Brannan Takes Out the Trash

BAY RIDGE – City Councilman Justin Brannan (D) secured almost $1.4 million dollars Thursday for cleaner streets in the 43rd Council district, addressing one of the hotly debated topics during his successful run for council, he said.

Commissioner Kathryn Garcia Department of Sanitation of New York joined the councilman outside of his Bay Ridge office this morning to make the announcement. The move comes after last year’s candidates ranted about what they called a declining quality of life in the Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst and Dyker Heights areas.

“To me, clean streets, sidewalks and storefronts are the very foundation of any vibrant community,” said Brannan, who claims, as a councilman, he’s brought in the most money for sanitation services of any of his predecessors.  “When the quality of life issues such as sanitation and maintenance are not addressed, and our streets are littered with garbage, it creates the perception that an area is neglected and forgotten.”

The funds for the extended service come in part from the City Council’s multi-million cleanup initiative. Brannan allocated $189,000 of the $220,000 each council member is allocated to enhance cleaning services in their district. The funds will go to extended DSNY services in the district’s commercial corridors, namely 3rd, 4th, 5th, 13th and 18th Avenues, along with 86th Street and Ft. Hamilton Pkwy.

Mayor de Blasio’s administration also chipped in with $3.5 million to pay for extended DSNY services. Brannan and his council colleagues will divvy up the extra funds which will likely go to additional shifts for DSNY employees.

“We’re proud to partner with Councilman Brannan to provide additional service to Bay Ridge,” said Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia. “This additional service will help make residents’ shopping experience more enjoyable, add vibrancy to this important business district, and, best of all, keep Bay Ridge beautiful.”

The Councilman made a plea to his constituent base, asking everyone to help keep the area clean.

“I cannot do it without your help,” he said. “We’ve got to work together. Please do what you can to encourage your neighbors and favorite store owners to keep their sidewalks clean.”

Residents in the who witness illegal dumping or see an area that needs extra attention are encouraged to contact: (718) 748-5200 or AskJB@council.nyc.gov.

Here’s what CD43  residents can look forward to:

Overnight trash pick up along the major commercial corridors. (7 days a week)

Daily daytime pick up along all major commercial corridors  (5 days a week)

Weekly Street sweeping

Increased bulk pick up

Manual curbside cleaning