Queens Lawmakers On The Move June 17, 2019

Schumer Urges FAA To Require All Helicopters Be Equipped With “Black Boxes”

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), on the heels of last week’s Midtown Manhattan helicopter crash in Manhattan, last week, urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to mandate the installation of a ‘black box,’ also known as a flight data recorder (FDR) on all helicopers.

Schumer noted the that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been trying for years, without success, to compel the FAA to mandate the installation of these often critical data preservers on many helicopter models.

“To know that the NTSB has been trying for years, without success, to compel the FAA to take action as it relates to making helicopters more valuable to safety by installing flight data recorders is cause for serious concern,” said Schumer. “So, in the name of safety, the FAA must take another look at the NTSB’s reports on chopper crashes similar to the one in New York City just last week and propel the safety measures that have been collecting dust for far too long.”

Gianaris, Who Helped Craft Legislation, Cheered Vote on Major Overhaul That Supports Tenants

State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, parts of Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven) last week voted to pass the most significant pro-tenant protection laws in the history of New York.

The new rent laws, which Gianaris helped write, will make living in New York more affordable for hundreds of thousands of families.

“After years of displacement caused by rent laws that worked against them, New York’s tenants finally have a seat at the table thanks to a new Senate that is working with our Assembly partners to eagerly champion housing affordability,” said Gianaris. “This sweeping legislation provides the strongest tenant protections since the enactment of rent laws decades ago and I am proud to have worked with incredible grassroots organizers to deliver this historic progress. I am honored that we passed this today.”

Addabbo Bill Requiring Hard Lids On Trains Passes Senate

State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) last week saw his legislation to require hard lids or sturdy tarping on top of “trash trains” get full Senate approval.

“For years now, many of my constituents have complained of terrible odors and spilled garbage from trains carrying waste through their communities,” said Addabbo. “When trains loaded down with waste sit for a long time on the tracks at transfer stations, it has negative ramifications for the public health, our environment and local property values. My bill would help to address these issues by requiring that trash being transported by rail be contained more completely and effectively.”

Under the legislation (S.2490), trains carrying putrescible waste – or trash which is subject to decay – would be covered with hard, sealing lids before exiting their transfer stations. Non-putrescible waste would be covered with hard tarping.    

“While transporting waste by rail may be environmentally and economically preferable to using fleets of trucks, the practice certainly has its drawbacks,” said Addabbo. “However, I believe that ‘putting a lid on it’ will help to reduce the negative impacts of hauling trash by train. We should be able to cut down on pollution without subjecting railway neighbors to unpleasant odors and other unfortunate side effects.”

Having passed the Senate, the legislation is now under review by the Assembly.

Sanders To Give Glimpse Of Rockaways Caribbean Carnival

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Far Rockaway) will give a glimpse into the Caribbean Carnival in the Rockaways when he hosts a kick-off for the third annual event in collaboration with the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), the Rockaway Development Revitalization Corporation (RDRC), the Parks Department, and Midday Medley 93.5 FM.

The Senator’s preview will include masqueraders in brightly colored costumes as well as island food and music.

The Carnival celebrates the various arts & culture of the Caribbean while highlighting the hidden jewel that is the Rockaways. It has been such a success for the last two years that organizers expect an even better turn out this time around.

The preview is slated for 3 p.m., Saturday, June 29 at Beach 20th Street Pedestrian Plaza between Mott and Cornaga avenues in Far Rockaway.

The Caribbean Carnival in the Rockaways main event will take place at 11 a.m., Aug. 25 starting at Beach 20th Street and Seagirt Boulevard and ending at Bayswater Park, located at 710 Bay 32nd Street.