TESTIMONY
Sherrise Palomino, Director of Advocacy and Programs at New Yorkers for Parks, on Water Safety Challenges and Legislative Initiatives
1:35:22
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3 min
Sherrise Palomino testifies on the critical issue of water safety at NYC's beaches and pools amidst budget cuts, advocating for legislative initiatives to extend recreational access and enhance environmental sustainability.
- Highlights the detrimental impact of a $25,000,000 budget cut on NYC's ability to ensure water safety at beaches and pools.
- Discusses legislative measures, specifically Intro 275, to extend beach and pool seasons, and Intro 130, which mandates composting facilities near major parks.
- Emphasizes the importance of reversing the hiring freeze and increasing staffing in light of recent crises, highlighting the need for transformative investment in the park system.
- Calls upon the council to balance the imperatives of ensuring water safety and promoting environmental sustainability, while navigating budget reductions.
- Advocates for allocating 1% of the city budget to parks to secure their role as a safe haven for all residents.
Sherrise Palomino
1:35:22
Thank you.
1:35:23
Good afternoon.
1:35:24
My name is Charisse Palomino, and I'm the director of advocacy and programs in New Yorkers for Parks.
1:35:28
We are founding member of the play fair for Park coalition, which includes over 400 organizations from across the city.
1:35:35
Thank you to chair Krishnan for this timely hearing.
1:35:38
I'm grateful for the opportunity to address the critical issue of water safety in our beloved beaches and pools in New York City.
1:35:45
As we navigate these challenges, posed by mayor Adams directive to reduce spending by 5%, which translates to a staggering $25,000,000 reduction in the parks department's budget, it becomes increasingly evidence that our ability to ensure water safety is at risk.
1:36:03
New York City's beaches and pools have long served as a lifeline for our residents, especially during the scorching summer months.
1:36:10
However, the demand for increased hours and staffing has become more pressing, particularly as we have grappled with 2 major crises, the COVID 19 pandemic and the climate crisis.
1:36:20
Extending beach outdoor pool seasons as outlined in intro 275 signifies a significant stride towards enhancing public access to these amenities.
1:36:32
With the passage of the bill, we ensure that New Yorkers can enjoy these facilities for a more extended period, transcending to transcending the traditional closure following Labor Day.
1:36:42
While these measures outlined in intro 275 represents significant strides towards enhancing water, safety, and recreational opportunities.
1:36:50
The budgetary implications must be carefully addressed to ensure effective implementation.
1:36:58
Additionally, intro 130's requirement for the parks department and the sanitation department to establish composting facilities near the 10 largest parks demonstrates proactive, approach to environmental stewardship.
1:37:12
By investing in composting initiatives, we not only reduce waste but also contribute to the health and sustainability of our city's green spaces.
1:37:21
I urge the council to consider the dual imperatives of water safety and environmental sustainability as we navigate mayor Adams' budget reduction mandate that reduces the the agencies while we navigate mayor Adams' budget reduction mandate that reduces the agency's ability to deliver on core services that are critical to equitable access to amenities and the safety of our waterfront pools.
1:37:47
By investing in our park system and supporting initiatives like those outlined the proposed bills, we can ensure a safer, healthier, and more vibrant city for generations to come.
1:37:57
However, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges posed by the budgetary constraints highlighted by the November peg cuts.
1:38:05
There is an urgent need to reverse the hiring freeze and increase staffing as outlined in play fairs FY25 budget asks.
1:38:14
If crises of the last few years show us anything, it's that we are overdue for a trans formative investment in our park system.
1:38:22
1% of the city budget for parks could ensure that our beaches and pools can be resourced to support New York City and be a safe haven for all residents.
1:38:31
Thank you.