.

I have stood by my colleagues in the New York City Council— some of whom represent districts overburdened with waste-handling facilities— to support SWMP and its important goals. In the coming years, City Council oversight will be integral as the administration and the department move forward with the construction of these facilities.”

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Council Member James: "Sister With Attitude"

Curtis Sliwa and NY1 political commentator Gerson Borrero debate the week's top news on NY1, including perhaps the most noted moment from the New York City Council snow blizzard hearing. See video here.

ATTENTION: NYC COUNCIL COMMITTEE HEARINGS SCHEDULED IN RESPONSE TO DECEMBER 2010 BLIZZARD CLEANUP

ANNOUNCEMENT

Monday, January 10, 2011
Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management jointly with the
Committee on Fire and Criminal Justice Services and
Committee on Public Safety and
Committee on Oversight and Investigations 11:00 a.m.

Oversight Hearing– The December Blizzard of 2010: Evaluating the City’s response
Committee Room– 250 Broadway, 16th Floor

Letitia James, Chairperson
Elizabeth Crowley, Chairperson
Peter Vallone, Chairperson
Jumaane Williams, Chairperson
----

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Borough Community Hearings

Brooklyn
Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street

6:00PM

CMs James and Williams Join Community Advocates To Speak Out On Snow Sanitation

Council Members Letitia James and Jumaane Williams join Isaac Tamir of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC) to discuss conditions in Crown Heights on December 28, 2010.

Anger Over City's Blizzard Response: MyFoxNY.com

ATTENTION: CM James Calls Mayor Bloomberg "Out of Touch" With Clean-up Outside Manhattan

Read the full coverage at CNN's American Morning here.

CM James Addresses Snow Cleanup, DSNY Sanitation Conditions Post-Snowstorm

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 2, 2011

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

Department of Sanitation Not Resuming Full Garbage Collection by Monday, January 3

Brooklyn, NY— On Sunday, January 2, 2011, the New York City Department of Sanitation announced that after a week of halted garbage collection only limited collection would resume on Monday, January 3rd, and recycling collection would be halted indefinitely.

Following the snow blizzard that took place throughout New York City on Sunday, December 26, residential streets are overflowing with garbage, which risks attracting rodents and other vermin. Additionally, these conditions create a hazardous environment for pedestrians, particularly the disabled and elderly. Sidewalk access remains problematic, and walkways in some parts of the city are almost impassable. As the Department of Sanitation continues to remove a significant amount of the snow and ice, and with warmer temperatures melting the rest, resuming garbage collection should be the primary focus starting tomorrow.

“In the midst of last year’s snow storm, I commended the administration on addressing the sanitation issues that arose,” said Council Member Letitia James (D, NY) “This time, criticism is necessary. It is unacceptable that Brooklyn and the other outer boroughs didn’t receive adequate and timely storm clean-up. And it is frankly dangerous to continue to put off full garbage collection in these unsanitary conditions.”


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**For Immediate Release**
December 28, 2010

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

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES ABOUT THE ADMINISTRATION’S RESPONSE TO THE DECEMBER 2010 SNOW STORM

“Days after the storm, snow in Brooklyn is still piled high and the streets are slick, and dangerous. Concerned neighbors and residents in the 35th Council District are reaching out to me questioning the delay of snow cleanup in Brooklyn. Apparently, the Administration has responded inadequately to the snowstorm, and streets are not passable to many in Brooklyn.

At this time, not enough snowplows are on the ground, and more cleanup efforts should be focused in the City’s outer boroughs. Also, car owners are complaining that vehicles are buried by snow; it’s difficult to locate cars, as well as dig cars out. Simply put, the failure of the Administration to declare a snow emergency was a major blunder.

As the Chair of the Council’s Sanitation Committee, I request more attention and help from the Administration during this snowstorm crisis. Specifically in Brooklyn to increase safety for drivers and residents as this holiday season continues, and families and friends gather to visit and celebrate.

I advise constituents to call 311 and keep a record of your complaint numbers, in order to ensure streets are plowed. And, I plan to hold hearings as Chair of the Sanitation Committee on this matter. Lastly, the Department of Sanitation is looking for day laborers and private equipment owners to remove snow; those interested should inquire with 311 as well.”

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City Council Hearings Held on Outdoor ATMs, Development, and Post-Storm Clean-up

On Monday, October 25th, the Council Committee on Transportation held a hearing on Int. 257– 2010, in relation to regulating sidewalk ATMs as revocable consents and requiring safety features for all outdoor ATMs. This bill was introduced by Council Member Diana Reyna. The bill will act as a safety measure (currently there is little regulation or security rules in relation to outdoor ATM machines placed outside of non-banking businesses). The bill would look to address this loophole, and increase safety for consumers. Council Member James also has upcoming legislation regarding outdoor ATM regulation.

On Monday, the Council Committee on Land Use also held an oversight hearing which discussed development on 470 Vanderbilt Avenue.

Finally, the Council Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste, chaired by Council Member Letitia James, held a joint hearing with the Council's Committee on Parks & Recreation regarding the recent storm.

For more information on any of these hearings, or to follow-up on these issues, please contact the City Hall Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081.

Council’s Historic Recycling Legislation Signed into Law by Mayor Bloomberg

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL SPEAKER CHRISTINE C. QUINN, SANITATION CHAIR LETITIA JAMES, AND PUBLIC ADVOCATE BILL DE BLASIO ON RECYCLING LEGISLATION SIGNED INTO LAW

The Mayor signed a package of recycling bills that will revolutionize recycling in New York City through a variety of initiatives including expanded plastic recycling, a new clothing and textile recycling program, and improved public space recycling. The package of legislation represents the first significant expansion of the city’s residential recycling program since it was created in 1989.

Speaker Christine C. Quinn: “I applaud the Mayor for signing this package of bills that will dramatically expand and overhaul the way we recycle here in New York City. Our legislation will divert over 8,000 tons of plastic every year away from landfills and incinerators. That’s equal to the amount of trash produced by nearly 10,000 people each year. This is one step closer to making New York City cleaner and greener for our current and future residents.”

Int. 156 - Improves recycling at City agencies by requiring each agency to establish sustainability coordinators and to implement plans to expand recycling with each agency.

Sanitation Committee Chair Letitia James: “The City’s comprehensive residential recycling law provides a recycling infrastructure separate from home collection. I thank the Mayor for signing this package today and finalizing the last step in making this a reality. Upgrades to Local Law 19 include an expanded public space recycling initiative, which would require DOS to site a total of 700 public space recycling bins. These revisions promote a culture of recycling in New York City by making it available and convenient for both residents, as well as visitors. Therefore, public receptacles make it easy for everyone to readily discard their used bottles, cans or papers. This is a win for all New Yorkers and our visitors.”

Int. 165 - Requires schools to designate a recycling coordinator and provide recycling receptacles in each classroom and at other locations.

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio: “This new law will do more than reduce school waste; it will teach the youngest New Yorkers to grow up green. I am proud to have sponsored this legislation, and I thank Speaker Quinn and Mayor Bloomberg for making it into law.”

Int. 158 - Requires DOS to site 300 new recycling bins in public spaces over the next three years, and a total of 700 bins within the next ten years.

Int. 162 - Mandates at least one DOS sponsored household hazardous waste collection event in each borough per year, with a long-term goal of increasing the number of events, or making such sites permanent.

Int. 148 - Expands plastic recycling to cover all rigid plastic containers, including such items as yogurt tubs, take out containers and medicine bottles.

Int. 147 Improves recycling education, enforcement, and fine increases.

Int. 142 - Extends the DOS collection period from March 1 – November 30 beginning in 2012, and requires the Department of Sanitation to establish leaf and yard waste composting facilities in all boroughs where the Department provides yard waste compost collection.

Int. 141 - Requires DOS to complete a study of commercial recycling practices.

Int. 142 - Establishes a voluntary take-back program for retailers and manufacturers of unused residential paint.

Int. 164 - Improves recycling reporting requirements and requires additional studies to enhance the City’s recycling programs.

Int. 171 - Requires a report to study ways to improve food waste composting in New York City.

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DSNY Proposes Rules for Abandoned and “Memorial” Bicycles

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Statement Regarding “Memorial” Ghost Bikes by Council Member Letitia James

“As chair of the City Council’s Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, and as the representative of a district in Brooklyn with an active bicycle culture, I have heard from a number of constituents and advocates about abandoned bicycles.

These bicycles present both an aesthetic and a practical problem, and as more New Yorkers turn to bicycles as an alternative method of transportation, the importance of having protocol in place to address abandoned bicycles will only grow. For these reasons, I appreciate the Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) efforts in issuing proposed rules to remove abandoned bicycles.

And, as I am sure we all agree, ghost bicycles (I prefer “memorial” bicycles), serve as a poignant homage by families and loved ones of cyclists killed while riding, and also act as an important reminder to passing riders and pedestrians that care must be taken while riding bicycles in our City.

One need only think of the vivid image of the memorial bicycle placed near the site of the World Trade Center after the attack on 9/11 to understand the strength of the message that these bicycles convey. In my district, there have been a number of tragic cycling deaths and several of them are memorialized by memorial bicycles, including two rider fatalities which occurred in one accident last year, Julian Miller and Ajile Turner, whose memorial I pass on a regular basis. This July, Aileen Dalton, a mother of three, was killed when struck by a car in my district while riding a motor scooter. Memorial bikes remind us of how dangerous automobiles can be.

The proposed Department of Sanitation rules define a bicycle to be derelict if it is affixed to public property and it meets three of the following characteristics: the bicycle appears to be crushed or not usable; the bicycle is missing parts, other than the seat and front wheel, including handlebars, pedals, rear wheel or chain; the bicycle has flat or missing tires; the handlebars or pedals are damaged, or the existing forks, frames or rims are bent; or seventy-five percent or more of the bicycle is rusted.

I am concerned that DSNY’s proposed rules extend the definition of a “derelict” bicycle too far and run the risk of subjecting a significant number of memorial bicycles to removal. Many of these memorial bicycles share characteristics with “derelict” bicycles, as they are defined in the rules, even though they are completely different, and should be treated ad such. For purposes of these proposed rules, I believe the Department of Sanitation should eliminate any reference to memorial bicycles. Considering the value that memorial bicycles hold, I think we should be more careful to not subject these sacred bicycles to seizure.

I also recommend that Department of Sanitation improve the notice requirements for memorial bicycles prior to removal. Under the current rules, the Department of Sanitation will affix notice to a memorial bicycle that has become “derelict” to advise the owner that such ghost bicycle is to be removed within thirty days.

I believe that an additional notice provision would be both possible and helpful, since family members or loved ones may not visit a memorial bicycle within those thirty days. One possible option would be to allow family members and loved ones responsible for a memorial bicycle to register with the Department of Sanitation on a voluntary basis. If that bicycle becomes derelict, in addition to the notice provision already set forth in the proposed rules, DSNY can contact the name on-record to advise them of the derelict designation. In addition, the Department could also provide public notice either in the City Record or through some other method of free communication, and can solicit the help of local elected officials to identify the appropriate family member or loved one.

Lastly, I thank the Department of Sanitation for taking on the responsibility of dealing with abandoned bicycles. I welcome ongoing dialogue and ideas for improvements on these proposed rules, particularly with respect to memorial bicycles, and would be more than happy to continue assisting with that process.”

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

NYCC Sanitation Cmte Chair Letitia James Joins Collegues and Advocates To Announce Efforts To Expand Recycling; FG Park; 5/19; 10:30AM

Contact: Nicole Kolinsky 212-788-0260

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

Speaker Quinn, Sanitation Chair James, and Council Member Lappin To Announce Efforts in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Park to Expand Recycling in City’s Public Spaces

Following the introduction of a comprehensive legislative package to expand and improve recycling programs in New York City, Speaker Quinn, together with Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Committee Chair Letitia James, and Council Member Jessica Lappin, will discuss important legislation to significantly expand the number of recycling bins in public locations across the city.

The announcement will take place at Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn which the Administration and the Council selected in 2007 as a location for a public spaces recycling pilot program.

WHAT: Public Spaces Recycling Legislation Press Conference
WHO: Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn
Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Committee Chair Letitia James
Council Member Jessica Lappin
Environmental Advocates
Fort Greene Park– Southeast Corner
WHERE: DeKalb Avenue and Washington Park
WHEN: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
TIME: 10:30 A.M.

ATTENTION: Pre-Passover Sanitation Collection Service in BK CBs 3 and 9

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announces Pre-Passover Collection Service in Orthodox Jewish Neighborhoods

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty today announced a plan to deploy additional refuse and recycling collection trucks to service predominately Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods throughout the City in anticipation of the traditional pre-Passover Chometz clean up.

The Department of Sanitation’s goal is to collect the additional materials before the Passover holiday begins at sundown on Monday, March 29th .

Residents in the special collection areas who by religious belief must cleanse their homes in anticipation of the Passover holiday, should discard trash and other bulk items the week prior to the holiday starting Wednesday, March 24th , and by no later than Monday, March 29th.

During these times, increased collection frequency will begin within the following Brooklyn community boards: Brooklyn 1, 3, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18. Recyclables should continue to be placed at the curb on the regularly scheduled day.

“This special collection program, arranged by the Department of Sanitation with Orthodox Jewish community, is one example of the City’s responsiveness to the needs of our various communities,” said Mayor Bloomberg.

“The Department of Sanitation is pleased to offer this annual service to a number of predominately Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods throughout the City during the Passover holiday,” said Commissioner Doherty.

Before discarding a refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, water cooler, de-humidifier or other appliance containing CFC gas, residents must call 3-1-1 to make an appointment for placement of these items for processing. Once serviced, the item will be picked up on regularly scheduled recycling days. In addition, the Department reminds residents that bulk items such as couches, mattresses, and discarded furniture can be placed at curbside year-round for removal on regularly scheduled collection days.

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