http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/11/20/safety-among-concerns-for-gowanus-residents-protesting-parole-facility/
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2014/11/gowanus_residents_drink_gourmet_hot_chocolate_while_protesting_state_parole.php
http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20141120/gowanus/gowanus-residents-rally-against-parole-office
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Dear Friend of Gowanus United,
The lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Gowanus United. There is buzz in the neighborhood. NYS/DOCCS remains silent. And workers continue to work on the parole mega-site. Do we just wait….
NO! It’s time to turn up the volume and make our voices heard!!
Gowanus United is organizing a major rally next Wednesday. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is scheduled to attend, as well as other elected officials and community leaders. Will you be there, too???
WHAT:
Rally to Stop the Brooklyn Parole Mega-Site
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
(Warm up with Gowanus United at The Bahche Café starting at 2:45 p.m. with FREE hot chocolate and sign-making!)
WHERE:
Rally @ 2nd Avenue and 7th Street (3:30 p.m.)
Warm-up at The Bahche Café @ 191 7th Street (2:45 p.m.)
WHY:
Let’s tell Governor Cuomo and Acting Commissioner of DOCCS that the Parole Mega-Site was ill-conceived and show our fellow New Yorkers that this project was purposefully developed under the radar, keeping the local community completely in the dark. It is wrong for parolees, neighbors, businesses, all of New York!
Let’s be seen! Let’s be heard! Bring your children. Bring your friends, co-workers, neighbors. Share this email with people who may be interested. We need as many people as possible to make it known — this parole mega-site is wrong in every way!
Please respond to this email if you have any questions or would like to help organize the event, if you’d like to volunteer at the event, or if you have media contacts.
RSVPs are not necessary, but would be helpful using Eventbrite [Click Here]. Please note that space is unlimited and that “tickets” are not required, but are used as a way to track RSVPs. Also, please feel free to share the Eventbrite link on Facebook, Twitter, or via email. Thanks!!
WORKING TOGETHER, WE ARE GOWANUS UNITED!
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Gowanus United Sues DOCCS and OGS on 11/3/14
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As you know, NYS is constructing a large-scale parole facility in the heart of Gowanus. The building will open as early as December. To fight this, residents, business owners, artists and civic groups have mobilized and formed Gowanus United (GU). Together we are determined to do what we could never do alone — and we need you to help ensure our success.
The facts are clear: NYS is consolidating Brooklyn’s three parole offices into a single sprawling facility at 15 Second Avenue at 5th Street that will serve more than 6,000 parolees (300-400 daily). The building is close to schools and other places where children congregate in a neighborhood that is poorly served by mass transit and already struggling with congested streets and limited parking. The State acted in complete secrecy and with no regard for the vibrant, mixed-use, family-oriented neighborhood surrounding the site. For more information, see our current flyer or visit our website http://gowanusunited.org.
GU is attacking the problem on three fronts: (1) legal, (2) political, and (3) through grassroots community support. We are grateful that local business and property owners are funding the initial expenses associated with the legal and political strategy. And we have benefited greatly by the pro bono contributions of many of our talented neighbors and friends, as well as support from others who care deeply about Gowanus. But the fight is just beginning….
Please join us for a Mobilization Meeting:
Thursday, October 23rd, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(doors open at 6:00pm)
Al-Madinah School
383 3rd Avenue at 5th Street
We will provide progress updates and share plans for the next few weeks, as well as work together to fine-tune those plans. Among the activities that will need your help — intense outreach to schools and child-friendly businesses, planning a demonstration potential outreach to elected officials and spreading the word throughout our community.
Thank you for your interest and support so far. We look forward to seeing you Thursday!
Sincerely,
Your friends and neighbors at Gowanus United
CLICK ON IMAGE ABOVE TO SIGN THE PETITION!