State Senator Squadron Brings Sidewalk Repairs, Free Flu Shots, Door Security Improvements To The Lower East Side, Today

LOWER EAST SIDE - Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron announced repaired sidewalks in front of Rutgers Houses, provided a flu shot clinic at the Grand Street Settlement Senior Center, and hosted a resident engagement meeting at Baruch Addition regarding door security upgrades Squadron funded there.

“Whether it’s getting our sidewalks in shape, making sure we’re protected from the flu, or ensuring we have better security in our homes, it’s great to be able to work with community members to bring resources to the LES,” said State Senator Daniel Squadron. “It's disappointing that security upgrades at Baruch have been delayed. I'll keep working with community members to make sure NYCHA is accountable for getting these needed security upgrades done as quickly as possible. Thank you to DOT, NYCHA, my colleagues, Gouverneur Health, Grand Street Settlement, our Resident Associations, and community members.” 

Squadron, together with the Rutgers Resident Association, worked to ensure DOT and NYCHA would prioritize sidewalk repairs around Rutgers Houses, along with Congresswoman Velázquez, Borough President Brewer, Assemblymember Silver, and Councilmember Chin. In addition to posing potential safety concerns to pedestrians, the sidewalks were also identified as likely exacerbating rodent conditions on a recent tour with elected officials offices and city agencies. 

Squadron’s flu shot clinic provided dozens of free flu shots at the Grand Street Settlement Senior Center at Baruch Addition, in partnership with Gouverneur Health.

Squadron also organized a community meeting to discuss the New York City Housing Authority’s implementation of a layered access entrance, including a new automatic door, intercom system, and keyless fob entry for Baruch. These layered access entrance improvements were funded by over $240,000 in State funding that Squadron allocated for security improvements. At the meeting, NYCHA announced they had missed their installation deadline, and it would be delayed through the end of the year.  Squadron urged NYCHA to expedite installation, and adhere to their timelines, and had NYCHA commit to attend another engagement meeting once door installation was complete.