{"id":35,"date":"2023-01-10T20:29:08","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T20:29:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/crystal-hudson\/?page_id=35"},"modified":"2026-02-24T23:14:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T23:14:26","slug":"news","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/crystal-hudson\/news\/","title":{"rendered":"News & Media"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Op-Eds<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n
Press Releases & Statements<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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With free food and shoveling, community support fills the gaps during Brooklyn\u2019s blizzard<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper, February 24, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

As In Our Hearts volunteers worked to feed their neighbors, mutual aid organizer-turned-City Council member Crystal Hudson was rallying volunteers for an oft-overlooked responsibility: shoveling.<\/p>\n

In New York City, property owners are responsible<\/a> for clearing the snow from the sidewalk and fire hydrants in front of their buildings so pedestrians can get through safely. Violating the rule carries fines of up to $350. <\/p>\n

During the city\u2019s last big snowstorm in January, constituents called Hudson\u2019s office looking for help clearing their sidewalks. She and her staff quickly assembled the District 35 Snow Patrol, matching residents in need with volunteers willing to shovel. <\/p>\n

They reactivated the program on Monday, and to date, have had around 100 people sign up, with roughly equal numbers of shovelees and shovelers. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe heard so many really heartwarming, positive stories about folks who, after shoveling, were invited inside for coffee or soup or tea or lunch, and really had an opportunity to meet their neighbor,\u201d she said. \u201cThose people have still been in touch.\u201d  <\/p>\n

Most people in need of help are older homeowners who can\u2019t clear the snow on their own, Hudson said, and might need help shoveling their front steps as well as the sidewalk so they can get in and out freely and safely. <\/p>\n

Many of the younger people who have offered to help live in apartment buildings and don\u2019t own shovels or salt, Hudson said, but are willing to help however they can. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve had to coordinate providing shovels and salt \u2026 and that\u2019s been sort of an eye-opening dynamic, because it\u2019s not like people are just walking around with their own shovels offering assistance,\u201d she said. \u201cBut they are offering their time and help.\u201d <\/p>\n

Hudson wasn\u2019t surprised by people\u2019s willingness to help, even in less-than-ideal weather. In 2020, before she was elected, she founded Greater Prospect Heights Mutual Aid to help deliver groceries, prescriptions and other necessities to neighbors who couldn\u2019t leave their homes. <\/p>\n

\u201cI think people are inherently good, and New Yorkers get a bad rap for not being friendly and being stoic,\u201d she said. \u201cBut underneath the hustle and the bravado and all of that, we\u2019re good people. And I think folks want to help out however they can.\u201d<\/p>\n

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How the City Managed the ‘Code Blue’<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Brian Lehrer, WNYC, February 11, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Crystal Hudson<\/a><\/strong>, the City Council Member for District 35, delves into the city’s response to the recent extreme cold. At least 18 people have died from the frigid temperatures, spurring oversight hearings. Hudson, whose district encompasses Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights and Prospect Heights, walks us through how the city confronted the cold spell.<\/p>\n

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Winter death numbers climb to 26 in NYC weeks after impactful storm<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Andrew Siff, NBC New York, February 11, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

The snow continues to melt after a whopping snowstorm brought several inches of snow at the end of January, but more than two weeks later, the number of deaths blamed on that storm in New York City continues to rise.<\/p>\n

City Council member Crystal Hudson co-chaired this week\u2019s emergency hearing, where an unexpected disclosure from Chief Medical Examiner Jason Graham caught everyone\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

“There are others where hypothermia may be involved in their death,” Graham stated.<\/p>\n

The medical examiner explained that seven deaths inside private residences compounded the tragedy of this winter.<\/p>\n

Through Tuesday, 19 outdoor deaths were linked to the cold, and seven indoor deaths were deemed to have hypothermia as a factor.<\/p>\n

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Lawmakers question Mamdani administration over involuntary removals amid extreme cold<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Errol Louis, NY1, February 10, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

The City Council\u2019s oversight hearing on Tuesday to examine the Mamdani administration\u2019s response to the extreme cold.<\/p>\n

It comes after the number of people who have died outdoors in the last couple of weeks climbed to 18 over the weekend.<\/p>\n

Councilmember Oswald Feliz, the chair of the Committee on Public Safety, and Councilmember Crystal Hudson, the chair of the General Welfare Committee, joined “Inside City Hall” on Tuesday to discuss more.<\/p>\n

Feliz represents neighborhoods in the Bronx, including Fordham, East Tremont and Belmont. Hudson represents parts of Brooklyn, including Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights.<\/p>\n

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Seven People Died at Private Homes in N.Y.C. Cold Snap, Officials Say<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mihir Zaveri and Dana Rubenstein, New York Times, February 10, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

The known death toll resulting from the brutal cold snap that has gripped New York City in recent weeks increased on Tuesday, as city officials acknowledged that seven people had died of cold exposure while at private residences, in addition to the 18 people found outside<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It was not immediately clear whether any of the buildings in question had faulty heating systems. Many apartment buildings struggle to maintain<\/a> a comfortable temperature during the winter, and the city received more complaints<\/a> about heat and hot water in January than any month on record.<\/p>\n

Nor was it immediately clear how the number of residential deaths, which City Hall officials said had occurred since Jan. 19, when the round-the-clock \u201cCode Blue\u201d alert went into effect, compared with the toll of the last cold snap of similar duration, which began in 2017 and ended in 2018.<\/p>\n

[…] This weekend, Mr. Mamdani said the city had made 1,400 placements to shelters or other indoor facilities, but his administration also acknowledged that some of those placements might be duplicates \u2014 with people arriving at a shelter, leaving and then returning on another day.<\/p>\n

These were lives \u201ccut short by conditions that should never be fatal in a city as resource rich as ours,\u201d said Crystal Hudson, the councilwoman from Brooklyn who chairs the General Welfare Committee.<\/p>\n

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Mamdani officials set to be questioned over 18 cold deaths<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist, February 9, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

So far 18 people have died in the cold snap that has gripped New York City for weeks, and now Mayor Zohran Mamdani\u2019s response to the extreme weather will be scrutinized by the City Council.<\/p>\n

Administration officials from the Department of Social Services, including a commissioner who announced her resignation on Monday<\/a>, and public safety are set to appear at an oversight hearing Tuesday, the first of his nascent administration. Councilmembers will likely press them on whether the administration could have done more to prevent the deaths.<\/p>\n

The hearing, which is open to the public, comes one day after Mamdani announced another outdoor death during the historically freezing stretch, bringing the death toll to 18, and after Molly Wasow Park, the city\u2019s social services commissioner, said she would step down. She had been appointed to the role by former Mayor Eric Adams.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn my lifetime, I\u2019ve never witnessed this many people die in this short of time due to extreme weather conditions,\u201d said Crystal Hudson, a Democratic Councilmember from Brooklyn who is co-chairing the hearing. \u201cIt\u2019s shocking.\u201d<\/p>\n

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When the Cold Turns Deadly, What Should New York City Do?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Dana Rubinstein, Mihir Zaveri and Andy Newman, New York Times, February 5, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

As 8.5 million New Yorkers huddled in the comfort of their homes during the unusually long cold snap that has gripped New York City, 17 of their neighbors died after exposure to the brutal conditions \u2014 on street corners, in parks and outside hospitals.<\/p>\n

In the annals of New York City weather events, it is a large enough death toll to prompt questions about what the city could have done differently. More New Yorkers have died during this cold spell, according to the city-compiled death toll<\/a>, than the 14 who died in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida<\/a> in 2021.<\/p>\n

[…] Crystal Hudson, who chairs the City Council\u2019s Committee on General Welfare, said the increasing death toll is \u201cwild to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a lifelong New Yorker, I can\u2019t remember the last time we had such a massive number of fatalities in such a short time frame because of extremely cold weather,\u201d said the councilwoman, who plans to hold hearings Tuesday on the outdoor deaths.<\/p>\n

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Brooklyn leaders say NY can’t suspend millions in affordable housing penalties for Atlantic Yards<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

David Brand, WNYC\/Gothamist, June 3, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n

Brooklyn community leaders and elected officials say the state\u2019s economic development arm had no right to waive millions in monthly penalties over a developer\u2019s failure to complete affordable housing at Brooklyn\u2019s Atlantic Yards complex, and they say they may sue to force the state\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

Several local lawmakers and the community coalition BrooklynSpeaks point to a 2014 agreement that they say prohibits New York\u2019s Empire State Development Corporation from \u201cunilaterally\u201d suspending the $1.75 million-per-month fines they were supposed to collect from developers who failed to complete nearly 900 units of affordable housing by May 31, 2025.<\/p>\n

That deadline came and went, with a reprieve from the state. Now, Fifth Avenue Committee Executive Director Michelle de la Uz, who signed the agreement more than a decade ago, said she wants to meet with Empire State Development to hear their rationale.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they have some endgame that is actually aligned with the public interest, it would be good to hear that now,\u201d de la Uz said. \u201cBecause the longer they take to lay that out, the more likely we are to sue.\u201d<\/p>\n

De la Uz, told Gothamist last week that Empire State Development Corporation cannot act \u201cunilaterally\u201d to suspend the penalties without their consent.<\/p>\n

Another signee of the agreeement, Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council Chair Gib Veconi, said on Tuesday that he and his fellow members may consider legal action if the state doesn\u2019t meet their demands.<\/p>\n

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High-Demand Section of Brooklyn Will Be Redesigned, Adding 4,600 Homes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mihir Zaveri, The New York Times, May 28, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n

Vacant lots, warehouses and auto shops sit along the busy thoroughfare of Atlantic Avenue in central Brooklyn, an industrial tableau that stands in sharp contrast to the area\u2019s reputation as a hip, desirable place to live.<\/p>\n

For over a decade, residents have wanted changes. More and cheaper homes. Better and safer community amenities. But only now, in this political moment emphasizing affordability, is a project coming together that will not only revitalize the area with improvements to parks and streets, but also meaningfully address New York City\u2019s housing crisis by making way for 4,600 new homes.<\/p>\n

The City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a major plan that targets a part of Atlantic Avenue in Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant where areas zoned for manufacturing as far back as 1961 have left little room for residential development, even as needs have shifted.<\/p>\n

Because the two neighborhoods are close to Prospect Park and many subway lines, they have continued to draw residents, pushing rents up and fueling gentrification. Several one-off, luxury apartment buildings have sprouted in between industrial and manufacturing lots, a haphazard upheaval that has angered local leaders.<\/p>\n

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‘Last-resort’ agency for older NYers faces lawmaker scrutiny after Gothamist reporting<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

David Brand, Gothamist\/WNYC, April 16, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n

Local lawmakers are investigating why a New York City agency tasked with serving some of the most vulnerable residents has been rejecting a growing number of people referred to it for assistance.<\/p>\n

As Gothamist revealed in November, Adult Protective Services \u2014 which arranges medical care, housing assistance and other support for people at risk of abuse, exploitation and eviction \u2014 rejected 4 of every 5 referrals<\/a> in the fiscal year ending last June. Gothamist later reported the agency was helping fewer people<\/a> despite an exponential increase in referrals over the past two years.<\/p>\n

Now, the City Council\u2019s aging committee plans to hold a hearing Wednesday on agency practices after committee Chair Crystal Hudson, a Brooklyn Democrat, said Gothamist\u2019s findings were \u201cextremely concerning\u201d and inspired her to call the hearing, at which agency officials are expected to testify.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to ensure that every older adult is being taken care of,\u201d she said. \u201cAdult Protective Services is usually an absolute last resort for folks.\u201d<\/p>\n

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City lawmakers introduce package of bills to safeguard TGNCNBI New Yorkers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Matt Tracy, Gay City News, February 27, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n

City lawmakers are introducing a package of bills intended to shore up support for transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex (TGNCNBI) New Yorkers in a local effort to counteract the Trump administration\u2019s ongoing attacks on transgender individuals.<\/p>\n

The legislative package, driven primarily by members of the City Council\u2019s LGBTQIA+ Caucus and some other city lawmakers, aims to strengthen access to gender-affirming care, bolster outreach and legal resources for TGNCNBI individuals, create a plan to support TGNCNBI migrants, and more.<\/p>\n

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Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson discusses aging in place<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cheryl Wills and Dana Perez, NY1, February 16, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n

Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson discussed her experience caring for her mother, who passed away due to Alzheimer\u2019s. She says it inspired her to run for office and become chair on the Committee of Aging.<\/p>\n

Hudson talked about the signs for elder abuse and shared what the Council is trying to do to protect and inform seniors of potential resources.<\/p>\n

She says aging in place can be a struggle as rising rents and gentrification price out residents in her district. Hudson emphasized the dangers of social isolation and said it can be just as detrimental to someone\u2019s health as an ailment.<\/p>\n

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New Yorkers are getting older. Can NYC Aging\u2019s funding keep up?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Tandy Lau, Amsterdam News, January 30, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n

Frigid temperatures did not stop the likes of 88-year-old Annie Stevenson-King from rallying outside City Hall last Thursday, Jan. 23, against cutting $108 million from the NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) budget.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m out here freezing in this cold weather at age 88 because the budgets are being cut and the seniors are not getting their due,\u201d said Stevenson-King, who volunteers for AARP. \u201cWe voted for them, we put them in office, [and] we support them, we\u2019re always there for them, but yet, they keep cutting the budget and leaving us in the cold. Aging services are important because as we get older, we have many problems: We need healthcare [and] we need a place to live. The rents are outrageous.\u201d <\/p>\n

According to the State Comptroller, in a report released earlier this month, more seniors live in New York City now than ever before. In particular, an influx of nonwhite elders fueled this population growth from 2000 to 2023. Many were immigrants. Over that time, the number of Black New Yorkers ages 65 and older grew by 68%. They made up 22.2% of the city\u2019s senior population in 2023.<\/p>\n

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Seniors and advocates demand NYC \u2018Age Strong\u2019 and provide billions in more funding for aging programs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jada Camille, amNY, January 23, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n

Seniors and advocates from more than 50 organizations rallied at City Hall Thursday to demand that NYC provide $2.3 billion in additional funds to enhance services for older adults.<\/p>\n

LiveOn NY, a city-wide non-profit servicing older adults, joined with a coalition of more than 58 advocacy groups to launch the \u2018Age Strong NYC\u2019 campaign, an ambitious campaign calling upon Mayor Eric Adams and city leaders to invest a significant $2.3 billion for senior housing, food, community support and more.<\/p>\n

Advocates say thousands of older New Yorkers currently face difficult choices daily, often forcing them to decide between basics like food, healthcare and rent. A recent report from state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, the number of New Yorkers aged 65 and older has soared to 1.43 million in 2023\u2014a staggering increase of 53% since 2000. With this demographic expected to grow by 25% by 2040, the inadequacies in the current funding for aging communities risk pushing many older residents out of their homes.<\/p>\n

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Deed theft bills would warn owners, council members about potential scams in progress<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Celia Young, Brick Underground, January 21, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n

New York City property owners\u2014and their City Council representatives\u2014could soon get a heads up when a new deed or mortgage-related document is filed on a property, under two bills discussed by the City Council\u2019s Committee on Finance last week.<\/p>\n

Both bills are meant to target deed theft\u2014when a scammer steals the deed of a property from its owner, often through forgery. Thieves target vulnerable New Yorkers, like older residents and those in gentrifying communities, said Council member Crystal Hudson, who authored one of the bills, Int 0889.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a problem that has plagued predominantly Black and brown communities for a long time,\u201d Hudson told Brick Underground. \u201cAny measure to try to address deed theft, deed fraud, and to help long-time residents and their families stay in their homes, is a great thing for the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Councilmember Crystal Hudson leads push to address key issues among older New Yorkers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Spectrum News Staff, Spectrum News\/NY1, <\/em>December 17, 2024<\/p>\n

The City Council is considering a new legislative package aimed at addressing key issues facing older New Yorkers.<\/p>\n

It comes as a study from the CUNY Graduate Center finds that the city\u2019s population of 65 and older will climb 25% between 2021 and 2040.<\/p>\n

The measure includes expanding access to meals, fraud education and resources to help with financial planning.<\/p>\n

Out of the 11 bills, six of them have so far been established as law, and the remaining five are still making their way through the council.<\/p>\n

City Councilmember Crystal Hudson joined NY1 political anchor Errol Louis on \u201cInside City Hall\u201d Tuesday to discuss this bills and more.<\/p>\n

Hudson serves as the chair of the Council Committee on Aging, and introduced the legislative package.<\/p>\n

Her Brooklyn district includes the neighborhoods of Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, Crown Heights and Clinton Hill.<\/p>\n

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Councilmember Crystal Hudson gives out turkeys and housing, health information<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Spectrum News Staff, Spectrum News\/NY1, November 26, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

Turkey giveaways are happening in many parts of the city in the lead-up to Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n

City Councilmember Crystal Hudson held her third annual turkey giveaway in Prospect Heights over the weekend.<\/p>\n

She was joined by dozens of volunteers at Saint Francis de Sales School for the Deaf on Eastern Parkway.<\/p>\n

They handed out a whopping 1,000 turkeys \u2013 plus all the fixings \u2013 to families in need.<\/p>\n

In addition to the food, people were also able to connect to various resources for help with housing and health care.<\/p>\n

Spectrum News was among the companies who were on hand to help several community groups at the event.<\/p>\n

Spectrum is the parent company of Spectrum News and NY1.<\/p>\n

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\u2018A force of inspiration\u2019: Brooklyn council member declares Oct. 20 \u2018New York Liberty Day\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jada Camille, Brooklyn Paper, October 23, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

In a significant show of support for the city\u2019s champions, City Council Member Crystal Hudson introduced a resolution during Wednesday\u2019s stated meeting designating Oct. 20 \u201cNew York Liberty Day.\u201d<\/p>\n

This resolution celebrates the New York Liberty, who recently clinched their first-ever WNBA championship.<\/p>\n

The team made history on Sunday by securing the first WNBA title in franchise history, marking the first time in more than 50 years that a professional basketball championship has returned to the five boroughs. Their victory celebrates athletic excellence and highlights the ongoing progression toward equality in sports.<\/p>\n

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\u201cA Real Overhaul Is Long Overdue\u201d: Lawmaker Calls On State Leaders to Reform New York\u2019s Beleaguered Guardianship System<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jake Pearson, ProPublica, September 18, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

The chair of the New York City Council\u2019s Committee on Aging is calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders to overhaul the state\u2019s beleaguered guardianship system in response to a ProPublica investigation that found elderly and infirm New Yorkers living in dire conditions while under court-mandated oversight.<\/p>\n

City Councilmember Crystal Hudson introduced a resolution last week intended to force Albany to take up the cause of those whom judges have deemed incapable of managing their own affairs \u2014 a constituency without powerful lobbyists or political influence whose needs have long been ignored by state legislators.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo many people have been failed by this system, and a real overhaul is long overdue,\u201d said Hudson, a Democrat. \u201cWe need a system that instills confidence \u2014 one that guarantees people in need of guardianships a dignified existence.\u201d<\/p>\n

More than 28,000 people statewide are currently under the care of court-appointed guardians, and nearly 60% of them live in New York City.<\/p>\n

Hudson\u2019s bill, which calls for an annual infusion of state funding to serve poor New Yorkers in the system, will be the subject of public hearings later this fall.<\/p>\n

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NYC Council passes bill to study reparations for slavery<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jenna DeAngelis, CBS News, September 12, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

New York City Council members passed legislation Thursday aimed at acknowledging, studying and addressing the impact of slavery and racial injustices in New York City, including a bill that mandates the study of reparations.<\/p>\n

New York City had one of the highest rates of slave ownership in the country during the 1700s, according to the City Council.<\/p>\n

One of four bills establishes a task force to consider the creation of Freedom Trails in the city. Another would require the installation of signage near Wall and Pearl Streets, to mark the site of New York’s first slave market.<\/p>\n

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NYC lawmakers expected to back slavery legacy and reparations study<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Giulia Heyward, Gothamist\/WNYC, September 11, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

City lawmakers are poised to pass legislation this week greenlighting a study on the legacy of slavery in New York City, including possible payment of monetary and non-monetary reparations.<\/p>\n

City Council is expected to vote on Thursday on the measure<\/a> authorizing the study, with proponents forecasting passage after false starts earlier. Councilmember Farah Louis of Brooklyn also said her bill \u201cwas initially expected to pass months ago,\u201d but stalled because of \u201cconsiderable doubts\u201d from her colleagues.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven within our own ranks, there were those \u2013 particularly among Black and brown legislators \u2013 who were reluctant to engage with this sensitive issue, fearing the potential consequences,\u201d Louis said.<\/p>\n

For some advocates, passage of the bill would be groundbreaking development in a decadeslong battle for racial justice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been talking about reparations ever since the original promise when slavery ended \u2013 It\u2019s been people\u2019s lifetime’s work to try and see this into fruition,\u201d said Lanessa Owens-Chaplin, who heads the Racial Justice Center at the New York Civil Liberties Union.<\/p>\n

With adoption, New York would join at least a dozen other cities that have approved local reparations efforts. A national reparations bill has languished in Congress since the 1980s. New York City\u2019s iteration lists a range of \u201creparative measures\u201d the city can take beyond financial restitution, including providing medical care, legal services, public apologies and memorials.<\/p>\n

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A New Clinton Hill Family Housing Emerges Thanks to $1.5M Funding<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

BK Reader, September 7, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

The Institute for Community Living (ICL) Emerson-Davis Family Residence, a one-of-a-kind program that keeps families together, will move forward with the construction of a new building thanks to City Council Member Crystal Hudson, who recently allocated $1.5 million in capital funding for the project.<\/p>\n

The Emerson Davis Family Residence, developed in 1996 in partnership with the State Office of Mental Health, is the only program in New York City to provide supportive housing and stabilization services for adults with mental health challenges who have been, or are at risk of being separated from their children, according to a press release.<\/p>\n

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Back-to-school fair, basketball tournament held at Jackie Robinson Playground in Crown Heights<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

News 12 Staff, News 12, August 30, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

Council member Crystal Hudson hosted a back-to-school fair and basketball tournament Friday in Crown Heights. The event was held at Jackie Robinson Playground at Montgomery Street between Franklin Avenue and McKeever Place from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Organizers handed out free backpacks and school supplies.<\/p>\n

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Older New Yorkers rally at City Hall to fight for funding for meal program<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Monica Morales, PIX11, June 17, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

Dozens of older New Yorkers rallied on the steps of City Hall Monday to protest cuts to the city\u2019s Department for the Aging.<\/p>\n

Advocates said the city wants to reduce services and funding for meals for older residents. To send a message, dozens of older New York City residents handed out meals to lawmakers,<\/p>\n

Advocates said the city only funds one meal per day, five days a week. Some say that\u2019s not enough. For many older adults, it\u2019s often their only hot meal, according to New York City Council member Crystal Hudson.<\/p>\n

Hudson, the chair of the city\u2019s Committee on Aging, said the city cut the Department for the Aging\u2019s budget by $20 million last year, and it faces additional cuts in the budget for the next three fiscal years, impacting critical services for older residents, including meal programs.<\/p>\n

Cheryl Chapman, a 75-year-old from the Bronx, said she fears if she loses her free meals from her senior center due to budget cuts, she will be forced to eat cat food. Chapman, a retired nurse\u2019s aide, said she pays more than $1,000 in rent and has very little left for food.<\/p>\n

The director of AARP said she wants older residents to have access to three meals per day, seven days a week.<\/p>\n

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NYC renters can pay $10K in move-in costs. FARE Act would change that: Pol<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dan Mannarino, PIX11, June 16, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

New York City renters can pay over $10,000 in move-in costs thanks to hefty broker fees, but the FARE Act could change that, City Council Member Crystal Hudson said.<\/p>\n

Hudson joined PIX on Politics to discuss the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses Act, which proposes that whoever hires the broker has to pay them, instead of automatically putting the expense onto the renter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re simply saying whoever hires the broker pays for the broker,\u201d Hudson said.<\/p>\n

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Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson discusses LGBT+ safety<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cheryl Wills & Dana Perez, Spectrum News, June 9, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson talked about why it’s important to center efforts around the most marginalized communities in the city.<\/p>\n

Hudson explained the hardships behind LGBT+ youth homelessness and what’s being done to help those struggling.<\/p>\n

She also broke down what queer migrants are going through trying to seek asylum from bad conditions in their home countries.<\/p>\n

Hudson closed with discussion over the recent pride event at the City Council to kick off Pride Month.<\/p>\n

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City councilwoman answers questions on Section 8 housing voucher<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Spectrum News, June 4, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

A Brooklyn councilwoman said the number of New Yorkers who sign up for low-income housing could balloon more than it already has by the end of the week.<\/p>\n

More than 100,000 people signed up for the Section 8 housing voucher waiting list in just the first nine hours after the application process went live Monday, city data shows.<\/p>\n

Brooklyn Councilwoman Crystal Hudson believes that the number of signups could double or triple by the end of the week, when the period to apply for the housing voucher ends.<\/p>\n

Despite that, Hudson encouraged anyone eligible and interested to apply for the program, which offers subsidies to eligible low-income families so they can rent in the private market.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that complicated. It\u2019s an online application, you can submit a paper application, but it\u2019s a lot easier to do it online. Not everybody, unfortunately, has access to reliable internet, and not everybody can navigate the internet so easily,\u201d Hudson said during an interview on \u201cMornings on 1.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that in mind, Hudson is hosting a Section 8 clinic Wednesday, opening the doors of her office from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for one-on-one appointments for people to sit with her team to fill out applications.<\/p>\n

To learn more about the Section 8 application process, go to here.<\/p>\n

\n

Council passes bills to fortify parking garage safety<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Annie McDonough, City & State, May 23, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

Just over a year after a parking garage across from City Hall collapsed, killing the garage manager, the New York City Council passed a package of legislation aimed at fortifying garages across the city against negligent care and structural risks.<\/p>\n

One bill sponsored by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers will require the city Department of Building to conduct a study of the structural state of a sample of garages across the city, beyond the regular inspections they already receive. The bill will help determine a baseline for how widespread structural issues are, Brooks-Powers said.<\/p>\n

Another bill, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, will actually make those regular inspections more frequent, going from once every six years to once every four years.<\/p>\n

And a third bill, sponsored by Council Member Amanda Far\u00edas, would increase penalties for violations issued to owners of parking garages.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the government’s responsibility to guarantee the integrity of the infrastructure that shapes our communities, and that certainly includes parking structures,\u201d Hudson said at a press conference.<\/p>\n

\n

New York City Council reforms parking garage regulations in wake of collapse<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Henry Rosoff, PIX 11, May 23, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

The city council changed the way thousands of parking structures around the city are regulated.<\/p>\n

It comes after that fatal garage collapse on Ann Street more than a year ago.<\/p>\n

Survivors reunited with heroic rescuers at FDNY\u2019s 28th Second Chance Ceremony
Councilmembers Crystal Hudson and Amanda Farias spoke exclusively to PIX11 News at the site of the Ann Street garage Thursday shortly before the City Council reformed the way parking structures are inspected\u2013 and, if necessary\u2013 fined if safety violations are discovered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou walk by the structures every day, and you don\u2019t spend any time thinking something like this could happen,\u201d Farias said before Hudson continued: \u201cThat\u2019s why these bills are so important because we know our infrastructure is dated, but we also trust when we are parking our cars, and going to our homes, and walking down the street, the buildings are not going to collapse around us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hudson\u2019s bill means garages will get inspected every four years instead of every six. Democratic Majority Leader Farrias\u2019s legislation will double the penalties for various safety violations.<\/p>\n

A third bill would require the Department of Buildings (DOB) to conduct a load-bearing capacity study for all parking garages. It will look at age, materials, and structural design.<\/p>\n

\n

NYC lawmakers warn of ‘crisis’ for older New Yorkers if Adams’ cuts go through<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Gothamist, Giulia Heyward, May 19, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

Dozens of centers for older adults in New York City could close and meal programs could be diminished if budget cuts proposed by Mayor Eric Adams go through, senior advocates and councilmembers warn.<\/p>\n

The city\u2019s Department of the Aging is looking at a $28 million cut from last fiscal year in its $494 million budget proposed by the mayor in the latest round of budget negotiations. City lawmakers have asked for an additional $78.2 million to fund meal programs, non-profit senior centers and other services for older New Yorkers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Council is especially troubled in this case that the administration, once again, put precisely zero dollars in response to our proposals,\u201d Council finance chair Justin Brannan said during a budget hearing Friday. \u201cWe identified over $1 billion that the mayor’s preliminary budget left off the table, which could keep key resources like our older adult centers open, while fully insuring us against economic hazards.\u201d<\/p>\n

New York City is home to roughly 1.8 million residents age 65 or older \u2014 or more than 25 percent of the city\u2019s population \u2014 according to city officials, though advocates and councilmembers point out the Department of the Aging budget accounts for less than half of 1% of the city\u2019s $112 billion budget.<\/p>\n

\n

Elderly New Yorkers Throng City Hall to Protest Proposed Cuts to Senior Centers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Katie Honan, The City, May 16, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

Hundreds of older New Yorkers rallied outside City Hall to protest cuts to the city\u2019s Department for the Aging, which could shutter dozens of senior centers and reduce services like meal delivery.<\/p>\n

The agency, which had its budget slashed by $20 million last year, faces an additional $80 million in cuts in the budget City Hall has proposed for the coming fiscal year.<\/p>\n

Hundreds of people thronged Broadway on Thursday, and many booed Mayor Eric Adams when he was mentioned. The City Council will be holding a hearing on the Department of Aging\u2019s budget Friday.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe agree with you,\u201d Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said to the crowd as they chanted \u201cno more cuts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Senior advocates pointed out that the Department for the Aging represents a small portion of overall city spending.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe agency\u2019s budget represents less than one half of one percent of the city\u2019s entire budget, but the mayor has remained intent on slashing funding for the agency,\u201d Brooklyn City Councilmember Crystal Hudson, who chairs the Committee on Aging, wrote in an email to constituents.<\/p>\n

At the rally, she decried \u201cindiscriminate budget cuts to the programs that keep our communities afloat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Building in Brooklyn Council District 35? Here\u2019s What the Rep\u2014And Community Members\u2014Want in New Development<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Chris Janaro, City Limits, May 8, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

Frustrated with the piecemeal approach to development in her district, a city councilmember introduced a comprehensive framework for developers that she hopes could guide projects across the city and set a precedent for her peers.<\/p>\n

On a rainy Friday afternoon in mid-April, Councilmember Crystal Hudson convened a press conference at the Brooklyn Public Library to unveil her framework for projects that require a zoning change in Council District 35, which spans Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights and part of Bed-Stuy.<\/p>\n

Designed to complement the traditional Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), it offers developers two tracks of criteria that residential projects should meet if they need city approval for increased density, height or other zoning changes.<\/p>\n

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Struggling to support thousands of migrants in local shelters, CM Crystal Hudson says district has received \u2018no material support\u2019 from City Hall<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper, May 8, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

Thousands of migrants are living in shelters in Council Member Crystal Hudson\u2019s district, and they \u2013 and the neighborhoods they\u2019re located in \u2013 need more help from the city government, Hudson said in a May 6 open letter to Mayor Eric Adams.<\/p>\n

Hudson said her community has received \u201cno material support\u201d from City Hall. Her office and a host of local community organizations have stepped up to raise money, gather supplies, and provide resources for the roughly 4,000 migrants living in two Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers in District 35, she wrote, but it\u2019s not enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite our shared efforts, the reality is that an influx in the population requires an increase in the resources our communities need,\u201d Hudson wrote. \u201cMore people means more trash, greater use of public facilities like parks, and more neighborly disputes around issues like noise or loitering. My office and my neighbors have been asking for your assistance for the better part of a year to no avail.\u201d<\/p>\n

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4,000 newly arrived asylum seekers making new life in Clinton Hill<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cory McGinnis, PIX 11, May 6, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

New York City Councilmember Crystal Hudson is pleading for Mayor Eric Adams\u2019 support in addressing the strain a large migrant shelter has placed on the Clinton Hill community.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not about politics,\u201d Hudson said. \u201cIt\u2019s about the significant strain on the existing community\u201d caused by the influx of over 4,000 new residents.<\/p>\n

Residents have reported issues with increased trash, abandoned vehicles, and loitering.<\/p>\n

Hudson\u2019s team has struggled to address these concerns without support from the Mayor\u2019s office. They requested resources like vaccination buses and town halls but received \u201cno meaningful response.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re asking now, at this point, for him to commit to coming to the community and doing a town hall,\u201d Hudson said.<\/p>\n

\n

Builders Need to Follow a New Land Use, Development Framework in District 35<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

BK Reader, April 17, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

Council Member Crystal Hudson released a new framework on Friday to ensure transparent and equitable decisions are made around land use and development in District 35, covering Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Crown Heights.<\/p>\n

The nonprofit Hester Street developed a community-led framework that Hudson will use to evaluate proposed projects going through the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), according to a news release.<\/p>\n

The framework can be used by community members as an accountability mechanism to ensure their priorities are considered in the early phases of development; by the Council Member\u2019s office as a checklist to ensure that community needs are integrated into new development; and by developers as a guide to understand the types of development that residents demand.<\/p>\n

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Brooklyn councilmember talks about affordable housing<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Errol Louis, NY1, April 10, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

State and city lawmakers have been wrapped up in budget negotiations, with housing taking center stage.<\/p>\n

In the city, advocates warn numerous families will be displaced if more affordable housing isn\u2019t built soon.<\/p>\n

One councilmember has developed a new framework to guide new projects in neighborhoods.<\/p>\n

Brooklyn Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, who\u2019s chair on the Committee on Aging, joined NY1 political anchor Errol Louis on \u201cInside City Hall\u201d Wednesday to discuss her framework.<\/p>\n

Her district includes the neighborhoods of Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, Crown Heights and Clinton Hill.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think what folks have seen is a lot of individual developments going up one by one without a real consideration for the broader context for that particular neighborhood and certainly not for the entire district,\u201d Hudson said. \u201cWe have launched this effort to, in some ways, put the power back in the people\u2019s hands and i think also to provide an opportunity for people to provide a much larger and meaningful say in the type of developments that come into our neighborhoods.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Eric Adams Vetoes Law-Enforcement Reforms in Standoff With City Council<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nia Prater, New York Magazine, January 19, 202<\/em>4<\/p>\n

Since its passage last year, Eric Adams<\/a> has made no secret of his opposition to a City Council measure that would require police officers to further document lower-level stops of civilians. On Friday, the mayor officially announced that he would be vetoing the bill, reiterating his previous comments that the legislation would impede the ability of NYPD officers to do their jobs.<\/p>\n

Intro. 586-A<\/a>, part of a package referred to as the How Many Stops Act, would requires officers to provide reports on Level One and Two stops<\/a>, encounters that don\u2019t require a \u201creasonable suspicion\u201d that a crime has occurred or is occurring. Last December, the legislation was passed by the City Council with a 35-9 vote, a vetoproof majority.<\/p>\n

\n

Families of People Killed by NYPD Brace for Eric Adams to Veto Criminal Justice Reform Bills<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Akela Lacy, The Intercept, January 18, 202<\/em>4<\/p>\n

A small group of organizers rallied outside of New York City Hall on Wednesday to call on Mayor Eric Adams not to veto a series of bills that would ban the use of solitary confinement in city jails and increase oversight over police stops and searches.<\/p>\n

The push by grassroots reform groups to ban solitary confinement comes in response to a surge in recent years of deaths in city jails, including several cases of people who had been detained in solitary confinement. Families of people killed as a result of stops by New York Police Department officers have also urged the mayor to sign the policing measures into law.<\/p>\n

Advocates and officials working on the reforms expect Adams, who has publicly opposed<\/a> the bills, to veto<\/a> at least two of the measures this week. He has until Friday to do so, or the measures will pass into law. <\/p>\n

The battle pits a pro-police mayor, an NYPD veteran himself, against a progressive City Council, which approved<\/a> the three bills<\/a> last month by large margins<\/a> during its last meeting<\/a> of 2023. The fight is the latest in a well-trod pattern of centrist Democrats or Republicans fighting back against popular and democratically enacted welfare reforms. In New York, City Council leaders and members said they have the votes to override the mayor\u2019s veto.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are prepared to override the mayor\u2019s veto,\u201d council member Crystal Hudson, who sponsored a bill to strengthen laws around consenting to a search, told The Intercept. \u201cThe City Council is the city\u2019s legislative body. The body has spoken.\u201d The council would have 30 days from a mayoral veto to issue an override. <\/p>\n

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NYC Council passes resolution supporting parole reforms amid growing advocacy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Robert Abruzzese, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, December 28, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The New York City Council has taken a significant step towards criminal justice reform by passing a resolution which urges the New York State Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul to enact the Fair & Timely Parole and Elder Parole bills. <\/p>\n

These reform measures aim to modernize the parole system by providing individualized, case-by-case evaluations for parole supervision of inmates in New York State prisons, particularly benefiting older and long-term incarcerated individuals. <\/p>\n

\n

Watership down: Why are we always fighting for NYC libraries?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ariama Long, Amsterdam News, December 21, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Libraries are considered safe spaces for virtually all communities\u2013\u2013seniors, homeless individuals, students and working families. They store rare collections and artifacts, provide free research materials and safe study space, offer educational and English language courses, access to the internet, and provide computer and job training. For lower-income, Black, brown, or immigrant communities these things are crucial to survival.<\/p>\n

To protest the loss of library services due to city budget cuts, totaling $46 million this year, book lovers came together in Brooklyn this past weekend to hold a candlelight vigil. <\/p>\n

The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), The New York Public Library (NYPL), and Queens Public Library (QPL) leadership in a joint statement said that public libraries provide vital services that are a lifeline for many New Yorkers. Despite cuts, they remain committed to continuing to serve communities as best they can in challenging times. <\/p>\n

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Thousands Of Turkeys Handed Out In Brooklyn Ahead Of Thanksgiving<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Emily Rahhal, Patch, November 22, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

As Brooklynites pop their turkeys in the oven and deep frier, locals also carved out time to spread the love, and food, this holiday season.<\/p>\n

Electeds, businesses and locals passed out thousands of turkeys and other Thanksgiving fixings ahead of Thursday’s holiday. Here’s a look at some of the events over the last week.<\/p>\n

Salvation Army kicked off a two-day turkey giveaway in Bensonhurst to pass out 200 turkeys at the community center on 18th Avenue between 73rd and 74th Streets.<\/p>\n

The giveaway was scheduled to return to the community center for a second day between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Wednesday.<\/p>\n

“Thanksgiving is a week away, and many New York families are struggling to put food on their tables,” a representative of the organization said. “Thanks to this event, local families in need can enjoy a meal at their Thanksgiving dinner.”<\/p>\n

In Bushwick, Borough President Antonio Reynoso teamed up with City Council Member Jennifer Guti\u00e9rrez and state Sen. Julia Salazar to pass out 400 turkeys and 140 chickens from I.S. 347 Magnet School for Humanities.<\/p>\n

The representatives doled out the poultry Tuesday, just in time for the holiday.<\/p>\n

On Saturday, City Council Member Crystal Hudson went “bigger” with a festive giveaway including “MORE turkeys, boxes of fix-ins, and bundles of fresh produce than we did last year,” Hudson said.<\/p>\n

In total, the council member’s office handed out a whopping 1,500 turkeys, Hudson said in an Instagram post.<\/p>\n

“It takes a village, and I\u2019m so grateful for ours,” Hudson said.<\/p>\n

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City Council votes to establish commission on LGBTQ older adults<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dashiell Allen, Gay City News, November 16, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The New York City Council on Nov. 15 passed a bill to establish a commission within the Department of Aging to study and make recommendations to meet the needs of LGBTQ older people living in NYC. <\/p>\n

The bill, Int. 564<\/a>, was spearheaded by LGBTQIA+ Caucus Co-Chairs Councilmembers Tiffany Cab\u00e1n and Crystal Hudson, though Cab\u00e1n is the lead sponsor. It\u2019s one of several policies proposed in The Marsha & Sylvia Plan<\/a>, which the Caucus released in June<\/a>.  <\/p>\n

Int. 564 states the commission would \u201canalyze and study the health, housing, financial, psychosocial, home-and-community-based services, assisted living and long-term care needs of LGBTQIA+ older adults and their caregivers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Every city lawmaker who voted on the bill approved it, though five councilmembers were absent \u2014 including LGBTQIA+ Caucus member Erik Bottcher of Manhattan. Another member of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus, Kristin Richardson Jordan of Manhattan, missed the vote due to medical reasons.<\/p>\n

The Marsha & Sylvia Plan highlights the need to build more housing for LGBTQ elders, provide free sexual health and wellness programming, and conduct outreach to HIV-affected older people. It also notes that New York City\u2019s older adult population is projected to increase 41% by 2040. <\/p>\n

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Why the New York City floods should be a wake-up call<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Scott Dance, The Washington Post, October 6, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

When Shekar Krishnan walked his young children to school in a downpour Sept. 29, confronted by flooded streets, his mind went to worrying about the estimated 100,000 residents of illegal basement apartments across New York City. During tropical rains in 2021, 11 people in the city councilman\u2019s home borough of Queens drowned in their homes<\/a>, and now, nearly as much water was falling, and nearly as quickly.<\/p>\n

But this time, no one died. Firefighters rescued residents trapped in half a dozen basements, but otherwise, the storm\u2019s toll was limited to buildings and property, as well as the city\u2019s dense transportation network, once again brought to a waterlogged standstill<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What made the difference?<\/p>\n

\u201cSheer luck,\u201d if you ask Krishnan, a Democrat who represents the Elmhurst and Jackson Heights neighborhoods of Queens.<\/p>\n

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Dense Housing, Job Creation Prioritized in Community-Led Plan for Atlantic Avenue Rezoning<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Anna Bradley-Smith, Brownstoner, August 30, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

A report released Tuesday by Crown Heights Council Member Crystal Hudson and the Department of City Planning details how locals want to see development play out around an industrial corridor of Atlantic Avenue largely in Crown Heights. If adopted, it would lead to a dramatic transformation of the area with new mixed-used but largely residential high-rise developments.<\/p>\n

The Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan Community Vision and Priorities 2023 report springboards off the more than decade-old Community Board 8-led M-CROWN rezoning plan, which sought to protect manufacturing and jobs in the largely industrial area between Vanderbilt and Nostrand avenues and Bergen Street while allowing for some residential development.<\/p>\n

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Brooklynites Push for Safer Streets, Affordable Housing in Atlantic Avenue Rezoning<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rebecca Baird-Remba, Commercial Observer, August 30, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The desires of long-suffering residents in one of Brooklyn\u2019s fastest gentrifying neighborhoods are finally being heard.<\/p>\n

After several months of meetings about rezoning the industrial borderlands of Crown Heights and Prospect Heights for residential development, the Department of City Planning has released a report detailing what central Brooklynites want from the city as part of the process, including pedestrian upgrades along Atlantic Avenue, better homeless services and more affordable housing.<\/p>\n

The project \u2014 formerly known as M-CROWN but now called the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan (AAMUP) \u2014 hopes to transform 13 blocks between Atlantic Avenue, Vanderbilt Avenue and Nostrand Avenue from a mix of low-slung commercial buildings and retail into housing, green space and modern commercial, industrial and community facility spaces.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe AAMUP rezoning has been a long time in the making,\u201d said Crystal Hudson, the City Council member representing Brooklyn\u2019s District 35. \u201cFor more than a decade, the community surrounding Atlantic Avenue has called for a new vision for this dangerous corridor that delivers more deeply affordable housing, increased investments in the area\u2019s local economy, safer streets, and greater consideration of local infrastructure needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Affordable housing for homeless, low income seniors will take over city-owned parking lot in Prospect Heights<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ximena Del Cerro, Brooklyn Paper, August 17, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

In with the new. As New York City faces an ongoing housing crisis, a parking lot that sits in Prospect Heights keeping a handful of cars owned by the city off the street, will become a housing development for homeless and low-income seniors.<\/p>\n

The city\u2019s Department of Housing Preservation and Development selected Jobe Development Corp. to convert the 17,145 square-foot parking lot on 542 Dean St. into an all-affordable housing development. Given the location, the new homes will be connected to health and wellness amenities, social services, community facilities and open recreational spaces.<\/p>\n

The redevelopment is part of the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan. Neighboring blocks in Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant will feature new developments with housing, retail, commercial and industrial spaces \u2014 and safer, more pedestrian-friendly streets. During the community outreach for AAMUP, Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy residents indicated a desire that the city prioritize creating 100% affordable housing on public, city-owned sites, according to HPD. Terms of purpose for HPD developments will last for at least 30 years.<\/p>\n

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New rules for NYC parking garages introduced in the City Council<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, August 3, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Four months after the dramatic collapse of a lower Manhattan parking garage that killed one and left five injured, the New York City Council is introducing a slate of new bills to address garage safety.<\/p>\n

If passed, the package of five bills would mandate weight restrictions for parking garage levels, require more frequent inspections, raise fines for garage owners in breach of regulations, create an inspection checklist for garage owners and require a study on the load bearing capacity of parking structures.<\/p>\n

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Council passes bills to report on trans incarcerated population and protect gender-affirming care<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Matt Tracy, Gay City News, July 13, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The New York City Council on July 13 voted to approve two pieces of legislation intended to protect transgender individuals, including a bill requiring the Department of Correction (DOC) to report on information pertaining to trans people in custody. <\/p>\n

City lawmakers also voted for a separate bill barring the city from cooperating with out-of-state investigations related to gender-affirming care, backing up<\/a> an executive order signed by Mayor Eric Adams last month and complementing a state-based law of the same nature that was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on Pride Sunday in New York City.<\/p>\n

The New York City Council on July 13 voted to approve two pieces of legislation intended to protect transgender individuals, including a bill requiring the Department of Correction to report on information pertaining to trans people in custody.<\/p>\n

The DOC bill, which passed out of the Health Committee on July 13 in unanimous fashion, was approved by the full City Council later that same day. The legislation requires the DOC to report on information pertaining to those in custody whose gender identity is not aligned with the one they were assigned at birth. The legislation stipulates that the DOC must report on housing placements as well as when individuals request to be housed in accordance with their gender identity but are rejected. <\/p>\n

The bill calls for the commissioner to submit the report \u2014 which would contain information including the number of trans people in custody and their housing settings \u2014 to the mayor, the City Council speaker, and the public advocate, and to post it online. <\/p>\n

\n

Street in Crown Heights co-named after \u2018Carnival Queen\u2019 Joyce Quamina<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nelson King, Caribbean Life, June 28, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

In picture-perfect weather, family, friends, carnival organizers and lovers, soca artistes and elected officials were on hand Saturday for the co-naming ceremony of a street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn after renowned Trinidadian \u201cCarnival Queen\u201d Joyce Quamina, a long-standing treasurer of the Brooklyn-based West Indian-American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organizer of the annual, massive West Indian American Day Carnival Parade on Brooklyn\u2019s Eastern Parkway.<\/p>\n

The street at President Street and Nostrand Avenue was co-named Joyce Quamina\u2019s Way after a 1 \u00bd-hour-long ceremony at the corner of President Street and Nostrand Avenue that featured, among other things, speeches, soca and steelpan music, costume displays and Stilt Dancers.<\/p>\n

Quamina, one of the former stalwart executive members of WIADCA and a long-time Brooklyn resident, died on March 1, 2022 \u2013 incidentally, the same day as \u201cCarnival Tuesday\u201d in Trinidad and Tobago \u2013 at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside, Long Is., her only daughter Michelle Quamina told Caribbean Life. She was 85.<\/p>\n

City Council Member Crystal Hudson, the representative for the 35th<\/sup> Council District that encompasses Crown Heights, described Quamina as \u201ca titan in her field who was known and beloved by many in Crown Heights and across Brooklyn.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Hudson, the daughter of Jamaican and Honduran immigrants, first thanked pre-eminent Grenadian-born entertainment promoter Derek Ventour, a Brooklyn resident, \u201cwho has shepherded this co-naming from start to finish.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe presented before Community Board 9, worked with my staff to collect all the information necessary, and is a major reason we are all here today,\u201d she said. \u201cPlease show Derek some love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hudson said \u201cthere may have been no single individual who embodied this (Caribbean culture and heritage) more than Joyce, our \u2018Carnival Queen\u2019.<\/p>\n

\n

Crown Heights Street Named After Late ‘Carnival Queen’<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Emily Rahhal, Patch, June 26, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

After four decades of work preserving and promoting Caribbean culture in Brooklyn, Joyce Quamina’s legacy will be forever memorialized on President Street and Nostrand Avenue.<\/p>\n

After a ceremony Saturday afternoon, the intersection is now known as “Joyce Quamina’s Way,” recognizing the late local’s dedication to the West Indian American Day Carnival Association and the Crown Heights community.<\/p>\n

“She’d be smiling and she’d say ‘oh god!’… in her Trinidad voice,” Quamina’s daughter told News 12.<\/p>\n

The renaming process, meant to honor people who have made “extraordinary” contributions to a community for 10 years, was hugely expedited, Council Member Crystal Hudson told to News 12. The process that normally takes two to three years took only 6 months.<\/p>\n

Quamina, who died in 2022 at 85-years-old, is credited with spearheading beloved local traditions, like Children’s Carnival, and a steelband fundraiser and Brooklyn’s Boys and Girls High School.<\/p>\n

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New York City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus co-chairs criticize Elon Musk for declaring “cisgender” a slur on Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Marcia Kramer, CBS News, June 25, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s Pride Month and New York City lawmakers are seeking equitable treatment for the LGBTQ+ community.<\/p>\n

Around the country, 14 states are considering anti-drag show legislation, there are more than 120 anti-trans bills in state legislatures, and 19 states have laws restricting gender-affirming care.<\/p>\n

Tiffany Caban and Crystal Hudson, co-chairs of the New York City Council LGBTQIA+ Caucus, discussed an apparent rise in hate in the city and said Elon Musk was wrong to declare “cisgender” a slur on Twitter.<\/p>\n

Caban and Hudson responded to Mayor Eric Adams’ sweeping veto<\/a> of a package of bills that increase aid to homeless New Yorkers. While Adams said the bills were too expensive, Hudson said she’s confident the City Council will override his veto. <\/p>\n

\n

Joyce Quamina Way: Crown Heights street renamed in honor of influential resident<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

News 12 Staff, June 24, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

A street in Crown Heights was renamed as a tribute to the life and legacy of beloved Brooklyn resident Joyce Quamina. After moving to Brooklyn from Trinidad and Tobago in 1969, Quamina became known for taking on many active roles in the community. In addition to her work with the West Indian American Day Carnival Association, she also started programs like the Children\u2019s Carnival and developed Youth Fest in Brooklyn.<\/p>\n

Quamina died in 2022. Her daughter says she would have been 85 years old. A street sign reading \u201cJoyce Quamina Way\u201d was unveiled at the Nostrand Avenue and President Street intersection on Saturday.
Attendees at the unveiling said the event was both a memorial and party celebrating Quamina\u2019s life.
Quamina\u2019s daughter says she hopes her mother\u2019s legacy continues to inspire others to contribute to their communities.<\/p>\n

\n

Mayor Eric Adams vetoes 4 bills aimed at increasing aid to homeless New Yorkers, citing cost<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Marcia Kramer, CBS News, June 23, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Mayor Eric Adams vetoed four bills seeking to increase aid to homeless New Yorkers on Friday, setting up a showdown with the New York City Council amid tense negotiations over a new budget due June 30th.<\/p>\n

First, the mayor cut the ribbon for a new public space project on Broadway, but it wasn’t his most momentous action of the day – by a longshot.<\/p>\n

Shortly after, he vetoed a sweeping package of housing bills that would cost billions of dollars that the city cannot afford, he said.<\/p>\n

“The bills not only create expectations among vulnerable New Yorkers that cannot be met, they also take aim at the wrong problem,” said a statement attributed to Adams.<\/p>\n

\n

Low income New Yorkers would get \u2018unconditional\u2019 cash help from city under new bill approved by NYC Council<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Michael Gartland, New York Daily News, June 22, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

New Yorkers in need would soon be able to receive cash handouts from the city \u2014 with no strings attached.<\/p>\n

A bill approved by the City Council on Thursday would permit the city to fund pilot programs that provide unconditional monetary assistance to people found eligible. Sponsored by Councilwoman Crystal Hudson (D-Brooklyn), the bill was approved with a 42-6 vote, with one Council member abstaining.<\/p>\n

Eligibility requirements include residing in the city, and either having an annual gross income of no more than 80% of the area median income, or being a runaway or homeless youth.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes it legal for the city to actually do this, to have a cash assistance program,\u201d Hudson said of her bill Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n

She said the exact contours of the pilot program\u2019s scope have yet to be determined, but that work would begin once the bill gets a final sign-off from Mayor Adams.<\/p>\n

\n

City Council considers bills to alleviate the harms of slavery<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sahalie Donaldson, City & State NY, June 15, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The New York City Council recently introduced several measures aimed at reckoning with the history and impact of slavery on Black New Yorkers and city institutions, including legislation that could lead to the removal of artwork depicting people who participated in slavery or committed other crimes against humanity.<\/p>\n

The package of four bills \u2013 which also included a measure that would create a task force to consider reparations \u2013 comes just ahead of Juneteenth and as the state continues to wrestle with how to address the lingering impacts of slavery and systemic racism. Even in New York City, the vestiges of slavery can be found all over the five boroughs. For example, Stuyvesant High School, Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village and Bedford-Stuyvesant are named for Peter Stuyvesant, a prominent figure in city history who enslaved 15 to 30 people in the 17th century. Many city streets, neighborhoods, and subway stations bear similar ties to other individuals.<\/p>\n

\n

Spirited Brooklyn Pride festivities draw families and big crowds<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Matt Tracy, Gay City News, June 11, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Out with the smoke, in with the rainbows!<\/p>\n

After Canadian fire smoke blanketed the five boroughs earlier in the week, Brooklynites of all ages stepped outside and swarmed Fifth Avenue on June 10 for the annual Brooklyn Pride festival and twilight march.<\/p>\n

There was a noticeably larger crowd along Fifth Avenue than in recent years when many events were subdued due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some people watched the march from the curb, while others planted their lawn chairs on the perimeter or simply stood and cheered. Several locals waved Rainbow Flags from their windows or fire escapes.<\/p>\n

\n

City Council bill would establish protections for sex workers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Matt Tracy, Gay City News, June 9, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Some members of the New York City Council are proposing legislation to establish protections for sex workers and steer resources to organizations serving them.<\/p>\n

The bill, which was officially introduced on June 8 following the release of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus\u2019 new comprehensive policy platform, would create a program to award grants to community groups working with sex workers, establish a board to support sex workers and inform them of their rights in the workplace, ban housing discrimination based on whether a prospective tenant has engaged in sex work, and more.<\/p>\n

\n

UPRISING: City Council celebrates honorees for LGBTQIA+ pride month<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ariama C. Long, Amsterdam News, June 8, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The New York City Council LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and more) Caucus hosted a pride night at City Hall, honoring long-standing queer activists in the city.<\/p>\n

The evening\u2019s events were led by Co-Chairs and Councilmembers Crystal Hudson and Tiffany Cab\u00e1n, and Speaker Adrienne Adams.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe celebrate pride to uplift LGBTQIA+  New Yorkers and ensure that they are seen in their fullness. As a government we must be unapologetic in our pursuit of safety and equal rights for all,\u201d said Adams. \u201cThat is our purpose, so that everyone can be exactly who we are, especially when trans rights are under attack across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n

The caucus honored three Black queer leaders: the Chief Strategy Officer for Hetrick-Martin Institute Soraya Elcock, Reverend Crone Goddess Magora Kennedy, who was present at the first Stonewall Inn Uprising, and Founder and Executive Director for Destination Tomorrow Sean Coleman. They had two drag story hour performers read short children\u2019s books about the pride parade as well.<\/p>\n

\n

City Council LGBTQ+ Caucus announces comprehensive plan to protect the gay community<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Natalie Duddridge, CBS NY, June 7, 2023<\/p>\n

As part of Pride Month, the City Council and the LGBTQ+ Caucus on Wednesday announced an overarching plan and a package of bills to protect the community.<\/p>\n

It’s called the Marsha and Sylvia Plan, named after Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, leaders of the gay liberation movement that took place at Stonewall in 1969.<\/p>\n

Organizers say its the first ever comprehensive plan covering a wide range of issues. It comes on the heels of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and legislation in other parts of the country.<\/p>\n

“It’s addressing every single area from health care to housing to arts and culture to education. Every issue is an LGBTQIA+ issue,” Councilmember Crystal Hudson said.<\/p>\n

“This package of legislation, as well as advocacy to invest into our queer spaces, is a stride in fighting to make sure that this city is one of the safest cities for LGBTQ people,” Councilmember Chi Osse said.<\/p>\n

From the plan, there are dozens of bills that are all in different phases of passage.<\/p>\n

\n

City Council\u2019s LGBTQIA+ Caucus unveils comprehensive policy plan<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Matt Tracy, Gay City News, June 2, 2023<\/p>\n

The City Council\u2019s LGBTQIA+ Caucus kicked off Pride Month by releasing a comprehensive, multi-pronged policy agenda outlining legislative goals and recommendations on how the city can better serve LGBTQ constituents across the five boroughs.<\/p>\n

The policy agenda, labeled as the Marsha and Sylvia Plan in honor of the late LGBTQ trailblazers Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, points to nine critical areas of need: arts and culture; education; government operations; health; housing and homelessness; older adults; public safety; sex work; and Youth and foster care. The agenda was put forth by members of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus, led by co-chairs Tiffany Cab\u00e1n of Queens and Crystal Hudson of Brooklyn.<\/p>\n

\n

NYC set to slash millions in home delivered meals program for seniors<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Giulia Heyward, Gothamist, May 15, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The Adams administration is pushing to cut back on delivering meals to New York seniors, slashing millions of dollars of funding from the program. The move comes amid an anticipated boom in New Yorkers over 65, a population segment expected to outpace the growth of any other age group within the next couple of decades.<\/p>\n

The administration plans to cut $5 million from its home-delivered meals program for seniors at the beginning of fiscal year 2024. It\u2019ll be followed by another reduction of $7 million in the same time period, and a reduction of $5.6 million in each of the next three years, according to Council member Crystal Hudson, who represents parts of Brooklyn, including Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, and chairs the Council\u2019s aging committee.<\/p>\n

\n

Seniors, city officials call on Mayor to stop budget cuts to senior programs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

amNY, May 12, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

New York City\u2019s senior community is calling for the mayor to not cut back on services that help seniors live their daily lives.<\/p>\n

In his proposed budget, Mayor Eric Adams outlined over $12 million dollars in budget cuts directed toward the city\u2019s aging sector\u2019s congregate and home-delivered meals programs in a year. Of those cuts, $7 million would be cut for Older Adult Centers, $5 million would be cut for the home-delivered meals program, and there would be the elimination of the $1 additional one-time reimbursement rate for home-delivered meals for the 2024 fiscal year.<\/p>\n

Led by LiveOn NY, over 400 seniors, as well as many of the city\u2019s elected officials, gathered outside City Hall Park on May 11 to call for better budget contributions to the senior community, as well as cost of living adjustments for staff in those sectors.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Mayor, do you hear us? Older New Yorkers are demanding a just budget\u2014one that affirms our communities and strengthens the services and resources they rely on most,\u201d said Council Member Crystal Hudson on Twitter. \u201cBe sure, Mr. Mayor. Older New Yorkers vote, and they are watching.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

New York City Council members, advocates call for accountability in Jordan Neely’s death<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jennifer Bisram, CBS New York, May 11, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s been over a week since Jordan Neely’s death was ruled a homicide, and Thursday, city leaders and advocates called for accountability, at times with tears in their eyes.<\/p>\n

“Anybody on the subway train could have helped Jordan Neely, anybody,” New York City Council member Crystal Hudson said.<\/p>\n

It was an emotional rally at City Hall Park.<\/p>\n

“Whether we’re walking down the street minding our business, whether we’re just saying that we’re hungry, our life is on the line,” New York City Council member Selvena Brooks Powers said.<\/p>\n

“It’s a dramatic experience that we’re seeing every single day. The support here has been great. Coming out here and talking about it and kind of letting those feelings go is a part of the coping mechanism that we are actually utilizing as well,” New York City Council member Kevin Riley said.<\/p>\n

\n

Council member, advocates criticize reduced city funding for senior meals<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Annie McDonough, City & State, May 8, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has consistently said that his citywide savings initiatives \u2013 known as Programs to Eliminate the Gap \u2013 have been achieved without layoffs, furloughs or cutting services.<\/p>\n

How, then, do these plans achieve billions in savings? One strategy is vacancy reductions, in which agencies eliminate currently vacant positions, sometimes in large numbers. In the latest round of budget cuts included in Adams\u2019 executive budget for fiscal year 2024, city agencies more frequently identified savings through cost \u201cre-estimates,\u201d defined as an agency spending less on a program or service because it cost less than they expected.<\/p>\n

But ahead of a new round of City Council budget hearings set to begin on Monday, some council members and advocates are arguing that some of those re-estimates could threaten the city\u2019s ability to adequately provide a service that New Yorkers rely on \u2013 meal programs for older New Yorkers.<\/p>\n

\n

Pols and Neighbors Call For a Safer Franklin Avenue After Killing of Cycling Advocate<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Julianne Cuba, Streetsblog NYC, May 5, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The city must do a better job of protecting cyclists on Franklin Avenue, a local council member said in the mournful aftermath of Monday\u2019s death of 39-year-old cyclist Adam Uster at the hands of a truck driver on the crucial Brooklyn route \u2014 where neighbors will hold a vigil and rally on Friday.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn this particular corridor where we\u2019ve just seen so much vehicular violence I think definitely having a protected bike lane would help save lives,\u201d said Council Member Crystal Hudson (D-Fort Greene). \u201cThis is a tragic loss that could have been avoided. I hope his death does not go in vain.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to police and family, Uster \u2014 a cycling advocate and member of Transportation Alternatives with a passion for photography \u2014 was heading home from Wegmans with his bike trailer filled with groceries when he was struck by the driver of a flatbed truck at the corner of Franklin and Lexington avenues at about 11:30 a.m. Police, who did not release the driver\u2019s name nor issued any summonses, said the investigation is ongoing.<\/p>\n

\n

Get Me In The Rat Zone, Says 200+ Prospect Heights Residents<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Peter Senzamici, Patch, May 4, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Prospect Heights has so many rats that, instead of the classic “birds and the bees” talk, parents are having the “please don’t play with the squished rat” chat.<\/p>\n

And neighbors are fed up. At least a few hundred of them.<\/p>\n

Over 200 Prospect Heights neighbors submitted testimony demanding the city recognize the neighborhood for what they claim it really is: one of the most rat-infested neighborhoods in the city.<\/p>\n

\n

Brooklyn high school leads pilot program training anti-bullying and harassment tactics for students<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sarah Belle Lin, amNY, May 3, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

High school students at a Brooklyn school are learning how to intervene when they see bullying and harassment at school and on the streets.<\/p>\n

The Academy of Urban Planning and Engineering (AUPE), formerly Bushwick High School, has partnered with anti-bullying nonprofit Right to Be since last September to equip teachers with a curriculum that trains people how to be better bystanders when they witness a situation.<\/p>\n

\n

School Library, Garden Win Participatory Budget Funds In Brooklyn<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Emily Rahhal, Patch, April 27, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Four Central Brooklyn schools will share $1 million in public funding for library, school yard and other improvement projects after residents voted in this year’s participatory budgeting process.<\/p>\n

Nearly 2,000 locals age 11 and older voted to fund school-related projects in Clinton Hill and Crown Heights, according to City Council Member Crystal Hudson.<\/p>\n

P.S. 11 in Clinton Hill will receive the biggest share \u2014 $350,000 to upgrade its school yard, which has been damaged by years of construction, according to Hudson. The school yard is currently a concrete play area that is unsafe for students.<\/p>\n

\n

The “Unapologetic Quest” of the City Council’s Crystal Hudson<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Brian Braiker, Brooklyn Magazine, April 24, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Crystal Hudson didn\u2019t initially intend to get into public service. The City Council member, who represents the 35th district, was in marketing for a decade, first for pro sports in Washington D.C., and then for Amtrak. But when Hudson\u2019s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s, she became her primary caregiver for eight years \u2026 and found herself navigating the byzantine bureaucratic systems for elderly and sick New Yorkers. Galvanized to make a difference, she went to work for the city where she served as deputy public advocate to Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and is a former aide to City Council Member Laurie Cumbo. She ran for office in 2021 on a platform that tackled issues around affordable housing, education, criminal justice reform, and elder care.<\/p>\n

This week, Council Member Hudson, a third generation Brooklynite from Prospect Heights who represents her own neighborhood plus Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights and part of Bed-Stuy, joins us on \u201cBrooklyn Magazine: The Podcast.\u201d One of first open Black gay black women \u2014 and one of 20 members of the progressive caucus \u2014 on the City Council, Hudson joins the podcast to speak about her first year in office, her accomplishments, goals and challenges.<\/p>\n

\n

Revamping Atlantic Avenue: You May Have a Say in Brooklyn’s Transformation Plans<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Romaissaa Benzizoune, BK Reader, April 18, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

What do you want Atlantic Avenue to look and feel like? What types of businesses do you want to see on the avenue? Are the housing options inclusive enough?<\/p>\n

These are just a few of the questions New York City officials asked dozens of Brooklynites on April 16, at a walking tour of the area. The gathering was part of a community-based brainstorming process called the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan.<\/p>\n

AAMUP aims to create an “inclusive, mixed-use” area along Atlantic Avenue and nearby blocks in Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy.<\/p>\n

The plan’s objectives include facilitating the construction of affordable housing, providing additional space for jobs and services, improving pedestrian safety and investing in neighborhood enhancements, according to city documents.<\/p>\n

\n

Help Shape Central Brooklyn’s Land Use Policies<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Emily Rahhal, Patch, April 18, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Central Brooklyn residents will weigh in on the accessibility of community hubs, transit, businesses, parks and more in a new local participatory land use process.<\/p>\n

City Council Member Crystal Hudson, who represents Crown and Prospect Heights, recently asked residents to fill out a survey to help electeds make decisions about land use and development.<\/p>\n

The survey is part of a larger project to include community feedback in land use decisions, Hudson said in an update to locals Monday.<\/p>\n

\n

\u2018It\u2019s baffling\u2019: NYC proposes cuts to senior programs despite anticipated boom in population<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Giulia Heyward, Gothamist, March 29, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The Adams administration is considering more than $16 million in cuts to resources it provides to senior citizens across the five boroughs in the city\u2019s budget next year. These reductions are coming at the same time that the number of New Yorkers over 65 is expected to exponentially increase \u2013 more than any other age group \u2013 in the immediate future.<\/p>\n

Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson, a Democrat who chairs the Committee on Aging, called the anticipated cuts both \u201cbaffling\u201d and \u201cunconscionable.\u201d On March 14, Hudson led a preliminary hearing that examined potential cuts to the budget of the city’s Department for the Aging that would affect New Yorkers 65 years and older.<\/p>\n

\n

Council\u2019s LGBTQIA+ Caucus rips New York Post over coverage of Nashville shooter\u2019s gender identity<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Matt Tracy, Gay City News, March 28, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The co-chairs of the New York City Council\u2019s LGBTQIA+ Caucus blasted the New York Post<\/a> on March 28 after the newspaper ran a cover story describing the Nashville school shooter as a \u201cTRANSGENDER KILLER\u201d who targeted a \u201cCHRISTIAN SCHOOL\u201d<\/p>\n

The cover was published just hours after a March 27 school shooting<\/a> in the Green Hills section of Nashville, Tennessee, where an individual entered the Covenant School and fatally shot three children and three adults. The shooter was fatally shot by police officers who responded to the scene.<\/p>\n

\n

After 1 Year In Office, Brooklyn City Council Rep Reflects On Policies<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Emily Rahhal, Patch, March 22, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

After just over a year in office, Brooklyn City Council member Crystal Hudson reflected on and celebrated her office’s wins Tuesday, including protections for aging residents and tenants.<\/p>\n

Hudson delivered her “State of the District” address Tuesday evening at Medgar Evers College, a “gem of an institution” just a few blocks away from where she held her inaugural ceremony just over a year ago, Hudson said. Hudson represents Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and part of Bed Stuy.<\/p>\n

\n

Attorney General James leads drag story hour \u2018read-a-thon\u2019 at LGBT Center<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Matt Tracy, Gay City News, March 20, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Attorney General Letitia James hosted a drag story hour \u201cread-a-thon\u201d at the LGBT Center in Manhattan on March 19, drawing supporters and some opponents who flashed signs outside of the venue.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe recent rise in anti-LGBTQ+ protests, rhetoric, and policies has left New Yorkers \u2014 myself included \u2014 devastated and disappointed,\u201d James said in a written statement after the event. \u201cBut I know better than anyone that when the choice is between love and hate, between joy and venom, New Yorkers will always choose love, and New Yorkers will always choose joy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson on progressive politics, budget talks<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Errol Louis, NY1, March 14, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams delivered her State of the City address last week, touching on issues of affordable housing, the employment shortage in city agencies, and Rikers Island.<\/p>\n

This comes as the council continues budget hearings. <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the council is going through some changes of its own with a shakeup within the progressive caucus, causing the group to shrink to just 20 members.<\/p>\n

One of the remaining members, Councilmember Crystal Hudson, joined Errol Louis on “Inside City Hall” to discuss what it means to be a progressive, public safety, her work as the chair of the Committee on Aging, and the diverse constituencies of her district.<\/p>\n

Her Brooklyn district includes the neighborhoods of Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, and parts of Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant.<\/p>\n

\n

What Does It Mean to Be a Progressive in New York City?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jeffery C. Mays and Emma G. Fitzsimmons, The New York Times, February 17, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

In the summer of 2020, New York\u2019s progressive movement looked more robust than ever before. The murder of George Floyd by the police led activists to occupy City Hall Park for a month and prompted the City Council to pass a budget that called for $1 billion in cuts to the New York Police Department.<\/p>\n

It quickly became voguish for Democratic politicians, especially in New York City, to proclaim their progressive bona fides \u2014 and suddenly everybody was aligning themselves with the left.<\/p>\n

So leaders of the City Council\u2019s Progressive Caucus decided they needed to establish a litmus test: a \u201cstatement of principles\u201d that called for a commitment to a lengthy agenda including universal early childhood education, affordable housing and, most controversially, a reduction in the Police Department at a time when major crime rose by 22 percent last year.<\/p>\n

\n

One year in office: Councilmember Crystal Hudson talks wins, losses, and her plans for the future<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Ximena Del Cerro, Brooklyn Paper, February 8, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Last year, a host of brand-new New York City councilmembers took their seats in City Hall for the very first time. Among them was councilmember Crystal Hudson of District 35, representing Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and parts of Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant. A former city government employee and the founder of a local mutual aid group, Hudson was elected in 2021 and became one of the first gay Black women ever to the council.<\/p>\n

Now a little over a year into her first term \u2014 and facing the prospect of council elections this summer \u2014 Hudson is reflecting on her first 365 days in office: what she\u2019s accomplished, what she\u2019s learned, and what she\u2019s planning for this year and the hopeful future terms to come.<\/p>\n

\n

Advocates, pols rally at City Hall for the passage of bills requiring more police transparency during stops<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Emily Davenport and Paul Frangipane, amNY, February 8, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Community officials and advocates gathered at City Hall on Wednesday to call for legislation that would ensure more accountability and transparency from the New York City Police Department.<\/p>\n

Organizations from around the city, including Communities United for Police Reform, joined Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council members Alexa Avil\u00e9s and Crystal Hudson to rally for the passage of the How Many Stops Act, which consists of two bills aiming to bring oversight and transparency to the NYPD\u2019s interactions with the public.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of what happens, they\u2019re saying they\u2019re trying to deal with the violence going on but as we have seen for decades, simply adding more police and more aggressive police does not address the gun violence that is affecting so many of us in this city, state and country,\u201d said Williams. <\/p>\n

\n

Rally outside City Hall calls for more transparency from NYPD<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

News 12 Staff, February 8, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Following the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of police officers in Memphis, advocates and City Council members are calling on the NYPD to provide more transparency in their operations.  <\/p>\n

The reform advocates were joined by community organizations outside City Hall on Wednesday, demanding new legislation be passed that would force police to report more of their interactions with the public. <\/p>\n

City Council members Crystal Hudson and Alexa Aviles are sponsoring the How Many Stops Act, with support from Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. The act would consist of two bills that they say would make communities safer.  <\/p>\n

\n

City Council Members facing harassment and intimidation for drag story hour support<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jeff Coltin, City & State New York, February 3, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Protests against drag story hours \u2013 and the New York City Council members who support them \u2013 have been happening with regularity<\/a>, and not every incident gets press coverage. \u201cThey\u2019ve come to my district 11 times in the last six months,\u201d Council Member Shekar Krishnan said of the anti-LGBTQ activists. \u201cFour times at my district office, twice at my house, four times at the library, and another LGBT event that we had, too.\u201d <\/p>\n

Krishnan and Council Members Crystal Hudson and Erik Bottcher got together at City Hall Thursday<\/a> to talk about being targeted by far right hate groups,<\/a> including the Proud Boys. Hudson, who like Bottcher, is gay, said it wasn\u2019t protesting, but \u201charassment and intimidation\u201d for supporting and funding the popular programs where drag artists read to children. \u201cIt was ringing my neighbor’s bell saying \u2018is she in there, bring her out,\u2019 screaming all sorts of things for hours.\u201d Two people were arrested<\/a> in December after trespassing into Bottcher\u2019s building and tagging his home with homophobic graffiti.<\/p>\n

\n

Council members look to increase funding for Drag Story Hour, refuse to cower to far-right protesters<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ethan Stark-Miller, AMNY, February 3, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

After being targeted at his office and home over the past few months by a group of far-right protesters vehemently opposed to Drag Story Hour events, City Council Member Erik Bottcher said Thursday that he\u2019s looking to increase funding for the program in the coming fiscal year.<\/p>\n

Bottcher, an out Democrat who represents Manhattan neighborhoods including the West Village and Chelsea, made the remarks during a sit-down interview on Thursday afternoon, in which he and his colleagues who\u2019ve also been targeted \u2014 Council Members Crystal Hudson (D-Brooklyn) and Shekar Krishnan (D-Queens) \u2014 shared their experiences with reporters.<\/p>\n

\n

NYC Jails Want to Ban Physical Mail, Then Privatize Scanning of Digital Versions<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Akela Lacy, The Intercept, January 23, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The New York City Department of Correction wants to stop incarcerated people from receiving physical mail inside city jails. The department, known as DOC, said the proposed changes are part of an effort to increase safety in the jail system by cracking down on illegal contraband following the deaths of 19 people last year at Rikers Island, the city\u2019s jail complex. Several of the people died from apparent drug overdoses, including at least one from fentanyl.<\/p>\n

\n

Top Electeds Honored Martin Luther King Jr in Poignant Annual Tribute at BAM<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

BK Reader, January 18, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Local and state officials donned their best to take in Brooklyn\u2019s annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.<\/p>\n

The Brooklyn Academy of Music hosted its annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 16, at the Howard Gilman Opera House.<\/p>\n

The 37th annual event, presented by BAM and Brooklyn Borough president Antonio Reynoso, is a beloved Brooklyn tradition.<\/p>\n

\n

Board of Corrections to contemplate restrictions on mail in city jails as BK pols, public defenders voice opposition<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper, January 18, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The city\u2019s Board of Corrections has formed a committee to explore the consequences of a proposal that would effectively ban people held in city jails from receiving physical mail and packages, it announced at a Jan. 10 meeting.<\/p>\n

Three members of the board, which oversees and monitors city jails and the Department of Corrections, will \u201cfocus on the impact of the proposed variances on the incarcerated population,\u201d said BOC chair Dwayne C. Sampson. The committee \u2014 made up of BOC members Jacqueline Sherman, Jacqueline Pitts, and Joseph Ramos \u2014 will work to address the concerns of the board and of the general public before the next BOC meeting on Feb. 14, according to Sampson.<\/p>\n

\n

Community voices ideas, concerns about Atlantic Avenue development in Brooklyn<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Greg Mocker, PIX 11, January 17, 2023<\/p>\n

New housing and jobs are at the top of the list when new development projects are discussed.<\/p>\n

How will new zoning proposals change a neighborhood? The conversation is coming to a stretch of Atlantic Avenue between Vanderbilt and Nostrand avenues.<\/p>\n

New York City is moving ahead with the next big plan along the busy corridor in Brooklyn. A 13-block stretch runs through Bedford-Stuyvesant, Prospect Heights and Crown Heights.<\/p>\n

\n

Smart Composting Bins Appear in Prospect Heights, Delighting Neighbors<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Peter Senzamici, Patch, January 17, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Reinforcements have arrived in the war on rats \u2014 and for once, it’s not for the unwashed rodent horde.<\/p>\n

Seven Smart Composting Bins appeared in Prospect Heights this morning, and neighbors were welcoming the apparition of public curbside 24\/7 organic waste drop off with open arms.<\/p>\n

One neighbor’s social media reaction: “AAAA!!”<\/p>\n

\n

BK D-35 Council Member Crystal Hudson makes King\u2019s Message Current at the BAM Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jan 16<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Our Time Press, January 16, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

My name is Crystal Hudson, and I am your Council Member, proudly representing the neighborhoods of Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Bed-Stuy, right here in the People\u2019s Republic of Brooklyn. Thank you to BAM\u2019s esteemed president, Gina Duncan, and to the incredible staff, who work tirelessly to ensure that the Brooklyn Academy of Music remains a true gem in our City and a place where all are welcome. It is an honor to represent this district for so many reasons, and BAM is most certainly one of them. Dr. King\u2019s legacy is one marked by sustained struggle.<\/p>\n

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Drag Story Hour in Jackson Heights draws hundreds<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Deirdre Bardolf, Queens Chronicle, January 5, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

Hundreds flooded 81st Street in front of the Jackson Heights library last Thursday to defend Drag Story Hour, a program in which drag artists read stories to kids, while some counter-protested opposite them.<\/p>\n

Tensions were high as police separated protesters yelling in each other\u2019s faces and one arrest took place but Drag Story Hour continued on despite the ruckus outside.<\/p>\n

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A chorus of outrage rings out against mayor\u2019s proposed cuts to nonprofits<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ariama C. Long, Amsterdam News, December 29, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Mayor Eric Adams is in hot water this holiday season over a letter he crafted that calls for 50% cuts to City Council grants for nonprofit organizations.<\/p>\n

City agencies were told to reduce spending by 3% back in September under the eliminate-the-gap (PEG) program to reach specific goals in the city\u2019s financial plan. The financial plan totals $5.55 billion in savings over the next four years. The comptroller\u2019s office concluded that the PEG programs \u201care an essential part of addressing the city\u2019s sizable budget gaps\u201d but warned against \u201ccalls for a broad 50% reduction\u201d to the city\u2019s agencies.<\/p>\n

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E-Bikes Are Not Allowed in Prospect Park, But These Brooklyn Electeds Think They Should Be<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

BK Reader, December 28, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Brooklyn council members Shahana Hanif, Rita Joseph and Crystal Hudson are urging New York City Parks to allow electric bikes in Prospect Park.<\/p>\n

The council members penned a letter to NYC Parks Commissioner on Dec. 20, urging the parks department to work with Prospect Park Alliance to establish a policy that permits e-bike users. Their districts all include portions of Prospect Park.<\/p>\n

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NYC Mayor Adams, Council members clash on how to pay for costs from migrant crisis<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Michael Gartland, New York Daily News, December 21, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Mayor Adams and City Council members locked horns Wednesday over how city government should bankroll aid to the thousands of migrants who have come here this year \u2014 with the mayor arguing lawmakers should dip into their own discretionary funding to foot the bill.<\/p>\n

Adams\u2019 suggestion that City Council members use funding typically reserved for their own pet causes came after two days of Council hearings devoted to the migrant crisis.<\/p>\n

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Three Council Members Whose Districts Surround Prospect Park Demand the Return of E-Bikes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Gersh Kuntzman, StreetsBlog NYC, December 21, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

E-bikes aren\u2019t evil.<\/p>\n

Three Brooklyn Council members whose districts all touch Prospect Park are demanding that the Parks Department allow the battery-boosted bikes to be used inside the greenspace, which, like other city parks, don\u2019t permit e-bikes.<\/p>\n

The trio \u2014 Shahana Hanif (D-Park Slope), Crystal Hudson (D-Prospect Heights) and Rita Joseph (D-Prospect Lefferts Gardens \u2014 said in a letter to the agency that it acknowledged that Prospect Park officials have \u201csafety concerns\u201d about electric bikes, but then quickly added, \u201cE-bikes are legal to ride on New York City streets and make moving around the city more accessible without adding more pollution and congestion to our streets and parks via cars or environmentally unfriendly forms of transportation.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Adams\u2019 First Two Neighborhood Rezonings Take Shape as Mayor Looks to Supercharge Development<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

David Brand, CityLimits, December 9, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday released new details about the first two neighborhood-level rezonings pursued by his administration, positioning plans for the East Bronx and Central Brooklyn in a broader strategy to supercharge housing development across New York City.<\/p>\n

The mixed-use rezonings, previously discussed by city planning and housing officials following years of preparation, will target neighborhoods around new Metro-North stations set to open in Morris Park and Parkchester\/Van Nest in 2027, as well as a light manufacturing corridor along Atlantic Avenue.<\/p>\n

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Group of city councilmembers push for federal takeover of Rikers Island<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Courtney Gross, NY1, November 16, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

At least seven City Council members are now urging a federal judge to appoint a receiver for Rikers Island. In a letter obtained exclusively by NY1, these lawmakers say Rikers Island has only become more deadly and the only way to turn things around would be through a federal takeover. Eighteen people in custody or recently released from custody have died this year. \u201cOver the past 11 months, many of us have visited the jails and have held public and private meetings with the Department of Correction\u2019s executive leadership. On these visits, we have continued to witness Rikers\u2019 deteriorating conditions and spoken with dozens of detainees who experience a lack of basic services and safety precautions,\u201d the councilmembers wrote. \u201cDespite promises from leadership, the jails have grown more deadly and far less transparent.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Prospect Heights Council Member Offers Free Turkeys And Music<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Peter Senzamici, Patch, November 16, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Come get your free turkey, courtesy of your local Council member! On Saturday, Nov. 19, first-term Council Member Crystal Hudson is hosting a free turkey giveaway from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Prospect Heights Educational Campus located at 883 Classon Ave. The announcement promises \u201call the fixins\u2019\u201d in addition to the seasonal birds.<\/p>\n

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Childcare bills signed into law<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Ariama Long, Amsterdam News, November 17, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Mayor Eric Adams signed a package of childcare bills into law last week sponsored by a majority woman city council. The bills address chronic issues with the city\u2019s child care system and access to services. \u201cNo parent leaves home without their phone, their keys, and without knowing that their child has a proper place and well-being. COVID-19 really decimated families of far too many; they had to make some strong and challenging decisions,\u201d said Mayor Adams at the signing on Wednesday, Nov. 9. \u201cThey have lost wages and childcare in the process. We understand that and we\u2019re focused on rightsizing to get this right.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Local Dems push for ranked choice voting<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Jeff Hirsh, Evanston Now, October 26, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Crystal Hudson may have been in first place, but she was still not officially \u201cfirst,\u201d at least not until New York City\u2019s system of ranked choice voting was applied. Then she became the winner. Hudson was part of a webinar Tuesday night from the Democratic Party of Evanston, as DPOE tries to convince Evanstonians to change the way city officeholders are chosen. \u201cRanked choice voting is the way to go,\u201d Hudson said, reflecting on her own experience running for New York\u2019s City Council, saying the system \u201cempowered\u201d the voters.<\/p>\n

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New $500K Plan Recruits LGBTQ+ Workers For Unions Jobs: PH Elected<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Peter Senzamici, Patch,<\/em> October 7, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Council member Crystal Hudson announced Friday a $500,000 initiative to help get more LGBTQIA+ workers at unionized positions, according to the lawmaker’s office. The initiative will help fund recruitment efforts at nonprofits and city agencies with the aim to get more LGBTQIA+ employed at union jobs. Funding will also prepare workers for jobs across different sectors \u2014 like building trades, pre-apprenticeships, civil service and certification exams \u2014 and provide support on the job, Hudson’s office said in a release.<\/p>\n

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Prospect Heights Hopes For Rat Help From New Council Member<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Peter Senzamici, Patch, September 30, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not secret that rats are a major problem in this otherwise bucolic neighborhood. And finally, after years of community meetings \u2014 and dodging rats on the streets \u2014 residents say a meeting with their new council member left them with a sense of change. At the start of the meeting on Monday Sept. 26, residents were not quite seeing the light. Some told Patch that they felt frustrated by presentations on how 311 works and the basics of the Department of Health Rat Academy lessons.<\/p>\n

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Council\u2019s LGBTQIA+ Caucus urges Yeshiva University to recognize Pride Alliance<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Matt Tracy, Gay City News, September 28, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Five members of the New York City Council\u2019s LGBTQIA+ Caucus delivered a letter to Yeshiva University on September 27 demanding that the school recognize an undergraduate LGBTQ club on campus in the midst of a protracted legal battle over whether the school should be required to acknowledge the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cSimply put, your refusal to recognize this group is in blatant defiance of the spirit and letter of the New York City Human Rights Law,\u201d the lawmakers wrote in a letter addressed to Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, who serves as Yeshiva University\u2019s president. \u201cAs a non-sectarian educational institution, as indicated by your charter, Yeshiva University is not exempt from the human rights law and cannot deny recognition of a student group on the basis of religious freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hudson, older NYers call for more age-in-place protections for seniors<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Ariama Long, Amsterdam News, September 15, 2022 <\/p>\n

Data shows older adults represent New York City\u2019s \u201cfastest growing demographic.\u201d Councilmember Crystal Hudson, The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and other electeds joined forces to introduce bills that will help senior tenants age in place on Sept 7. At least 23 out of the 55 census defined neighborhoods citywide have a majority immigrant older adult population, said Hudson. She added that older New Yorkers, ages 50+, generally want to age in their homes and neighborhoods rather than institutional settings.<\/p>\n

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51 Council Members in 52 Weeks: District 35, Crystal Hudson<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Brian Lehrer, WNYC, August 30, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

The majority of the New York City Council members are new and are part of a class that is the most diverse and progressive in city history. Over the next year Brian Lehrer will get to know all 51 members. This week, Councilmember Crystal Hudson, talks about her priorities for District 35, which includes Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights and Bedford Stuyvesant.<\/p>\n

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Brooklyn firehouse reflects diversity of community<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Ayana Harry, PIX11, August 26, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

A group of Brooklyn firefighters was recognized on Friday. They hail from Engine 234, which holds the distinction as one of the most diverse fire companies in the FDNY. \u201cWe\u2019re proud of that,\u201d Capt. Paul Washington said. The fast-paced firehouse is stationed in the heart of Crown Heights. \u201cSome of our members were born and raised in this community or surrounding areas so we have a special feeling for the neighborhood,\u201d Washington said. PIX11 News was there as City Council member Crystal Hudson stopped by to recognize Engine 234, tour the firehouse and say thank you. \u201cThese are places that we don\u2019t actually get into all the time, and that we don\u2019t see necessarily who\u2019s behind the uniform,\u201d Hudson said. \u201cTo see all different types of people serving a community that looks like me \u2014 it is inspiring.\u201d<\/p>\n

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City Council and LGBTQIA+ Caucus to introduce monkeypox bills<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Ariama Long, Amsterdam News, August 15, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Councilmembers Crystal Hudson, Chi Osse, and the LGBTQIA+ Caucus introduced a package of bills last week to address the monkeypox crisis as well as vaccination equity and public outreach, just as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes. \u201cThis City has had more than two years to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic; to study its missteps and put into place a rapid response plan to handle any future outbreaks of infectious disease effectively and efficiently,\u201d said Hudson in a statement.<\/p>\n

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Brooklyn councilmembers propose new legislation on affordable housing, monkeypox response<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper, August 12, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Brooklyn councilmembers took the reins at Thursday\u2019s regular full City Council meeting, introducing new packages of legislation relating to affordable housing, the monkeypox outbreak and more, and celebrating as their previously-written bills were approved by their colleagues. The Council on Aug. 10 overwhelmingly voted to approve<\/a> a package of bills on reproductive health and maternal mortality. Four of the seven bills in the package were sponsored by Brooklyn pols, and the newly-approved legislation will create education programs, force more transparency between hospitals and birthing patients, and more.<\/p>\n

\n

Council passes package of reproductive health legislation, expanding doula and midwifery services<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Ethan Stark-Miller, PoliticsNY, August 11, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Building on their mission to counter the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s overturning Roe v. Wade last month, the City Council Thursday passed a package of reproductive health and maternal mortality legislation following an abortion protections package they passed last month. The seven bill and five resolution package includes legislation requiring the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to post its annual Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Report on its website and to provide doula services to low income communities across the five boroughs as well as direct the city to distribute educational information on doula and midwifery services.<\/p>\n

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LGBTQIA+ Caucus Members In BK Want To Close Monkeypox Vax Equity Gap<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Naeisha Rose, Patch, August 11, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

The city is falling short on distributing the monkeypox vaccine, especially among queer minorities, a prominent Crown Heights Council Member charged this week. Crystal Hudson, co-chair of the Council’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus, plans to join her colleagues in introducing bills to stop the spread of the virus. The bills also aim to focus on people of color in the LGBT communities, who have long been ignored in past inaction, she said.<\/p>\n

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New York City Council’s LGBTQ caucus introduces legislation calling for increased monkeypox vaccine availability<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Astrid Martinez, CBS News, August 11, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

As cases of monkeypox increase across the country, so are the calls for a change in the way the vaccine is distributed. As CBS2’s Astrid Martinez reports, new legislation was introduced in New York by the City Council’s LGBTQ caucus Thursday. Emergency orders declared. Long lines of people waiting hours for a monkeypox vaccine. New York City residents detailing their struggles to get a shot.<\/p>\n

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Missing Crown Heights Teen Found After Week-Long Search, NYPD Says<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Kayla Levy, Patch, August 4, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

After going missing for over a week and spurring a neighborhood-wide search effort, a Crown Heights teenager was found Thursday, officials confirmed. “Aunisty Elliot has been found and is safe!!!” announced Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson, who spearheaded the local search efforts. Police also confirmed she has been found and is safe. Elliot, 14, went missing from her Prospect Place home on the morning of July 27.<\/p>\n

\n

Brooklyn politician wants \u2018urgency\u2019 in search for teen<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Mary Murphy, PIX11, August 3, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

The New York City Council member who represents central Brooklyn called on the NYPD to treat the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl last week with \u201curgency.\u201d \u201cWe know that statistically, Black girls are labeled as runaways,\u201d Council member Crystal Hudson observed, \u201ceven when, you know, there might be evidence of trafficking or other types of foul play.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Brooklyn Electeds Introduce Bills to Provide No-Cost Doula Services for NY\u2019ers<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

BK Reader, June 9, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

New York City Councilmembers Jennifer Guti\u00e9rrez, Farah Louis and Crystal Hudson last week introduced legislation to build a pipeline of no-cost professional doula services and an educational campaign across the city. \u201cThis country has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality among high-income countries, especially when it comes to women of color,\u201d said Guti\u00e9rrez. \u201cWe know that when people use doulas during pregnancy and birth, they\u2019re two times less likely to have birth complications and four times less likely to have a low birth weight baby. Those are life-saving statistics\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

A Q&A with New York City Council LGBTQ Caucus Co-Chairs Tiffany Cab\u00e1n and Crystal Hudson<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Annie McDonough, City and State, June 7, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

New York City Council Members Tiffany Cab\u00e1n and Crystal Hudson are looking to shake things up as co-chairs of the council\u2019s LGBTQ Caucus \u2013 starting with its name. \u201cWe\u2019re finalizing our bylaws, but the name of the caucus is formally being changed to the LGBTQIA+ Caucus,\u201d Cab\u00e1n told City & State recently. Transitioning to a more inclusive name might not achieve material gains for the community, but it\u2019s indicative of the approach that the two co-chairs are taking to lead the caucus. While the co-chairs wouldn\u2019t talk much about a package of bills that the caucus is working on, Cab\u00e1n and Hudson said they were \u201cunapologetic\u201d in their intention to focus on the most at-risk members of the LGBTQ community, including transgender youth and seniors as well as queer people of color.<\/p>\n

\n

Brooklyn pol makes good on \u2018Black Agenda\u2019 campaign promise with 4 new bills<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper, June 2, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Councilmember Crystal Hudson made good on her campaign policy \u201cA Black Agenda For New York City\u201d on Thursday, introducing a package of bills central to the policy\u2019s goals in the City Council. Hudson, who represents parts of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, and Bedford-Stuyvesant, introduced the policy early on in her campaign, releasing a comprehensive study identifying the most pressing needs of Black New Yorkers and a list of recommendations for elected officials way back in February 2021. Now halfway through her first year in office, Hudson is taking her own advice and introducing four bills that address health, economic, housing and discrimination justice.<\/p>\n

\n

Council approves Atlantic Avenue buildings after Hudson negotiates more affordable units<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper<\/em>, May 2, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

The New York City Council voted 48-1 to approve a pair of new buildings on Atlantic Avenue on Thursday, a move Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson said would change the game for affordable housing in future rezonings.<\/p>\n

\n

Making NYC Age-Friendly: An ABC7 Town Hall with AARP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

ABC 7, April 27, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Channel 7 Eyewitness News anchor and reporter Mike Marza will moderate a discussion on the needs of older New Yorkers and NYC’s responsibilities to them. The panel will discuss a wide range of issues, including ageism, affordable housing, transportation, food security and more.<\/p>\n

\n

Max Politics Podcast: City Council Member Crystal Hudson on Supporting Aging New Yorkers, Budget Priorities, & More<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Ben Max, Gotham Gazette, April 25, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

City Council Member Crystal Hudson, a Democrat representing parts of Brooklyn, joined the show to discuss her work chairing the Council’s Committee on Aging, city budget priorities, housing policy, and more.<\/p>\n

\n

Bill aims to increase heat in NYC apartment buildings following deadly Bronx fire<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Sonia Rincon, ABC 7, March 28, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

An effort is underway to require New York City apartment building landlords to turn up the heat during the coldest months of the year to help prevent devastating fires. The deadly fire back in January that killed 17 people in the Bronx, started with a space heater.<\/p>\n

\n

City Council eyes boosting minimum heat rules<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Rich Calder, New York Post, March 26, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

The City Council is looking to turn up the heat on landlords. In a bid to reduce the use of space heaters like the one which caused the Bronx blaze in January that killed 17 people, Councilwoman Crystal Hudson (D-Brooklyn) introduced legislation that would require building owners to raise the minimum temperature in all residential units during the eight-month \u201cheat season.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

NYC Council Member Crystal Hudson Inaugurated in Brooklyn<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

COLive, March 13, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Crystal Hudson, the newly elected New York City Council Member of District 35, was sworn in to her new role at an Inauguration Ceremony on Saturday night in Brooklyn. Elected officials joined Hudson\u2019s supporters, family, and friends for the celebration which included speakers New York Senator and the Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Attorney General of New York Tish James, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.<\/p>\n

\n

Councilwoman Crystal Hudson to co-chair LGBTQ caucus<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Monica Espitia, NY1, March 10, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Councilwoman Crystal Hudson was recently appointed co-chair of the LGBT Caucus, alongside Tiffany Cab\u00e1n from Queens. She joined Errol Louis on \u201cInside City Hall\u201d on Thursday to talk about some of her legislative priorities. Hudson is also the chair of the Council’s Committee on Aging and represents District 35, which covers all or part of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights and Crown Heights.<\/p>\n

\n

NYC Councilmember Hudson talks Adams\u2019 faith leader controversy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Dan Mannarino, PIX11, February 27, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

New York City Mayor Eric Adams continues to face criticism, even from within the Democratic Party, over a recent appointment. This past week, Adams named Bronx pastor Fernando Cabrera his senior faith advisor. Many City Council members, as well as New Yorkers, took issue with the appointment because of Cabrera\u2019s past comments praising Uganda\u2019s anti-LGBTQ policies.<\/p>\n

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‘Anti-Gay’ Mayoral Appointments ‘Disappoint’ Local LGBTQ Leader<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Kayla Levy, Patch, February 22, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

An LGBTQ local leader spoke out against Mayor Eric Adams’ choice to appoint a pastor who rallied against gay marriage and a politician who praised a law criminalizing homosexuality to his administration. “As a member of the NYC Council’s LGBTQ Caucus, I am disappointed with a number of [Mayor Eric Adams’] appointments,” wrote Council Member Crystal Hudson, alongside a joint statement written by the City Council caucus.<\/p>\n

\n

Council\u2019s LGBTQ Caucus Condemns Adams\u2019 Appointments<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Matt Tracy, Gay City News, February 21, 2022<\/p>\n

The City Council\u2019s LGBTQ Caucus criticized Mayor Eric Adams on February 21 over his appointment of several individuals with a history of making anti-LGBTQ statements to spots in his administration.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew York City went to the polls in November to elect a government among the most diverse in history,\u201d the LGBTQ Caucus wrote in a joint statement. \u201cThe people have spoken: inclusion, dignity, and justice are clear shared values. Unfortunately, a number of Mayor Adams\u2019 new appointments are steps in the opposite direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Bronx Fire Prompts Safety Walkthroughs At Crown Heights Buildings<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

BK Reader, February 5, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

A long list of repairs in three major Crown Heights apartment complexes are getting renewed attention given the fatal fire in the Bronx, which was caused by a faulty space heater. Tenant leaders in the Ebbets Field apartments, Tivoli Towers and Stoddard Place complexes led a group of elected officials on a tour through their buildings this week in the hopes of correcting long-standing problems, including heat issues, that have spurred even more concern given the January fire.<\/p>\n

\n

City Watch: New Brooklyn Councilmember Wants to Streamline Housing Aid<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

David Brand, CityLimits, February 2, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

Central Brooklyn\u2019s newest councilmember is urging New York City and state to streamline assistance for renters in need as she settles into her first term in office amid an affordable housing shortage. Councilmember Crystal Hudson, who represents Brooklyn\u2019s 35th District, appeared on City Watch on WBAI 99.5 FM Sunday to discuss her priorities for her first term in office. Hudson was appointed chair of the Council\u2019s Committee on Aging earlier this month. She said one of her goals is to connect seniors with rental assistance and permanent housing after eviction protections expired Jan. 15.<\/p>\n

\n

13 Brooklyn Pols Appointed City Council Committee Chairs<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper, January 21, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

The almost all-new slate of New York City councilmembers have been hard at work at City Hall for just about three weeks now, and on Thursday they received their committee assignments, setting the course for which issues they\u2019ll champion over the next four years. The council\u2019s 38 committees \u2014 or 39, including a new special task force on fire prevention, formed in the wake of the deadly Twin Parks fire \u2014 handle most of the Council\u2019s day-to-day work, hashing out the details of proposed legislation, taking votes, and holding hearings to receive feedback from the community. A number of subcommittees, including the newly-formed Subcommittee on COVID Recovery and Resilience and the often popular Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, handle specific issues within their larger committees.<\/p>\n

\n

Queer Councilmembers Secure Committee Assignments<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Matt Tracy, Gay City News, January 20, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n

The seven new members of the City Council\u2019s LGBT Caucus have received their committee assignments under City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and several of them have been tapped to serve as committee chairs. Crystal Hudson will chair the Aging Committee; Chi Oss\u00e9 will lead the Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations Committee; Lynn Schulman will be chair of the Health Committee; and Tiffany Cab\u00e1n will chair the Committee on Women and Gender Equity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Op-Eds<\/strong><\/a>
\nPress Releases & Statements<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

With free food and shoveling, community support fills the gaps during Brooklyn\u2019s blizzard<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper, February 24, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

As In Our Hearts volunteers worked to feed their neighbors, mutual aid organizer-turned-City Council member Crystal Hudson was rallying volunteers for an oft-overlooked responsibility: shoveling.<\/p>\n

…<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/small><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":218,"featured_media":241,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-35","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/crystal-hudson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/crystal-hudson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/crystal-hudson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/crystal-hudson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/218"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/crystal-hudson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/crystal-hudson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/crystal-hudson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/crystal-hudson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}