Co-op City Times 12/16/17

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A Very Happy Hanukkah To Our Readers!

Co-op City Town Hall Meeting With Congressman Engel

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. Vol. 52 No. 50

© Copyright 2017 Co-op City Times

Saturday, December 16, 2017

21st Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration Held In Co-op City

The new tax bill and health care were heavy on the minds of those in attendance at the town hall meeting led by Congressman Eliot Engel on Sunday, December 10 in Dreiser Auditorium. “I am very concerned about the attempt of the President and his people to dismantle what he calls Obamacare,” Congressman Engel said in an opening statement. “It’s not a perfect act and we know it needs some tweaking, but that’s natural. Whenever there is a big, omnibus bill that is passed by Congress you need to let it go a few years to see how it is working out – to see what changes need to be made.” Many cooperators voiced their concerns about health care coverage especially when it comes to prescription costs. Congressman Engel sympa-

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BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Last Sunday, December 10, the Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations held their annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration in the Bartow Center. The family-oriented event, now in its 21st year, was thoroughly enjoyed by many faithful attendees who come out each year to ensure its success. This year’s celebration included the Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremony, inspirational messages, the Karamu Feast and a cultural performance by the Kuumba Drummers and Dancers. (See more on Photo by Lauretta Jaysura page 3.)

Alleged Home Invader Arrested After Struggle; Two Public Safety Officers Injured

A man suspected of trying to force his way into a Co-op City apartment in Building 4B was quickly captured and arrested by Public Safety officers early Monday afternoon. The suspect, who was found in the lobby of the building a short while after the troubling attempted break-in was reported to Public Safety investigating officers. According to the report on the incident, after questioning the suspect, the victim of the attempted crime positively identified the suspect. At that point, officers attempted to place the suspect under arrest, and the man violently resisted. In the struggle to restrain the suspect, two officers were injured enough to require hospital care. The officers were transported to Jacobi Medical Center where they received treatment. Chief Frank Apollo, commanding officer of the Public Safety Department, said that both officers have been released from the hospital and are recovering from their injuries. (Continued on page 2) BY BILL STUTTIG

Congressman Eliot Engel answers shareholders’ questions at Sunday’s Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Brandon Ortiz

thized with those concerns citing the disparity in coverage for many in the Co-op City’s community as something (Continued on page 21)

Bill To Allow For Two Free Transfers On MTA MetroCard Awaiting Governor’s Signature

A New York State legislative bill currently awaiting Governor Andrew Cuomo’s signature would, if signed, allow MTA commuters to enjoy a free second transfer on their MetroCard when commuting to locations requiring the use of more than two bus or train lines. The Assembly bill – A3439 – sponsored by Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and co-sponsored by Co-op City’s Assembly representative Mike Benedetto, would ease some on the financial burden placed on commuters living in outlying regions of the city, especially Co-op City. When the MTA made BY BILL STUTTIG

(Continued on page 4)

Welcome Home For The Holidays

The lobby of Building 32A, beautifully decorated for the holidays, bids everyone a warm welcome. Photo by Doreatha Brundage


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