Fidler Talks About Summer Jobs, L Train Safety And Park Fence
By D. Rybstein

City Councilman Lew Fidler announced last week that funding for summer jobs in the city has been restored.

Speaking at the United Canarsie South Civic Association meeting at the H.E.S. last week, Fidler noted there had been some “squabbles” regarding the new city budget.

“However, I am pleased that the mayor saw fit to restore the (jobs) money,” said Fidler. “More dollars are still needed, but it is a start.”

The legislator mentioned that the Council’s goal was for enough funds to create some 40,000 summer positions. “Due to an increase in the minimum wage, the same dollars would have created fewer jobs this year,” he said.

Fidler then invited residents to attend City Council Transportation Committee meetings at City Hall to discuss changes in the L line operation procedures, where there will be only one operator on board the trains starting this summer.

“A recent simulated emergency on the L train actually ended in a disaster itself,” said Fidler. “ Canarsie is being used as a guinea pig for the advent of computer-based train control.”

Fidler also responded to a question regarding the proposed perimeter fence for Seaview Park by quoting City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe as having said that the fence will not impede access to the park and it would have openings at each street it crosses. Work, he added, is expected to begin in June.