JOIN THE ADVOCACY EFFORTS OF GNPS

Many of us feel that it is important for an organization like ours, with over 700 members over 55 years of age, to advocate for changes that would make our lives in the community as fulfilling as possible.  In order to do this we must educate ourselves about the issues and potential for change.Toward this end we currently have various interest groups to discuss how GNPS can effect change. Below you will find current groups which you are welcome to join by clicking on the link in the description.

Our organization is member driven and any member can ask to start an interest group and find out whether any other members are interested in the same issue.  Starting an Interest Group is easy. Just email  goodneighborsofparkslope@gmail.com  with a clear description of your issue and we will include it on our interest groups page so others can indicate their interest in your group. Once you see who is interested, you can email the others and set up a time to meet in person or on zoom. 

Good Neighbors has many other groups such as bird watching, pickleball, and bridge where members get to socialize and enjoy an activity together. But some interest groups want to work towards change.  As a non-profit organization, GNPS has to follow certain state and federal rules regarding advocacy activities and has to keep track of how much money is spent on these activities.  Therefore, when an interest group wants to advocate for change this must first be presented to the  GNPS Board of Directors.  To contact the Board, email Joyce Jed at heloisejed@mindsping.com. 

CURRENT ADVOCACY ISSUE:
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY FROM BIKES AND E-BIKES

The most prominent local issue for our members right now is the growing threat to pedestrian safety posed by bicycles, especially e-bikes, mopeds and motorcycles.  We have identified specific areas of concern, including riding on the sidewalk and going through red lights as well as other violations of traffic laws and regulations.  We have and will continue to address these issues by endorsing relevant City and State legislation, meeting with elected representatives and officials, local and citywide community groups with similar concerns, as well as support and develop community education programs focused on bicycle safety.  In 2024 we collected over 700 signatures on a petition urging our elected representatives to support specific legislation that would enhance pedestrian safety. Thus far, several of those bills have passed, but there’s more that needs to be done.

Coordinator:  Lenore Arons, (budlet@att.net).

If you want to join in this effort, click the button to sign up. You will then be invited to the next meeting of the group.

CLIMATE CHANGE INTEREST GROUP

In 2022 a Climate Change Interest Group (CCIG) was formed for members who want to educate themselves about the scientific, political, and economic issues involved in climate change. The focus is to learn about actions we may take to preserve a livable climate. Members are concerned about the effects of climate change on all that we need and value. Our aim is to understand and engage in impactful activities to preserve a sustainable environment. We participate in individual, neighborhood and regional initiatives, and identify opportunities for legislative and direct action.

At meetings members share with other members actions to reduce our carbon footprints and to mitigate the effects global warming. We also learn from subject experts about resources to green our lives, homes, and neighborhoods; and about the technical, political, and economic issues involved in climate change. Topics covered in these meetings have included solar energy, flood mitigation. experiences with heat pumps, improving the health of our street trees, and NY City’s mandate for building efficiency - Local Law 97.

If you are interested in the issue click HERE to join the group and you will receive information about the next meeting.

Coordinator:  Joanne Boger (joanne.boger@gmail.com)

END OF LIFE ISSUES GROUP

This group addresses issues commonly involved in making decisions, now and in the future, about end of life care.  Our purpose is to provide information that can enable you and your family to better ensure that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones are prepared now, rather than at a time of crisis.  To date, we have arranged presentations on death with dignity and empowering individuals to make end of life choices. We are working on other related issues, including pending Medical Aid In Dying (MAID) legislation.

If you’re interested in participating in this Interest group, please click HERE to join this group and receive information about the next meeting.

Coordinator:  Nancy Richardson (nancyrye9@gmail.com)

SCRIE - RENT FREEZE

We canvased all of the buildings in Park Slope and conducted intake sessions to make sure all seniors who were eligible for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) applied for the benefit and had their rent frozen. As a result of our efforts, 75 seniors we accepted into the SCRIE program.

BENCHES ON 7TH AVENUE

We submitted requests for new benches along Seventh Avenue to make it easier for seniors to walk and shop in the neighborhood. As a result, 5 benches were approved and installed.

SENIOR FITNESS CENTER IN THE PARK

We proposed a participatory budgeting project to create a senior fitness area in Prospect Park at 9th Stret. It took 7 years to get it done, but the  area was officially opened in July of 2024.

7TH AVENUE SUBWAY ELEVATOR

For 8 years, we worked with other community groups and local officials to press for installation of an elevator at the 7th Avenue subway station. In 2023, it became a reality!