NYC DOT Holds a Free Fitting and Helmet Giveaway at the Shabbos Open Streets

NYC DOT Holds a Free Fitting and Helmet Giveaway at the Shabbos Open Streets

Edited by: TJVNews.com

On Friday, July 28, 2023, in the Castleton Corners section of the borough, New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), the mayor’s’ Office for Community Affairs, the NYPD and the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) where on hand for a Free Fitting and Helmet Giveaway at the Shabbos Open Streets sponsored by the (DOT).

DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez remarked, “that with the launch of the Shabbos Open Streets on Staten Island we are pleased of our partnership with the borough’s Jewish community. The block-long Open Streets on Suffolk Avenue and Vermont Court, in Castleton Corners, supports walking, cycling and play among children during Shabbos, with operations in effect Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.”

Rodriguez emphasized, “as the summer progresses this partnership with the COJO, the central coordinating agency of the borough’s Jewish community has proved so far to be a success and has affirmed and exceeded our expectations. We at DOT look forward to improving the program and that is why I am happy that Roseann Caruana, Staten Island, Borough Commissioner, DOT in conjunction with Mendy Mirocznik, COJO, President organized and held a successful Free Fitting and Helmet Giveaway at the Shabbos Open Streets. Our goal is to enhance the quality of  the open streets experience and I thank Commissioner Caruana and COJO President Mendy Mirocznik, and the NYPD for being such wonderful partners in this important project and making it the success that it is.”

Commissioner Caruana remarked that, “as Staten Island Borough Commissioner, I have first-hand experience in how well received the Shabbos Open Streets Program has been since its inception this past Memorial Day Weekend. I am in contact with Mendy Mirocznik, COJO, President, Ari Weiss, COJO, Security Chairman, Chief Joseph Gulotta, Staten Island Borough Commander, Patrol Borough Staten Island and Captain Eric Waldhelm, Commanding Officer, Pct. 121. I truly am pleased and proud with our partnership with COJO and look forward in providing additional support and safety programs to improve the Shabbos Open Streets Program which in its pilot state and infancy has proved to be success. This Free Fitting and Helmet Giveaway is just the start of one of many exciting events set to take place.”

Mendy Mirocznik, president of COJO thanked, Rabbi Moshe Davis, Senior Liaison at the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, Edward Jackson, Staten Island Borough Director at the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, Scott Maurer, CEO and Executive Vice-President, COJO, Ari Weiss, COJO Security Chairman and Coordinator Staten Island Shomrim and the NYPD, Chief Joseph Gulotta, Staten Island Borough Commander, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Lt. Rafet Awad, Commanding Officer, Community Affairs, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Captain Eric Waldhelm, Commanding Officer, NYPD 121st Precinct and his hardworking wonderful Community Affairs Officers Sean Mondello and John Sibal, “for always being there in support of the community.

You name it these wonderful people dare to care and they do their utmost to bring people together and that is why the Shabbos Open Streets Project is off to a great start. I cannot thank them enough for their support, encouragement and advice on making the Shabbos Open Streets Program the success that it is. We at COJO cherish our partnership and look forward to our continued collaboration with the DOT and NYPD in improving public safety and the quality of life for our hometown Staten Island.”

Mirocznik quipped that, “Roseann Caruana, Staten Island, Borough Commissioner, DOT, truly personifies what a public servant ought to be. She truly reflects what Mayor Eric Adams expects and demands from his administration, commissioners and all city workers and that is to respectfully inquire and resolve the issues that people face. This truly is a breath of fresh air and how government is supposed to work and that is by and for the people.

I can attest, that when it came to Commissioner Caruana’s attention the lack of park space in Castleton Corners and the need for a safe venue for children to play especially when school, camp or other important activities and programs are not in session she came up with the idea of the Shabbos Open Streets Program and that is how this came into being. Commissioner Caruana your solution comes from a loving heart and wise acumen and you truly are a credit to Mayor Adams and to Commissioner Rodriguez. We at COJO look forward to our continued partnership and I know that the best is yet to come.

Chief Gulotta, stated, “that we at the NYPD value our relationship with DOT and COJO and appreciate the wonderful community relations that the Shabbos Open Streets has given us. This partnership builds community confidence and trust with the NYPD and from a police perspective enhances public safety in Staten Island. Thank you Commissioner Caruana, Mendy Mirocznik, Scott Maurer, Ari Weiss, Captain Waldhelm, Lt. Awad, Officer Mondello and Officer Sibal in making this happen. This is just the beginning and I can only imagine where we grow from this this. I look forward to this positive journey.”