I just received an email from City Council Member Steve Levin, who’s 33rd District includes parts of Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Williambsurg and Greenpoint (hope I didn’t miss anyone).

Apparently he’s all revved up about the power of community activism and is pleased to announce that in the  past few weeks, local activism and organizing has had a real positive effect on various communities in his district.

While there are still many issues that he and the community must tackle, Levin feels reassured that “if we continue to work together, we will be able to overcome any obstacle. Together, we will make our city an even better place to live and work.”

Positive stuff.

First, just over a week ago, HELP USA announced their decision to withdraw their proposal to build a 200-bed homeless assessment center at 400 McGuinness Boulevard . Hundreds of Greenpoint residents signed petitions and sent letters to Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Seth Diamond, voicing their opposition to the proposed assessment center. The decision to withdraw the proposal was a direct response to the advocacy of a united community. Thank you to everyone who signed the petition, wrote a letter, and attended our meetings to voice their opposition the proposal.  Now, we must continue to work together as a community to address Greenpoint’s homeless population in a positive and constructive manner. You can see my press release regarding this decision here.

Second, I recently held a town hall with residents of Monitor Street in Greenpoint. Residents were informed by the Department of Design and Construction that DDC had determined that their stoops were intruding on city-owned property and would be removed due to impending construction. The stoops have been in existence for generations and, despite other construction projects, residents were never before told that there may be an issue. After hearing from the community, DDC postponed their planned construction until a comprehensive solution can be reached. The residents of Monitor Street deserve all of the credit for effectively organizing and drawing attention to the city’s unnecessary request. You can see my press release regarding this decision here.

Lastly, a few days ago, Governor Cuomo announced that he planned to withhold funds for the continued operation of Long Island College Hospital until further notice. Our community came together quickly to tell Gov. Cuomo that LICH is essential to our neighborhood. Because of your strong advocacy, Gov. Cuomo recognized that LICH is essential to the Brownstone Brooklyn community and announced that he will adhere to the agreement put in place by his predecessor, former Gov. Paterson. The funding is being released and LICH will continue to serve our community.