Marty Appoints Gregory Atkins as His Chief of Staff

Marty has appointed Gregory D. Atkins, Chief of Staff, who just completed his first week on the job. From 1997 - 2001, Atkins served as Assemblymember Joan Millman's Chief of Staff, where he was responsible for directing her legislative agenda. In this capacity, he worked on numerous major projects, including the planning of Brooklyn Bridge Park, the reconstruction of the Gowanus Expressway and the Downtown Brooklyn Traffic Calming Study. Most recently, he served as Assistant Vice President for State and Local Government Affairs for UBS PaineWebber. He worked closely with municipal finance bankers to identify new business opportunities. "Greg is a wonderful addition to our team at Borough Hall," Marty said. "His experience in planning and economic development, in addition to his years working up in Albany, will be put to great use on a number of important projects throughout the borough. Greg is bright, personable, loves and is dedicated to Brooklyn. He will serve all of Brooklyn with me." Atkins was also the first Director of the Southwest Brooklyn Economic Development Zone for the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation. During his tenure at this not-for profit organization, Atkins worked with local businesses in Sunset Park and Red Hook to create over 2,000 new jobs. He was instrumental in assembling incentives for businesses such as Nabisco and AM Cosmetics to stay in Brooklyn. Atkins graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1991 with a Bachelor's of Science in Landscape Architecture. He also received a Master's Degree in Regional Planning in 1993 from the university. Atkins currently lives in Carroll Gardens with his fianc‚e, Julie Hendricks.

Brooklyn Says No to Proposed Greenpoint-Williamsburg Power Plant

At a July 17th public hearing, Marty was one of many Brooklynites to argue passionately against a proposed 1,100 megawatt power plant on the Greenpoint-Williamsburg waterfront. "A fossil fuel burning plant, no matter how cleanly and efficiently it is operated, will contribute even more pollution to this neighborhood," Marty said. "You simply cannot force people, who are incredibly worried about the air they breathe every day, to now live next to an enormous power plant. This proposal is incompatible with the Department of City Planning's rezoning proposal for the waterfront blocks north of the site. That's why the Administration is now on record in joining me and all other local elected officials in opposition to this project. The Governor must ask everyone to turn off the lights before he asks us to turn on another Brooklyn power plant. After years and years of enormously difficult work, Williamsburg - Greenpoint is on the verge of achieving something many thought was impossible - turning a polluted and long neglected piece of property into something truly spectacular for everyone to enjoy. In a 'New York minute,' this power plant would turn our dreams into a nightmare."

Marty Welcomes the Mayor of Breukelen, Netherlands for International Brooklyn Summit!

Marty recently welcomed the Mayor of Breukelen, Netherlands to Borough Hall for an extraordinary meeting of the leaders of two of the greatest cities in the world. "When mighty heads of state such as we meet, it is customary not only to enlighten, entertain, feed, and educate each other, but to forge agreements for the benefit all human kind. I declare this a day of great and weighty trade talks involving Breukelen, Netherland's chocolate and beer industries, and Brooklyn, USA's beer, cheesecake, and egg cream industries," Marty said. Mayor Frank Dales, who was born in Mount Holly, New Jersey, was appointed to his position by the Queen in 2001. Breukelen has 14,250 residents and draws many visitors to its beautiful lakes, rivers and woods.

BP's Cup Will Be Back in Brooklyn After Cyclones Trounce Staten Island Yankees in Season Series

The Staten Island Yankees didn't put up much of a fight this year as our beloved Cyclones won the season's series by capturing their seventh straight game over the Yankees, 5-4. The Cyclones, who are tied for the best record in the New York-Penn League, are currently in first place in the league's McNamara division. "All is finally right in the world of baseball! Staten Island, which I consider a southwestern Brooklyn suburb, must finally come to grips with the fact that we are and always will be the "Kings" of the diamond - this year, next year and every year," Marty exclaimed.ÿ

New York's Favorite Free Summertime Concerts Continue

The 25th Annual Seaside Summer Concert Series continues on July 24th with Salsa by the Sea Night featuring Elvis Crespo, Rey Ruiz & the Spanish Harlem Orchestra on Thursday night at 7:30 at Asser Levy Park in Brighton Beach. The 21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series continues on July 28th with The O'Jays & The Manhattans at Wingate Field. All tickets are FREE! For updates call 718-469-1912 or log onto www.brooklyn-usa.org.

Brooklyn Mourns

All of Brooklyn is mourning the tragic passing of Michael Cunneen, the 21-year-old son of Brooklyn North Chief Joseph Cunneen, who died after falling recently at a concert in Pennsylvania. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Cunneen family during this incredibly difficult time as they cope with the loss of this devoted young man, whose life was only just beginning. Brooklyn also lost Deacon Joseph K. Francois, who was the founding executive director of the Brownsville Community Development Corporation. We are also mourning the passing of Holocaust survivor Helena Gliksman, 85, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Sheepshead Bay.