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What’s Inside:
* Message from Jo Anne: BMT Plan Approved
* Java with Jo Anne, Mon. Sept. 29
* Flu Shot Drive, Thurs. Oct. 9
* NYS COVID Vaccine Guidance
* State Fails to Collect Financial Penalties from Atlantic Yards Developers
* Upcoming Constituent Service Events
* Stopping Trump’s Polluting Pipelines in NY
* My New Cryptocurrency Bill
* Back to School & Free Meals
* Return Your Summer Reading Form
* Mental Health Back to School Resources
* Older Adult Resources & Housing Spotlight
* Housing Lotteries
* My Comments on Gowanus Citizens MGP Site
* Transit Updates
* Senior Luncheon
* Suicide Prevention Month
* New Deaf & Deaf Blind Museum & Research Center
* Hispanic Heritage Month
* Register to Vote
* Lunch & Learn: Aging Well with Council Member Hudson
* Community News & Events

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Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Mayor Eric Adam’s plan for the Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) will move forward, after Monday’s last-minute Task Force vote (17 in support, 8 opposed). I voted against the plan.

When the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) took over the BMT from the Port Authority, they said they would transform the BMT into “a harbor of the future ([link removed]) ” with manufacturing jobs, maritime opportunities, and economic development. This was lost early on, as EDC quickly seized upon luxury housing to pay for the port. They didn’t really consider anything else. There was only ever one proposal from EDC – which was modified and improved upon by myself and the other Task Force members – but no genuine analysis of alternatives, or exploration of the immense possibilities that the site could offer, or of the serious engineering constraints of the site.

The Task Force was supposed to engage local stakeholders, yet the community most directly impacted – Columbia Street Waterfront – was excluded. A red flag, but I nevertheless entered this process in good faith, a strong proponent of an environmentally just working waterfront of maritime uses at one of the last remaining ports in the City. I was enthusiastic about playing a constructive role in this process to achieve those ends. That’s why I am terribly disappointed that this process was rushed from the start, constrained by an artificial timeline, heavy-handed, and mired in backroom deals.

I also want to comment on the disheartening lack of courtesy, transparency and meaningful community engagement in this process. Throughout this process the community engagement was minimal and appeared to be done so the EDC could check a box saying they had “X” number of meetings. But when most of the people there are EDC staff, consultants, and elected officials and their staff, the affected communities haven’t been engaged. The final meeting was sprung on us last-minute for an obviously non-existent reason about the City’s capital budget deadline (which is modified quarterly), but in reality was scheduled because two of the voting members had flipped to yes and the EDC finally had the votes they needed after 5 postponements. A revised plan — which failed to address the fundamental flaws — emerged last Thursday without any conversation or review. Task Force members were instructed that there would be no more changes to the plan and no community review; this flies in the face of a
democratic process.

The BMT is in a highly congested transportation-starved area which is seriously lacking in sufficient water, sewer, and transit infrastructure. It’s difficult to develop given its length and narrowness along the waterfront in an area with a shallow water table and a history of increasing flooding. I have continuously asked for transportation and sewer studies and data to support this proposal but EDC insisted all will be studied during the Environmental Review process (EIS) - after a yes vote. That makes no sense. An EIS reviews impacts identified by previously gathered and analyzed data and modeling, not the other way around. In my mind, any BMT plan must reflect reality, not someone’s wish list.

I support affordable housing at the site but all residential uses entail impacts that must be assessed comprehensively and transparently. With 60% luxury units, likely displacement of the existing community must be examined. I have concerns that the density of housing planned for can actually be built there which is why I pushed for a feasibility study. This is not in small part because the site lacks basic water and sewer infrastructure (expensive to build), has a shallow water table with a history of flooding (Mother Nature does not cotton to being trifled with!) and is a transit desert. The environmental challenges - only likely to become worse with climate change - also make it less likely that structures will be insurable.

The plan squanders a golden opportunity to alleviate vehicular traffic and to plan for Blue Highways (our waterways). There’s nothing in this plan that is guaranteed to improve the dearth of public transit options in Red Hook or improve the stand-still traffic. Transportation impacts seemed to have been a concern for the many Task Force members from the get-go, but when I made a motion to add language (previously agreed to between a Task Force member and the Deputy Mayor) to the plan to help address this, the Chair denied my motion to have a vote on the matter based on by-laws which don’t even exist. You can see the video clip here ([link removed]) . I, along with others, have brought up transit concerns for months so this was incredibly disappointing.

Moving this to a state General Project Plan - which has even less public input, is especially concerning given the ESD’s record of opacity. Much of the affordable housing at Atlantic Yards has yet to be delivered in large part because no feasibility study was done before the GPP was created. ESD just believed the developer’s promises and has failed to hold them accountable. BMT is moving to the same State GPP process that Atlantic Yards went through; that’s cause for concern.

I have engaged with many proposals over 30 years. I have seen no evidence that this "plan" is feasible. I know what feasibility looks like and this isn't it. It’s gaslighting. There is no financial plan. There is no evidence that this plan can be built.

After much consideration, research, and conversations with constituents, I reluctantly voted no. I could not in good conscience vote yes on a plan that is so fundamentally flawed.
You can read the joint statement ([link removed]) that I released with other members who voted against the plan. Here is the Brooklyn Eagle Coverage ([link removed]) .

Sincerely,

Jo Anne Simon

P.S. Shana Tova U'metuka! Wishing all who celebrated Rosh Hashanah a happy, healthy, and sweet new year filled with love, growth, and sweet beginnings.
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Java with Jo Anne in Boerum Hill, Mon. Sept. 29, 9:30 AM. Please join me and your neighbors for a cup of coffee at my next "Java with Jo Anne.” This is a chance to discuss community issues or current events. We will gather at Squarrel Cafe, 572 Atlantic Ave, in Boerum Hill. Please RSVP here ([link removed]) or call my office at 718-246-4889 with any questions.
[link removed]
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Get Your Free Flu Shot on Oct. 9th. I am again partnering with NYU Langone Health and Senator Gounardes to provide free flu shots to the community on Thursday, October 9th, from 2:30pm - 7pm, at the Cobble Hill ED, 70 Atlantic Ave. Insurance is not required. Please make an appointment and register here ([link removed]) .
[link removed]
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COVID Vaccine Guidance: As autumn arrives, New York is recommending everyone get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines. While the federal government is attacking science and restricting access to health care, New York is following the research and putting residents’ health first. Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community.

The Governor recently signed an Executive Order ([link removed]) to ensure all New Yorkers can receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription. The Executive Order declares an emergency that overrides recent federal actions restricting vaccine access. You can get the Covid vaccine for free with no co-pays regardless of immigration or health insurance status through NYC Health+Hospitals and other health centers; if you have insurance, your insurance will be billed. Find a local pharmacy or site near you ([link removed]) that is administering the vaccine or call 1-844-NYC-4NYC (1-844-692-4692). Some sites are still waiting for the updated Covid vaccine, so check before you go.
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State Fails to Collect Financial Penalties from Atlantic Yards Developers. BrooklynSpeaks ([link removed]) , the coalition of community organizations that I was a founding member of, was created to hold the City and State accountable for the promises made during the Atlantic Yards redevelopment. They have put out a petition for the public to call on Governor Hochul to uphold the state’s commitment to liquidated damages for missing the Atlantic Yards affordable housing deadline. Thus far, the state has declined to collect any of the fees owed to the State and the people of New York by the developers for their failure to deliver. You can sign onto the petition here ([link removed]) . Along with a group of my local electeds, I sent a letter to the governor ([link removed]) calling this, as well.
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Upcoming Constituent Service Events. You can meet with my staff at our upcoming office hours at libraries across the district. We can help you navigate benefits, connect with various government agencies, or help you with questions about local issues. Come by and chat with my team.
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Trump’s Polluting Pipelines Coming to NY. Unfortunately, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) recently voted in support of National Grid’s long-term gas plan, which added in the Williams NESE pipeline at the last minute. This underwater pipeline would deliver gas from PA passed the waters of Brooklyn and New York City up to Queens.

The PSC’s last-minute approval of the NESE pipeline is a stunning betrayal to New Yorkers. They have sided with the fossil fuel industry at the expense of New Yorkers’ wallets, health, and future. This decision locks us into decades of expensive, polluting pipelines, with the $1B in costs passed onto ratepayers who are already struggling to pay their utility bills.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) denied Williams a Water Quality Certificate three times in 2018 and 2019. Since then, nothing has changed about the harm this pipeline would cause to our environment, except for Donald Trump’s election and his expressed support of this and another North Brooklyn pipeline to Governor Hochul.

The NESE pipeline is environmentally reckless and financially irresponsible. National Grid will not be doing this on its own dime. Williams, an energy infrastructure company based in Oklahoma, would construct the pipeline and sell the fracked gas to National Grid, which will pass those costs to New York ratepayers in the form of increased ‘delivery charges.’

I have pleaded with Governor Hochul to intervene and stop these pipelines. People are clamoring for affordability. New Yorkers should not be forced to pay more for more dirty infrastructure that will soon be obsolete, just to enrich utility shareholders. I have submitted testimony to the DEC, PSC and the Governor, and joined my colleagues in letters and rallies, as well.

Read more about the pipeline here ([link removed]) .
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My New Cryptocurrency Bill: The New York Times recently published an expose ([link removed]) on the ways that Trump, his family, and his senior officials and their families are using their office to put their own financial gain over the needs of the public - and getting rich while doing so. I strongly encourage you to read this head-spinning article on their cryptocurrency company and its connections to the approval of an A.I. chip deal with the Emiratis.

As elected officials, we regulate financial products and hold ourselves to high legal and ethical standards in doing so. Americans must have confidence that the President and his Administration are not using the vast powers of the office to enrich themselves. If individuals and foreign governments believe they can buy political favor through investments in Trump and his friends' company, public policy and national security will be at risk.

That’s why Senator Zellnor Myrie and I introduced legislation this year ([link removed]) banning the President, senior officials, and their families from running businesses that buy or sell virtual currencies in New York. This safeguard would help restore public trust and make clear that our government is not for sale.
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Back to School & Free Meals. I’m sending my best wishes to students and families for a fantastic school year ahead. Thank you to everyone who participated in our local school supply drives. I was honored to help with backpack donations again. It’s inspiring to see our community come together and help students start their year off on the right foot.

I am thrilled that there will be free school meals for all students starting this school year - every student is eligible for breakfast, lunch, and after-school meals. I pushed for this initiative, alongside New York’s student and nutrition advocates, for years. As you may be aware, there is also a New Cellphone & Electronic Device Policy ([link removed]) : students must turn off and store all personal internet-enabled devices (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.) from the first bell to the last bell.
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Summer Reading Challenge for Students. It’s that time of year! If your child participated in our summer reading challenge, please return the form to my office via email, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , or mail to 341 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231. Students who read regularly during the summer break will receive a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading certificate.
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Mental Health Back to School Resources. Back to school is here for parents and children, and with it comes navigating the challenges of academics, social dynamics, and personal growth. I want to highlight some relevant mental resources available to students and parents:

Tips for Parents & Caregivers: Hope Starts With Us. In this episode ([link removed]) , guest host Barb Solish from NAMI’s Office of Innovation sits down with child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Christine Crawford to talk about: Common worries parents face, Managing kids’ screen time, Modeling healthy behavior at home, & Mental health warning signs to watch for

NAMI: Back to School Resources ([link removed]) : This website provides resources in both English and Spanish for students, parents, and teachers. From mindfulness exercises to fact sheets on recognizing mental health crises, use these resources to prepare for a healthy back-to-school season.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Seminar ([link removed]) : This course is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and others how to help adolescents (age 12-18) who are experiencing mental health, addiction challenges, or are in crisis.

Social Media and Youth Mental Health ([link removed]) : A Resource Guide for Parents. Social media has both positive and negative mental health impacts on today's youth. It's essential to comprehend the distinct pressures and challenges they encounter as a result. As a reminder, NYS is banning cellphones starting this school year. Learn more about the policy change and its implementationhere ([link removed]) .

Setting and Reaching Goals ([link removed]) : This worksheet helps students figure out how to get what they need or want (especially when they're having trouble with mental health). This worksheet will guide students through that process so they can reach their goal in a way that feels less overwhelming.
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Older Adult Resources. Please view my older adult resource document ([link removed]) , which lists organizations serving older adults, along with a description of their services and contact information. Contact us if you would like us to mail you a print-out of the resource document. If you are an older adult, a caretaker, or a neighbor in need of connections to any resources, please reach out to my office and we will assist you.

Older Adult Resource Spotlight: NY Foundation for Senior Citizens ([link removed]) . The Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping seniors live healthier, safer, and more dignified lives in their own homes and communities, avoiding premature institutionalization. They have an innovative Home Sharing Program ([link removed]) that links adult “hosts” with extra private spaces in their homes or apartments with appropriate adult “guests” to share their space. They manage over 900 units of housing and 35 social service programs. You can contact them by calling 212-962-7559.
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Housing Lotteries:
* 558 Sackett Street in Gowanus: Apply by September 29th. This new residential building offers one and two-bedroom apartments. The eligible income for these units is between $37,612 and $227,500. Learn more and apply here ([link removed]) .
* 504 Atlantic Ave in Boerum Hill: Apply by October 21st. This new residential building offers studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. The eligible income for these units is between $122,400 and $227,500. Learn more and apply here ([link removed]) .
* The Carroll in Carroll Gardens / Gowanus: Apply by October 28th. This new residential development is located at 33 4th Street and offers studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. The eligible income for these units is between $38,400 and $227,500, and the lottery closes on October 28th. Learn more and apply here ([link removed]) .
* Fifth Avenue Committee: The Fifth Avenue Committee has launched a new housing platform on its website. You can view details for available apartments and apply using this link ([link removed]) . The Fifth Avenue Committee will also be hosting Affordable Housing Virtual Information Sessions to learn more about applying for affordable housing lottery opportunities in NYC. Those interested can sign up for the Sept. 25 session here ([link removed]) or the Nov. 20 session here ([link removed]) ; both sessions start at 6pm.

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My Comments to NYS DEC on the Gowanus Citizens MGP Site. I have submitted comments on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Draft Remedial Action Work Plan for 459 Smith Street, part of the former Citizens Gas Works site. Many constituents are concerned that this site is incorrectly classified in the Brownfield Cleanup Program when it should be in the Superfund Program. I share these concerns. National Grid, responsible for the cleanup, has intentionally delayed efforts to spread costs over time, unfairly burdening its ratepayers. This is unacceptable, and National Grid must fully take responsibility for the health and financial impacts on my community. The highly contaminated site is near affordable housing and a future school. Coal tar migration, confirmed by the DEC, does not respect property lines. We need a proper designation and enforcement of laws that consider the cleanup’s effects on our community and future generations. You can read my comments here
([link removed]) .
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Transit Updates:
* Smith & 9th St Elevators: The MTA has announced that it will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Streets station in Gowanus — which is the tallest station in the system and stands nearly 90 feet above street level. I’m thrilled that the MTA has made this a priority, as the station has a long history of escalators breaking down. Adding elevators to the station is a huge win for transit equity and for the thousands of riders who rely on this stop every day. The project is part of the MTA’s 2025-2029 Capital Plan, and will help bring the subway to 50% accessibility. Other Brooklyn stations, including Court Street, Hoyt-Schermerhorn, 36th Street and 4th Ave–9th Street, are slated to get new elevators.
* Atlantic Ave Safety Improvements: I am pleased to see the new Street Safety Improvements at Atlantic Avenue near the BQE entrance! I have long advocated for these changes, along with my colleagues and the community. The changes include: a new pedestrian island at Furman St, expansion of the pedestrian island at Columbia St, new signal timing to give pedestrians more time to cross, & and more. We will monitor the changes and be pushing for more.
* NYC DOT started work to repair the BQE on the bridge over Joralemon Street. Work will take place Monday to Friday, 6 AM - 3 PM, for 6 months. There are traffic impacts to Furman and Joralemon Street.
* High Street Station Elevator Construction: Crews have started to install a water pipe along Cadman Plaza West as part of the High Street Station escalator replacement work. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A 20-foot staging area will be set up along the sidewalk and part of the right lane, with two lanes of traffic remaining open. At least five feet of pedestrian access and a 50-foot clearance for the bus stop will be maintained. The staging area will be in place through the fourth quarter of 2025.

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Senior Luncheon. I was once again delighted to attend Council Member Lincoln Restler’s annual Senior Luncheon at Brooklyn Bridge Park. I was especially delighted to see former Assemblymember Joan Millman honored, along with so many others who have dedicated themselves to strengthening our communities.

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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide prevention is about more than a crisis response; it’s about building hope and connection in our communities. Every life lost is one too many; together we must break down the stigma, expand access to care, and support a wide range of programs so that New Yorkers get the care they need. If you are in crisis, please call 988. To learn more about suicide prevention, please visit NAMI ([link removed]) .
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New Deaf & Deaf Blind Museum & Research Center: It was an honor to join St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf for the opening of its new Deaf & Deaf Blind Museum & Research Center as the school celebrates its 65th year. Having started my career as a teacher for Deaf and DeafBlind students, it was especially moving to walk down memory lane through the artifacts and see a museum created for the Deaf community. I’m also proud that the state provided $400,000 in funding for ADA upgrades, so the school can continue to be accessible for all. With September marking Deaf Awareness Month, this celebration is a powerful reminder of the history, culture, and contributions of the Deaf community.
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Hispanic Heritage Month. This month, we celebrate the history, vibrant culture, and countless contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. From art and history to education to video resources, there are numerous opportunities to honor and enjoy this rich heritage throughout NYC. Check out some local events and resources below.
* Brooklyn Public Library Events ([link removed]) ([link removed])
* NYC Park Events ([link removed]) ([link removed])
* Virtual Exhibitions from the National Museum of the American Latino ([link removed]) Watch 10 great TED Talks by Hispanic and Latinx speakers ([link removed][0]=AT2OV_GTbIifG5pBwbSk6VcdIVqUCCG65xdsHgZPzeHJmP7-3CvmVfDkgbqrLJ25yKH9TIV3GMLFKUEauqDZYOcck5HZ9zzBNTl2WM7y_l7XIL0-_PiVbABrLQgbblrmgo-fChuc-ULOy4wPjIkEkJ7x8Mt2ZrmcTauaUul3DwOOE8_ZTtXVcy9zhAPvX0TGXJod_suQmcB5CxXuKtBgaZ90qg)
* Resource guide by grade level created by the National Educator’s Association ([link removed])

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Register to Vote. Have you registered yet? Take a few minutes today to make sure you’re registered to vote ([link removed]) and make your voice heard in upcoming elections. To vote in the November 4th General Election, you must register by October 25, 2025, but don't delay - do it today!
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Lunch & Learn - Aging Well with Council Member Hudson. Starting this month, Councilmember Crystal Hudson’s office will host a Lunch and Learn series on Fridays, featuring topics related to older New Yorkers. The upcoming sessions all start at 12 PM. To RSVP, please call Council Member Hudson’s Office at (718) 260-9191.
* Sept 26: Digital Literacy led by The Weinberg Center at Grace Agard-Harewood Older Adult Club (966 Fulton Street)
* Oct. 3: Estate Planning led by VOLS at EmblemHealth Crown Heights (546 Eastern Parkway)
* Oct 17: Homeowner Assistance & Tenant’s Rights led by Brooklyn Neighborhood Services at Willoughby Neighborhood Senior Center (105 N Portland Ave)
* Oct. 24: Estate Planning led by VOLS at EmblemHealth Crown Heights (546 Eastern Parkway)

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Community Events & News:
* Climate Week in NYC: Our climate future depends on the choices we make today. Climate Week NYC is filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to shaping a sustainable future. Explore panels, exhibits, and premieres that bring communities together to imagine a greener tomorrow. Find a full list of events here ([link removed]) . Join We ACT for Environmental Justice here ([link removed]) .
* NYC Business Solutions Crawl: Learn about the free services provided by the NYC Business Solution Center to help you start or grow a business. Tuesday, September 30th, between 11 am and 3 pm at 9 Bond Street, 5th Floor. Learn more here ([link removed]) .
* Blood Donations. New York Blood Center ([link removed][0]=AZWSyzgqbj0ayXtNyWiH899oJ8kkHyDFPf5vX-oKlk34rIAbhThT_b8dBFenwzQIVELchZPyj9Ah-M7k2-z-WBMoRdUyaM5gKRzAgMwRIeTn5iIiQ14WbYmHm1eLaVlhIB3tAAaiuH_zwByM9Aeeq5Wc3p4Plp5Em8E0bAf4lI0421R9VhSGcQsmXbv-bimn9Ay0iVCAKcwFLNvGXnTm21ArEcYNldPAyaaDI2UlfLiCLQ&__tn__=-]K-R) has issued an emergency plea for blood donors following a significant drop in blood donations during the summer season. Find a location here ([link removed]) .
* Free Museum Membership: New Yorkers who receive SNAP are eligible to receive a complimentary Discoverer Membership ([link removed]) to the American Museum of Natural History. Sign up for a free membership by presenting your EBT card at the Museum Member Desk between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm.
* Carroll Park Fall Fair, Sat. Oct. 8th, 10AM - 5PM. Grab your friends and family for a day filled with good vibes, great shopping, at our favorite local park! ⁠
* Upcoming Events at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (BKCM):
+ Friday, Sept. 26, Old Stone House, 6-8:30 pm: The BKCM Community Orchestra is hosting an outdoor performance titled “BCCO Gets Wicked! ([link removed]) ” a night of classical and popular orchestral works, perfect for all ages
+ Saturday, Sept. 27, BKCM Concert Hall, 7-9 pm: Join their Studio Collective Song Share: Songwriter Night ([link removed]) . An evening of original music, feedback, and community is the perfect chance to debut a new song, workshop something in progress and connect with fellow musicians.
* Autism Resources & Awareness Fair: Join SUNY Downstate Brooklyn Lend on Sunday, September 28th, from 1-5 PM at 395 Lenox Rd for a resource fair for parents with children with Autism to come learn what resources are available in your community, while kids enjoy a fun day of activities. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

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Mailing address: 341 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-246-4889

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