The Assemblyman and his staff are firm believers that “if you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day, but if you teach him how to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime”. With this in mind, the Assemblyman and his staff are committed to teaching constituents how to become self-sufficient with an understanding that their concerns are important and their voices do count.

“It’s important that we not only talk about the issues concerning our community, but we also take an active role in doing something about them,” says a member of the Amboy Street Association. “Assemblyman Boyland is adamant about teaching the community how to take an active role in following up and following through with its concerns and we are thankful to have someone like him who is willing to work with us in this manner.”

Putting words into action, Assemblyman Boyland met with the constituents of the Amboy Street Block Association where there was a complaint that more buses were needed on the B60, B7 and B14 lines. These lines run on the Utica Avenue, Kings Highway and Williamsburg routes. The Assemblyman along with constituents of the Amboy Street Block Association contacted the MTA and voiced the complaint of having a 30 – 40 minute wait during rush hour which was a major inconvenience for many traveling during that time of the day.

The MTA responding by monitoring the frequency of the buses on these routes and finding the service to be inadequate resolved the issue by adding additional buses. The Utica Avenue, Kings Highway and Williamsburg routes are now receiving service every 15 minutes during rush hour and every 20-25 minutes during off peak hours.

To voice any issues or concerns you may have regarding the MTA Buses, please call (888) NYC-TBUS.

Assemblyman Boyland discusses the Verizon plan to install new phone poles in the Brownsville Community with members of the Amboy Block Association.

Poor phone service has been a problem in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn for years due to improper wiring by Verizon. This improper wiring has caused damage to many of the homes as well as poor phone service and internet connectivity.

Assemblyman Boyland and members of the Brownsville community contacted Verizon and this partnership between the assemblyman’s office and the community convinced Verizon to undo the damage previously done. By installing phone poles that will keep the wires away from the homes of the constituents, the Brownsville community will enjoy phone privileges they were not afforded before such as better phone service and connectivity.

Assemblyman Boyland and The Ocean Hill Brownsville Education Coalition recognized District 23’s Exceptional Educators. Two teachers and one parent from each school in the district received a citation on behalf of the State Assembly for their commitment to educating and supporting the youth.

Also honored were Stephen Mittman - retired Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Walter Kyte, - Deputy Superintendent, Beth Peller – Superintendent; Donald Conyers – Superintendent District 23; and keynote speaker Dr. Kathleen Cashin, CEO of Knowledge Network who all received proclamations issued by the State Assembly.

Assemblyman Boyland along with The Ocean Hill Brownsville Educational Coalition presented staff members of I.S. 271 with a historical look back at the school that served as “command central” for one of the greatest educational dilemmas in history. Assemblyman Boyland is in the process of petitioning the state to have the school designated as a historical site.

It was at J.H.S. 271 presently known as I.S. 271 where it was proven that a child’s ability to succeed was not just based on his home environment, but his classroom and school environment as well. It was observed that the children in the community were failing because of the neglect and hostility from the teachers and administrators. Termed community control or as it later became know, decentralization would empower those who really cared about the children...parents, elders and neighborhood leaders to guide the education of neighborhood children.

Some of the teachers and principle operatives who participated in this historical event were Jitu K. Weusi, Wayne Barrett, Rev. Paul Chandler, David Greenwich, Reggie Bowman and Congresswoman Yvette Clark.

Assemblyman William F. Boyland, Jr. address the congregation at the 73rd PCT Annual Community Service Event at First Baptist Church of Brownsville

The Assemblyman talked about the community being held hostage by crime and how there is a lack of cooperation from the community in reaching a solution to this ever growing concern. He stressed the need for community involvement.

The key note speaker was Rev. Al Sharpton and other participants were Pastor Dan J. Craig, Jr., Bishop A.D. Lyon, Rev. Jones representing DA Charles Hymes, Rev. Allan Hand and Rev. Ziddie Hamathiete, Congresswoman Yvette Clark and Councilwoman Darlene Mealy.

As a result of the International Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, DHS recently issued the final rules regulating land and sea border crossings in the Western Hemisphere. Beginning June 1, 2009, the number of documents US citizens can present when returning to the United States will be limited to a handful of DHS approved highly secure identification cards. Recognizing the enormous impact this restrictive policy will have on commerce between New York State and its northern neighbors, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by former Governor Spitzer and DHS in October of 2007 committing NYS to offering an EDL document that can be presented at land and sea borders between Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The EDL is an approved document for entry into the United Stated starting on June 1, 2009 and thereafter. For more information visit www.nysdmv.com

• The New York State Housing Finance Agency provides assistance for first time home buyers by offering loans that turn into Grants. The Loan does not require payments and is completely forgiven after a period of time.

• Down Payment Assistance Program is a Grant through a non-profit organization governed by 501 (c) 3 codes of the IRS. This Grant is for up front home buying expenses from $5,000 - $50,000.

• Senior Homeowner Assistance for Repair Emergencies will lend up to $10,000 to owners of one and two family homes for repair of defective roofs, furnaces, boilers and electrical heat or hot water systems.

• Revolving Loan provides up to $5,000 per home for emergency energy repairs, regular home maintenance, repayment of back taxes and professional assistance such as legal or architectural fees.

For more information on Home Buyer grants visit www.grants.gov or www.nyhomes.org.

The summer is a celebrated season within the Bedstuy/Brownsville Community. Most of us get to catch up on lost time with family, friends and neighbors. This is a time for block parties, picnics, barbeques and countless days spent at the beach.

As a reminder, this is also an emphasis on protecting our children. Ensure that your children understand the dangers of playing with fireworks and prohibit them from handling them. Also, make sure your children have a lesson on pool safety before allowing them to go to our neighborhood pools with their friends.

There are free summer camps in which your children can attend at the following locations:

• P.S. 323 – The Beacon Program - 21 Chester Street
• Helping Hands Ministry – 311 Powell Street

There are free summer food programs in which our children can receive breakfast and lunch at the following locations:

• P.S. 41 – 41 Thatford Avenue
• P.S. 284 – 220 Watkins Avenue
• P.S. 332 – 51 Christopher Avenue
• P.S. 298 – 85 Watkins Avenue
• P.S. 156 – 104 Sutter Avenue

As the season progresses, please keep in mind the following events scheduled by my office for your enjoyment:

• July 4th Fireworks
• Medieval Times
• Circle Line Cruise
• Rye Play Land Picnic

Come and receive free swimming lessons at Betsy Head Swimming Pool located at 694 Thomas Boyland Street. Registration begins July 7, 2008.

Keep in mind that just because school is out doesn’t mean the learning should stop. Encourage your children to take an interest in extra-curricular activities to keep their minds sharp and active through the summer. Encourage them to read over the summer, visit museums and participate in activities of cultural enrichment.