News from Assemblyman Goldfeder

September 18, 2015 In This Issue Securing the A-Train D.C. Flood Insurance Push Airlines Onboard Improving Breezy Traffic _________ Office Locations   Howard Beach    162-38 Cross Bay Blvd. Howard Beach, NY 11414718-641-8755 Rockaway Beach 95-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd. Rockaway Beach, NY 11693  718-945-9550  Albany LOB 542 Albany, NY 12248 518-455-4292      Quick Links   ______  News   Photos YouTube Beach Access Survey Queens Library Dear Neighbor,  The theft last spring of copper wiring and infrastructure along the A-Train exposed a gaping hole in the security of our transit system. Not only did it paralyze the system and strand commuters for hours, it also triggered a traffic nightmare when MTA emergency shuttle buses clogged lanes on Cross Bay Boulevard.  At the time, I called on the MTA for immediate security improvements and a better shuttle contingency plan in emergencies. Fortunately, the MTA heard our concerns and has taken steps to repair holes in the fencing and closely monitor tracks and stations with the help of the NYPD. The agency also agreed to consider my proposal to stage shuttle buses out of Rockaway to prevent traffic jams in the future. You can stay up to date with community news and daily updates by following me on Facebook and Twitter.     Stay Strong,   Talking Flood Reform in D.C.  This Hurricane Season we mark two difficult milestones: the 10th anniversary of Katrina and 3 years since Sandy devastated our community. Sadly, both storms broughtcrushing bureaucracy and the harmful policies of FEMA and the NFIP. For this reason, I recently traveled to Washington  and met with our own Congressman Meeks and others in the Queens delegation to discuss insurance reform. I also contacted members of Congress from hardest-hit communities in Louisiana and Mississippi to find common ground in our efforts to learn from these disasters and ensure our families are better protected going forward.  Airlines Join JFK Parking Fight  Recently, I teamed up with Councilman Eric Ulrich to send letters to the top ten major airlines at JFK to urge improvements to the daily parking nightmare faced by families in surrounding neighborhoods. I'm pleased to announce that six airlines - American, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Lufthansa, United and JetBlue - have responded by confirming that they provide parking to all employees; and expressing willingness to work with the community on this longstanding issue. Next month, we will bring our concerns to the JFK Management Council (KAAMCO) to find ways to partner with the larger airport community. Stay tuned! Improving Roads in Breezy Point  Rockaway Point Boulevard is the only access point for hundreds of families in Breezy Point. It's also a vital evacuation route during major disasters. I have been in touch with the Department of Transportation to inspect the intersection at the co-op entrance by Beach 201st Street and install new signals, signs or other traffic devices. Additionally, we are coordinating an inter-agency meeting to discuss the misguided traffic light at the base of the Marine parkway Bridge at Beach 169th Street. These confusing intersections threaten the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. Making common sense improvements will help make the roadway safer for everyone.