Jackson to Host Public Forum on Gun Control
State Senator Robert Jackson (D-Washington Heights, Fort George, Inwood) will be moderating a public forum on solutions to gun violence next week.
The forum was scheduled in the wake of several high profile shootings across the country, particularly Monday’s shooting at a Brownsville block party that resulted in 1 fatality and 11 injuries.
The event is slated for Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 6-8 p.m. at CCNY’s NAC Ballroom, 160 Convent Ave.
Rivera Announces New Initiative to Help Small Businesses
Earlier this week, City Council Member Carlina Rivera (D-East Village, Gramercy Park) unveiled two new initiatives to help small businesses in her district.
The first, the East Village Revitalization Loan Fund will allow East Village business owners to borrow up to $50,000 with low, immutable interest rates. The loans can go towards restocking inventory, marketing, store renovations, and various other capital needs. The second, the “Village Access” app, will connect residents with up-to-date information about small businesses in the Village.
“Small businesses are essential parts of what make neighborhoods in New York City unique,” said Rivera. “When a small business closes, it is not only a loss for the neighborhood’s economy, but also for its vibrancy and character. That’s why I’m so proud we recently passed legislation to address these issues, and that our partners in the community are working with us to protect and empower New York’s small business community with these new tools.”
Rodriguez Demands Shuttle Buses for Uptown Community
Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill) hosted a rally yesterday to demand shuttle buses for the Washington Heights community.
The protest was prompted by the closure of elevators at the 181st and 190th Street train stations. The closure was particularly problematic for Washington Heights’ senior citizens, who rely on the elevators in order to reach the subway platform.
Rodriguez said that the neighborhood’s senior citizens contribute a great deal to the community – more than enough to deserve accessible transit.
“This is not your first fight,” he told the crowd. “For decades you’ve been fighting to make the society better. You pay a lot of taxes. The only thing that society should do is reinvest, to give you the respect that you deserve. So as the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, as a Council Member, together with my colleagues, we are here to send a message loud and clear to the MTA and DOT.”
