Speed Cameras Back For First Day Of School, 46th Assembly Democratic Primary Debate & More Lunchtime Links for Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018
There’s a lot going on in Brooklyn every day, so we’re debuting a new feature: Lunchtime Links!
We’ll give you a quick overview of what’s going on in Brooklyn, from our own reporting and other outlets, rounding up what you need to know in politics, arts, events and more!
New York City Public Schools are back in session tomorrow September 5, and just in time, Governor Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio, and the New York City Council have worked together to get speed cameras switched back on for the students’ first day back. The cameras were turned off on July 25 after the NYS Senate failed to renew and expand the bill before the end of the legislative session on June 21. To celebrate the return of the speed safety camera program, there will be a Safe Way Back to School Rally today at City Hall Park at 6:30pm.
Brooklyn College’s Young Progressives Of America welcome gubernatorial hopeful Cynthia Nixon and Lieutenant Governor nominee Jumaane Williams today at 12:30pm. Nixon endorsed Williams and the Council Member endorsed Nixon at an event in Prospect Park in late July.
Speaking of Williams, he and Kevin Parker were on Kings Highway at lunchtime, addressing resident’s concerns about the select bus route B82. DOT has been implementing designated bus lanes along Kings Highway, and their proposal for the commercial area between Ocean Avenue and McDonald Avenue has been met with significant pushback from local businesses and politicians concerned about parking.
Speaking of politics, BKLYNER is hosting the first and only debate between the two
Democratic candidates running to fill the vacant 46th Assembly seat tomorrow at 7pm at Trump Village in Coney Island/West Brighton Beach. Candidates Mathylde Frontus and Ethan Lustig-Elgrably will answer questions impacting the district which includes, Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Brighton Beach, Sea Gate, and Gravesend.
For more on what’s scheduled this week in NYC politics—the week leading up to the primary elections—check out gothamgazette.com.
Did you go to J’Ouvert and the West Indian Day celebrations yesterday? What did you think of the NYPD’s enhanced security measures for J’Ouvert? We’ll have photos of the events later today.
The New York Post reports that according to a new analysis, the city has paid $384 million to settle cases of police misconduct over the past five years. More than half of that money has involved lawsuits that did not go to trial, and a sizable portion went towards settling the sort of nuisance suits that Mayor Bill de Blasio said he would crack down on in 2015.
On Thursday, neighbors and members of the Brooklyn Bear’s Rockwell Garden protested the massive 80 Flatbush project which they say will significantly block the sunlight from their community garden as well as surrounding areas. Last week, Council Member Stephen Levin weighed in on the towering 80 Flatbush project, saying that the skyscraper would have to shrink by a third—before gaining his key vote on the project.
Finally, a heads up on some upcoming events happening around Brooklyn: the second annual Brooklyn Clay Tour returns for four days (September 6-9) of ceramics exhibitions, events, demonstrations and more. Read about last year’s inaugural event here.
On Sunday, September 9, the NYC Century Bike Tour returns for a 29th year. Last year’s 100-mile ride through the city was marred by a crash in Borough park in which a drunk driver accelerated into a group of bicyclists and killed a Greenpoint resident.
Next Monday, September 10, the Brooklyn Book Festival kicks off with a full week of literary events featuring more than 300 authors at more than 50 special events. The Fest organizers hosted an event in June announcing some of what’s on offer.
And don’t forget to check out our Weekend Arts Listing on Thursday.