Day: September 18, 2024

The City Council on Tuesday opened an ethics investigation into Brooklyn Council Member Susan Zhuang, who made headlines earlier this summer over her arrest for allegedly biting a cop during a protest against a new homeless shelter in her district.

City Council spokesperson Shirley Limongi confirmed the body’s Committee on Standards and Ethics launched the inquiry, first reported by the news site Gothamist, on Sept. 17. Limongi noted, however, that the matter is being “held in suspension” while Zhuang’s multiple charges from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office play out in court.

“The committee opened the matter regarding Council Member Zhuang and has held it in suspension pending the resolution of the ongoing prosecution by the Brooklyn District Attorney, as it has in the past when a Council member was facing pending criminal charges,” Limongi said in a statement. “The committee will respect that process. The confidentiality rules that apply to the proceedings of the committee prevent further comment.”

However, another council spokesperson declined to confirm whether the ethics probe specifically concerns the alleged biting incident.

Oren Yaniv, a spokesperson for the Brooklyn DA’s office, told amNewYork Metro that the criminal case is still pending and Zhuang is expected back in court for a conference on Oct. 15. Zhuang previously pleaded not guilty to a litany of charges including assault, resisting arrest, obstructing government administration, unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct, and harassment.

The incident occurred on July 17, when Zhuang joined a protest at the site of a planned a homeless shelter slated to open in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn later this year.

The NYPD say Zhuang was arrested for allegedly preventing cops from reaching an elderly woman stuck under a barricade. Cops say she allegedly shoved the barricade against officers and bit one officer so hard it broke their skin when they tried to get her out of the way.

Zhuang — a conservative Democrat who won her seat on a fiercely pro-police platform — contends the cops were the aggressors and has accused them of excessive force. She insists that she was simply trying to remove the barricade that was on top of the elderly woman when two officers grabbed her from behind and handcuffed her, while pulling her hair and neck.

Shortly after Zhuang’s arrest, she held a town hall in her district, where hundreds of her constituents gathered to laud her actions against the homeless shelter.

After the July 17 incident, some pols — including City Council Member Justin Brannan (D), one of Zhuang’s southern Brooklyn political rivals — were quick to strongly condemn her actions. 

Others, including Mayor Eric Adams, were far more measured in their responses, stopping far short of calling for her to be disciplined. Adams even invited Zhuang to a private meeting following her arrest — a level of grace that City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams charged probably would not have been shown to more left-leaning lawmakers.

Zhuang’s office did not immediately return a request for comment on the newly commenced ethics investigation.

With reporting by Kirstyn Brendlen.

Bay Ridge residents gathered on familiar city streets over the weekend to bid farewell to another sweltering season at the End of Summer Block Party, hosted by the Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District.

The event drew families from across the neighborhood and brought the area to life with music, cheer, good food and shopping.

Elizabeth Lovejoy, executive director of the Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue BID, attributed the block party’s success to great weather and vibrant community spirit.

“The energy was incredible,” she told Brooklyn Paper. “We saw families, friends, and visitors from all over the neighborhood come together to enjoy live music, local food and fun activities.”

“The weather was on our side, and it felt like the perfect way to close out the summer season,” she added.

As attendees strolled the streets, Lovejoy said it was clear that the community’s spirits were high.

“We were really pleased with the turnout,” she said. “The avenue was bustling with activity.”

Children enjoyed festival games, while local musicians filled the air with captivating sounds, creating an unmistakable buzz that echoed throughout the neighborhood. Local creatives displayed their work during an art showcase. Merchants and eateries also enjoyed the spotlight and engaged with old and new customers alike.

“This event brought new and existing customers to the avenue, increased foot traffic and provided local businesses with a platform to showcase what they offer,” Lovejoy said.

Although summer is ending, the BID says residents can look forward to more neighborhood events, including a Halloween Fest on Oct. 26.

The Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue BID hosts events throughout the year to grow, promote, and improve the quality of life for the community and boost local businesses. Their activities include street festivals, public art walks, marketing workshops for business owners, and family-friendly events that connect merchants with potential customers.

“We’re already planning ahead for more events,” Lovejoy said. “We’re excited to keep the momentum going and continue creating vibrant experiences that bring the community together.”

The post BID-ding summer goodbye! Bay Ridge business group hosts ‘end of summer’ block party first appeared on The Ocean Avenue News.