Quick Hits
- Voting for Participatory Budgeting is taking place this week. Both Councilman Lander and Councilman Menchaca have provided funds for local projects but it is up to you to determine how those funds are spent. Click on these links for voting locations is District 38 (Menchaca) and District 39 (Lander).
- All New York City residents are eligible to receive a free, photo NYC identification card through IDNYC. Among the benefits are free one-year memberships to many of NYC's leading cultural institutions. To learn more or to make an appointment to obtain identification, please visit their website.
- As of April 1, New Yorkers will receive a $100 fine for placing electronic waste at the curb. The Department of Sanitation is holding events throughout the spring to offer residents a chance to get rid of unwanted electronics. The Brooklyn event will take place on April 19 at MCU Park, Surf Avenue Parking lot.
- NYS Assembly Assistant Speaker Felix Ortiz will host a Community Health Fair on Saturday, April 18 at theSunset Park Recreation Center at 7th Avenue and 43rd Street. There will be free tuberculosis testing. For more information, contact the Assemblyman's office at (718) 492-6334.
- UPROSE will host "A MoveNY Fair Plan Education Forum" on April 29 at 5:30 PM at Community Board 7's Office, 4201 4th Avenue (entrance on 43rd Street).
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Bush Terminal Park Welcomes Spring
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One of the newest residents of Sunset Park:
a harbor seal sunning herself at Bush Terminal Park
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It didn't take long for Bush Terminal Park to get noticed. The new waterfront park, opened in October, has welcomed its first spring. However, wildlife did not wait for warmer weather to arrive and many different species have been enjoying the restored environment.
In addition to harbor seals, which were photographed at the park by Laura Meyers, about five dozen species of birds have been spotted in the park, according to the Brooklyn Bird Club, including a rare Eurasian Wigeon. The park has become ahotspot for Brooklyn bird watchers.
Beneath the surface, wildlife is starting to notice the cleaner environment and revitalized natural habitats. A recent episode of the PBS program, Earth: A New Wild, documented the return of oysters and horseshoe crabs to Bush Terminal Pier 5, immediately north of the new park (about 45 minutes into this link to the program).
Of course, the park is not just for wildlife. Everyone can enjoy the spectacular views of New York Harbor, tidal estuary ponds, ballfields and passive play areas. The park is open until 5 PM everyday. It will be open until 8 PM beginning in May. The park can be accessed via 43rd Street off 1st Avenue.
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Enrollment for Pre-K Has Begun
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The Pre-K for All system of free, full-day, high-quality Pre-K for All programs includes both New York City Early Education Centers and district schools. At all pre-K programs, children will learn to problem solve, ask questions, work together, and will have an early start to a high-quality education.
Applying to pre-K has never been easier. This year, applications for both types of programs across the city will be combined in a single easy to use application at nyc.gov/prek through April 24th. Our mission is to reach every family that is eligible for this important opportunity. If you or anyone you know has a child born in 2011, please call 718-935-2009 or visit nyc.gov/prek.
The Pre-K for All Outreach Team will have staff across the city - in parks, museums, libraries, and community events - ready to assist parents in finding the school that's right for them. If you or your organization would like to assist in this historic effort, please contact pre-k@schools.nyc.gov or 212-637-8000. We would be happy to provide more information, training, and direct outreach to eligible families.
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Issue Updates
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- The Department of Transportation presented their most recent update to their local truck route study which they undertook at the request of Community Board 7 and residents of 20th Street. The study has not been concluded.
- Industry City has proposed a parking plan and a rezoning plan for their campus. CB 7 voted in favor of the parking plan in March, but the rezoning plan will require a Public Hearing once the proposal is filed with the City.
- The Department of Transportation has issued its Pedestrian Safety Action Plan for NYC - 2015. The Brooklyn report can be accessed here.
- Various City agencies have responded to Community Board 7's Capital and Expense budget requests for Fiscal Year 2016.
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Please share your feedback on our newsletter by contacting the Community Board.
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Call to Action:
Youth Edition
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New York State now recognizes 16- and 17- year - olds as eligible for Service on New York City's Community Boards.
The Youth on Boards/ Project 118 Campaign seeks to identify, seat and support two 16 to 25 year olds on every Community Board by the summer of 2016.
To help find those candidates,
Borough President Eric Adams has partnered with the Coalition for Youth Engagement to host a Youth Participation on Community Board Boot Camp on Saturday, May 16 at Brooklyn Borough Hall between 10 AM and 2 PM. Lunch is included.
The goal is to promote civic engagement by nourishing the next generation of community leaders.
For more information and free registration, please visit
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Our Executive Committee
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Daniel A. Murphy
Chairperson
Cynthia Gonzalez
First Vice Chairperson
Zachary Jasie
Second Vice Chairperson
June Reich
Secretary
Gloria Rodriguez
Assistant Secretary
Leah Hebert
Treasurer
Kenny Guan
Sergeant-at-Arms
Jason Goldberg
Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms
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