COUNCIL PASSES BILL PROTECTING MOTORISTS FROM FINES FOR FAILURE TO DISPLAY A MUNI-METER RECEIPT

Here is news on another measure by the NYC Council to promote fairness in how the city doles out parking tickets. The bill combats instances when motorists receive tickets while in route to or from, printing a receipt at a muni-meter. Kudos to all the council members making these common sense parking rules. The annual $600 million collected by NYC for parking violations is enough of a hidden tax on the people.

Gregory
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At its meeting on Tuesday, February 1, 2012, the Council passed a measure protecting motorists who are issued tickets for not displaying a muni-meter receipt. The bill establishes a legitimate defense if an individual can provide proof, either in person or by mail, that the receipt was purchased no later than five minutes after the issuance of the ticket.

“With the proliferation of muni-meters, drivers have been complaining that they are being ticketed for not displaying a muni-meter receipt when they were on their way to obtaining such a receipt. This measure will protect motorists from this form of unfair treatment,” Koppell said.

BUS SHELTER ON PAUL AVENUE &WEST 205 STREET RESTORED

Here is some local news related to the restoration of bus shelters by Scott Towers and Bronx HS of Science. If you’re spared a good soaking while waiting at the bus stop, thank Councilman Koppell and DOT's Bronx Commissioner Constance Moran.

Gregory

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At the insistence of Council Member Oliver Koppell and others, the city restored the long awaited bus shelter located on Paul Avenue and West 205^th Street, across the street from Scott Towers and the Bronx High School of Science, on December 12, 2011.

The bus shelter had been removed last May because of the MTA’s installation of an additional protective wall around the BedfordPark train yard. Although the construction was completed, the shelter was not slated to be re-installed until May, 2012. At the request of Scott Tower residents, who contacted Koppell’s office with their concerns about the long delay in restoring the shelter, Koppell sent a letter on October 31, 2011 to Constance Moran, DOT’s Bronx Borough Commissioner, asking for the restoration of the shelter before the weather worsens.

At the unveiling of the bus shelter last Monday, Sonia Lappin, President of the Scott Towers Tenants’ Association, and other local residents expressed their delight with the new structure, saying it will provide bus riders with the protection they have been missing.

“I am very pleased that I was helpful in obtaining the restoration of the bus shelter at Paul Avenue and West 205^th Street.”Koppell said. “Riders of the BX 10 and BX 28, many of whom are disabled and elderly, have had no place to sit and have been exposed to inclement weather at this bus stop for far too long. ”

DOT APPROVES BAILEY AVENUE TRAFFIC SIGNAL REQUESTED BY KOPPELL

Here is news on a new traffic light to be installed at the intersection of Bailey Avenue and West 234th St. Councilman Koppell advocated and secured the commitment from DOT. The traffic light should provide additional protection for children playing at the Bailey playground located near by. Kudos to Koppell and any community activists that helped secure the traffic signal.

Gregory
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DOT APPROVES BAILEY AVENUE TRAFFIC SIGNAL REQUESTED BY KOPPELL

Council Member Oliver Koppell is pleased to announce that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved his request for the installation of a traffic signal at Bailey Avenue and West 234th Street.

A DOT study confirmed Koppell’s contention that vehicles speeding in both directions on Bailey Avenue presented a danger to people trying to cross the avenue. Installation of the traffic signal is tentatively scheduled to be completed by November 30, 2011.

According to area residents, the large number of children crossing Bailey Avenue at 234th Street because of the proximity of the Bailey Playground and the Ft. Independence Community Center, located diagonally across the playground, made the installation of a traffic signal essential.

“I am pleased that DOT responded to my concerns about the safety of people, especially children, crossing Bailey Avenue at 234th Street by agreeing to install a traffic signal at this location,” Koppell said.

KOPPELL ANNOUNCES FREE SUMMER TENNIS PROGRAM FUNDED BY CITY COUNCIL

Here is news on another great summer youth program. If you have kids or know of any youth that would enjoy tennis camp, please do forward. It sounds like a lot of fun and a great way to learn or improve individual tennis skills.

Gregory
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KOPPELL ANNOUNCES FREE SUMMER TENNIS PROGRAM FUNDED BY CITY COUNCIL

Council Member Oliver Koppell announced today that the New York Junior Tennis League (NYJTL), the most acclaimed scholastic tennis program in the United States,
is offering FREE tennis lessons this summer, provided by professional tennis instructors, to beginners and intermediate players 6-18 years of age. The program will take place on the John F. Kennedy Campus, 99 Terrace View Avenue, Bronx from 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon starting on July 5, 2011. The free tennis program is funded by the City Council.

The program is open to all community residents. Racquets and balls are supplied at no cost to the participants. Supervised practice, tournaments and contests are also scheduled. Registration is on-going and will take place at the site during program hours.

“As a tennis enthusiast, I would like to encourage young people to take advantage of this opportunity to have fun, make friends and learn a new skill that will provide lifelong enjoyment, ” Koppell said.

For more information, call the New York Junior Tennis League, (718) 786-7110 or visit www.nyjtl.org.