Senator Espaillat Joined by Local Residents and Leaders at P.S/I.S 187 Town Hall Meeting

Community Members and Representatives from Various Agencies Come Together to Discuss Local Issues

New York, NY (February 10, 2011) – New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat (D – 31st district) was joined by residents of the Washington Heights/Inwood area at an important town hall to discuss issues of local and regional importance.

 The meeting, organized by Sen. Espaillat’s office, served as forum to discuss a wide array of topics ranging from education, to government services, to quality of life matters.

 “Everyday I’m in the Senate is an opportunity to fight for my district,” said Sen. Adriano Espaillat. “Of course, communication is a key component of constituent service. Meetings like tonight are a great example of our community coming together and addressing issues that affect us all.”

 The town hall meeting was attended by representatives from various governmental agencies and local civic organizations including the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Dept. of Parks, Dept. of Sanitation, 34th Police Precinct, FDNY 13th Battalion, Community Board 12, NYC Transit, Community Assistance Unit of the mayor’s office, Community Educational Council, District 6 superintendent, Dept. of Transportation, 181st Street Business Improvement District (BID), Dept. of Environmental Protection, Hudson Heights Owners Coalition, Friends Committee of the Fort Tryon Park Trust, and Washington Heights Neighborhood Association.

 Pamela Palanque North, of Community Board 12 commended Sen. Espaillat for hosting the meeting: “As the Chairperson for Community Board 12 Manhattan, I receive numerous telephone calls, emails and request from residents who have growing concerns about the impact of the NYS proposed budget cuts on our schools, health-care services and quality of life. I applaud NYS Senator Adriano Espaillat for convening a town hall to engage his constituents on what is before us and how citizens can get involved in the budget negotiation process."