Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) is thanking District Leader Charles Ragusa for contacting the corporate office of Rite Aid on Kings Highway and West 12 Street, Brooklyn, regarding the unsanitary condition caused by clothing bin in their parking lot. This clothing bin was constantly overflowing with dirty clothes, furniture, and toys, creating a health hazard during these pandemic times. The Assemblyman also thanks Rite Aid for agreeing to remove the bin. In addition, my office has been working on the continuing problem of garbage being dumped along Stillwell Avenue, Kings Highway, and other commercial streets. Thanks to the Sanitation Department for responding quickly to Colton’s office requests to remove such garbage. Unfortunately, there are some thoughtless people that continue to dump garbage on these street corners. Colton is directing his dedicated staff, as they continue to work from home, and neighborhood people to contact his office with reports of any garbage accumulations they observe.

"I greatly appreciate District Leader Charles Ragusa’s action in working on the health hazard caused by this clothing bin and on garbage dumping problems along commercial streets. I hope the people who commit this dumping understand that not only is it thoughtless but such dumping creates health hazards, especially during this pandemic crisis, we are facing and also it is a crime which can result in heavy fines," Colton stated.

"Colton also pointed out the dangers of the use of fireworks, which is intended to mark the great American Birthday Celebration of July 4, pose to injuries and disturbances to neighbors. The private use of fireworks is a crime and is extremely dangerous. NYC must not be allowed to ignore such issues and we must insist City government use all its agencies to enforce the law to keep our neighborhoods both safe and clean.”

Neighbors can report such instances by calling 311 and also by calling the Office of Assemblyman Colton at 718 236 1598 or emailing to coltonw@nyassembly.gov. Although the office is closed due to the pandemic, staff me4mbers working from home are retrieving telephone messages and emails so they are acted upon.