PHOTO: Gentile Presents Innovative Library Proposal with Speaker Quinn

By on April 4, 2013  Schools & Libraries
Apr 042013
 
(Photo courtesy of William Alatriste via Councilman Gentile's office).

(Photo courtesy of William Alatriste via Councilman Gentile’s office).

City Councilman Vincent Gentile was recently joined by council speaker and mayoral candidate Christine Quinn to announce a new library program meant to improve citizens’ access to city government.

“I was proud to join City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn early this morning to present a new, innovative proposal for a citywide system of “Mini City Halls” inside our libraries that will serve as a one-stop shop for New Yorkers seeking help navigating access to important programs and services,” said Gentile, who serves as the Libraries Subcommittee Chairman, in a press release. “Libraries play a tremendous role in the communities they serve so turning them into ‘Mini City Halls’ is a no-brainer. This innovative proposal will help to better meet the needs of New Yorkers by making government more accessible. I thank Speaker Quinn, my Council colleagues and the New York Public Library system for their dedication to the people of New York City.”

City Plans To Narrow Fourth Avenue As Golden, PBA Lobby Against Gentile-Backed Speed Camera Program

By on March 26, 2013  Featured story, Traffic & Transit
Mar 262013
 
A flier from the Fourth Ave safety workshop. (Image source: NYCDOT).

A flier from the Fourth Ave safety workshop. (Image source: NYCDOT).

As the NYC Department of Transportation unveils a series of traffic-calming measures for Fourth Avenue to mixed reactions, State Senator Marty Golden (R) and the police union are lobbying Albany lawmakers to nix a speed camera demonstration program previously approved by the New York State Assembly and supported by City Councilman Vincent Gentile (D).

At a March 21, meeting where city planners showcased the proposals, Bay Ridgites on both sides of the issue voiced strong opinions about the possible changes – which include narrowing a 13-block stretch of the busy thoroughfare from Ovington Avenue to 84th Street, as reported by Will Bredderman for Brooklyn Paper. Continue reading »

Community Leaders Rally For Return Of Victory Hospital

By on March 14, 2013  Featured story, News
Mar 142013
 
No, that's not a typo - it's merely a reference to Stephen Berger - the head of a state commission that called for Victory Hospital's closure in 2008 (Image source: Michael Fleshman via Flickr.

No, that’s not a typo – It’s merely a reference to Stephen Berger, the head of a state commission that called for Victory Hospital’s closure in 2008. From a rally held last year (Image source: Michael Fleshman via Flickr).

Could the timing finally be right for Victory Memorial to reopen?

Local elected officials and community leaders gathered on March 8, to once again call for the return of ambulance services to the medical center formerly known as Victory Memorial Hospital [699 92nd Street].

Since 2008, after locals waged a two year fight to save the facility from complete closure, the hospital has been limited to an overnight infirmary called SUNY Downstate, notes Will Bredderman for Brooklyn Daily. Read more, including how Stephen Berger screwed Southwest Brooklyn

Council Passes Fine Relief For Street Vendors But Not Brick-And-Mortars; Gentile Asks, “Does that seem fair to you?”

By on March 1, 2013  Business
Mar 012013
 
These posters shamed Council Speaker and Mayoral candidate Christine Quinn into enacting legislation lowering the maximum fine for street vendors. But Bay Ridge Councilman Vincent Gentile says brick-and-mortar retailers face the same problems. (Photo source: The Street Vendor Project)

These posters shamed Council Speaker and Mayoral candidate Christine Quinn into enacting legislation lowering the maximum fine for street vendors. But Bay Ridge Councilman Vincent Gentile says brick-and-mortar retailers face the same problems. (Photo source: The Street Vendor Project)

On Wednesday, the City Council approved a bill that would reduce the maximum fine given to street vendors for blocking the sidewalk in half from $1,000 to $500. The bill – introduced over two years ago but spent most of that time languishing in committee – moved quickly through the Council in the past two weeks after the Street Vendor Project publicly shamed Council Speaker Christine Quinn into action. Quinn is the leading candidate for Mayor in this September’s Democratic primary, according to a poll released yesterday by Quinnipiac.

Bay Ridge Councilmember Vincent Gentile stood nearly alone in opposition, casting one of only three “no” votes against 44 in favor. Gentile has long held the view that street vendors have played by rules that grant them preferential treatment, while traditional brick-and-mortar stores have had to contend with a hostile tax and regulatory environment, and that bills such as this exacerbate the double-standard.

“Earlier this month, a small business owner in my district was fined $1,000 when her $30 pet grooming license expired,” Gentile said in a written statement. “Does that seem fair to you?” Continue reading »

Councilman Gentile Votes To Move Power Lines Underground

By on February 11, 2013  News
Feb 112013
 

The following is a press release from the office of City Councilman Vincent Gentile:

CITY HALL – At yesterday’s Stated Meeting, Councilman Vincent J. Gentile joined his colleagues led by Council Speaker Christine Quinn to authorize a study into the feasibility of burying overhead power lines underground in order to keep New Yorkers safe during severe weather emergencies. Continue reading »

As 93 Lounge Suspects Indicted, DA Refuses To Offer Plea Deal

By on February 4, 2013  News
Feb 042013
 
Source: Google Maps.

Source: Google Maps.

On Friday, January 25, Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes announced the indictment of two suspects accused of mowing down a crowd with a car during a New Years Day brawl in front of the 93 Lounge [315 93rd St.], as Denise Romano and Helen Klein write for Home Reporter. Continue reading »

“Slow Zone” Coming To Ridge Blvd

By on January 24, 2013  Traffic & Transit
Jan 242013
 
Photo courtesy of the office of Councilman Vincent Gentile.

Image courtesy of the office of Councilman Vincent Gentile.

Tired of trying to navigate intersections with the little ones in tow while dodging aggressive drivers?

According to the office of City Councilman Vincent Gentile, crossing one Bay Ridge street should soon be a whole lot safer.

Gentile says that after working on the issue with DOT officials, they have given the go ahead for a so-called “Slow Zone” on Ridge Boulevard between 86th Street and 91st Street.

“I just spoke with the Dept. of Transportation’s School Safety Unit and they have agreed to install new beacon lights and safety signs in this area very soon,” Councilman Gentile said. “While there is more to be done, this is a step in the right direction towards making our streets a place where we can all coexist safely.”

Gentile Sponsors Legislation To Protect Unemployed From Job Discrimination

By on January 24, 2013  Business
Jan 242013
 

Big_4_Hits_36_A_-_NoHelpWanted-You'reUnderArrestFrom Huffington Post:

In a current job posting on The People Place, a job recruiting website for the telecommunications, aerospace/defense and engineering industries, an anonymous electronics company in Angleton, Texas, advertises for a “Quality Engineer.” Qualifications for the job are the usual: computer skills, oral and written communication skills, light to moderate lifting. But red print at the bottom of the ad says, “Client will not consider/review anyone NOT currently employed regardless of the reason.”

The following is a press release from the office of City Councilman Vincent Gentile:

CITY HALL – Tomorrow the New York City Council will pass legislation providing a private cause of action for those unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of being unemployed – the first law of its kind in the nation.

Intro 814-A will prohibit employers from using a person’s employment status in a hiring decision and from posting job advertisements that require applicants to be currently employed. The bill has the strong support of City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer as well as the National Employment Law Project, which is a national advocacy organization for employment rights of lower-wage workers. Continue reading »

Golden Aide Eying Gentile’s City Council Seat

By on January 17, 2013  Politics
Jan 172013
 
(Image source: vincent desjardins via Flickr.

Image source: vincent desjardins via Flickr.

John Quaglione, State Senator Marty Golden’s deputy chief of staff, says he’s currently considering a run for City Council.

Home Reporter’s Denise Romano writes that the winner of a Republican/Conservative primary between Quaglione and his likely opponent Andy Sullivan would probably face Democrat Councilmember Vincent Gentile – who is expected to seek his third and final full term this fall.

For his part, Quaglione tells Home Reporter that he’s received a positive reaction from potential supporters, and is close to making a final decision as to whether he will run.

“I don’t have a decision yet, but am very close to one,” he told Romano. “We have been talking to some folks, friends, neighbors and people I have interacted with over the years in terms of fundraising and support with party leadership.”

The Golden and Gentile camps have had a long standing, if sometimes subdued, political rivalry going back at least to 2002- the year Golden defeated Gentile for his New York State Senate seat.

Gentile, Golden Want 93 Lounge Shut Down

By on January 7, 2013  Business
Jan 072013
 
Source: Google Maps

Source: Google Maps

Officials in Bay Ridge are calling for the closure of a controversial night club after a New Years Eve melee ended with four people in the hospital after they were allegedly struck by a drunk driving couple fleeing the fight.

Both City Councilman Vincent Gentile and a spokesperson for State Senator Marty Golden had some harsh words for the 93 Lounge, and said it was time to shut the place down once and for all – with Gentile saying he plans to enlist multiple agencies in going after the problematic dance party venue, as reported by Will Bredderman for Brooklyn Daily. Continue reading »

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