New Councilman Mark Treyger Discusses Superstorm Sandy Relief and Coney Island In City & State Video

Newly- elected Councilman Mark Treyger turned a “laser like focus” on Super storm Sandy, where damage in his district that covers much of Southern Brooklyn is still evident.

“First and foremost [my priority is] to return a sense of safety and normalcy for the families in Southern Brooklyn,” Treyger, who represents District 47, said during an interview with City & State.

Coney Island and Brighton Beach, Treyger said, were hit hard during the storm and for many people in the neighborhood, they are still waiting for aid.

Treyger wants to ensure that people get the money they need. The new Federal and State funds that are planned to be distributed this year should be overseen by a committee, Treyger said. Along with other Council members like Sunset Park’s new Councilman Carlos Menchaca, Treyger wants to create an oversight committee aimed at “making sure those monies are going where they’re suppose to. No room for abuse. And no room for misuse.”

Treyger would also like to “rethink infrastructure” by fortifying the sandy coast of areas like Coney Island and Brighton Beach.

“Most people think of beaches as a place to have fun but they’re also the first line of defense,” he said.

But Treyger doesn’t want to just transform the beach of Coney Island, he also wants to turn the area into a year-round destination. Back in early December, Treyger had made a similar comment when the City Council was still in the midst of  voting on a proposal to create a new open-air auditorium, green space and restaurant at the former site of Childs Restaurant on West 21st Street and the boardwalk in Coney Island.

During the debate, Treyger didn’t approve of the plan and said, “Coney Island cannot become a year-round destination, with jobs and economic opportunity for its residents, without infrastructure and transportation improvements.”

Watch the video above, or at City & State’s website.