Misaskim 
Councilman David G. Greenfield is pleased to announce that the renovated playground at P.S. 164 on 43rd Street and 14th Avenue is complete and open for public use during non-school hours. A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Borough Park school this week to celebrate the neighborhood’s newest green space and play area.
“This is very exciting for both the students at P.S. 164 and the many families that have been seeking more recreational space for their children. The neighborhood now has a beautiful facility that I’m confident will be enjoyed by children and families for many years to come. It represents a great investment in our community and in our children, who need room to play and exercise,” said Greenfield.
The new playground will be used by students during the school day and will be open to the public from 3:30 p.m. to dusk on school days, and from 8 a.m. to dusk on weekends and holidays. It is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to make schoolyards accessible to the public after school hours and to increase park access for all. Full Story »
NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly answered to City Council members of the Finance and Public Safety committees today about the police department’s funding. Kelly said he will reduce the number of police officers on patrol, as well as the amount of civilians in the NYPD. He also said $500 million was spent in overtime last year, and he expects that number to be high again this year because of the cuts. During the meeting, Kelly said 5,000 fewer murders have occurred during Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s decade in office.
Tens of thousands are expected to gather at Citi Field on May 20th to attend the internet Asifa organized by Ichud Hakahillos. While those gathered explore the negative impact technology may have on our youth, Misaskim, along with hundreds of security personnel, will have all their resources available to ensure the safety and security of all attendees.
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Tomorrow night Thursday may.17 will be the Monthly 66 precinct Community Council meeting at 5910 13th Ave. 7:30pm. You are invited to come meet Deputy Inspector Michael Deddo, the Commanding Officer of the 66 Precinct update the community on the latest crimes in our community, and what is being done about it. There is also an opportunity to bring any crime issues you may have to their attention. You can also find out about the many different programs available that may be of interest to you.
The City Council has unanimously passed new Muni-meter rules that would allow drivers to use leftover parking time if they move their vehicles to another meter. The bill was drafted by Councilman James Vacca (D-The Bronx), who says it will make life easier for city drivers who need to move around within the parking time they paid for. Drivers will only need to find a parking spot that costs the same or less than their previous space. The bill now has to be signed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg before it becomes law. 
Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn), Councilman David G. Greenfield (D-Brooklyn), and Councilman Stephen Levin (D-Brooklyn) are urging community residents who have not already done so to sign an on-line petition to President Obama urging his intervention with the Bolivian government to free Jacob Ostreicher. Ostreicher, a Brooklyn resident and U.S. citizen, has been held in a Bolivian prison for nearly one year without being charged with a crime. 
