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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Dilcy Benn, President of Local 1505, DC 37 on Parks Department Funding and Employment
2:11:52
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Dilcy Benn, President of Local 1505, DC 37, testified about the inclusion of second shift expansion in the preliminary budget for New York City Parks And Recreation Department. She expressed support for additional funding and positions, highlighting the importance of park maintenance and the potential for job creation.
- The budget includes $4.6 million for FY25 and $12.6 million for FY26 and beyond for second shift expansion.
- 230 additional second shift workers will be added, covering 100 more hotspots in city parks.
- Benn also advocated for restoration and baselining of funds for other park positions, including urban park rangers.
Dilcy Benn
2:11:52
Good afternoon, chair Cushman and fellow members of the city council and parks parks and recreation committee.
2:11:59
My name is Dilsey Ben.
2:12:00
I'm the president of local fifteen o five representing close to more than a thousand city park workers also known as CPWs, as well as known as seasonal workers who primarily work in New York City Parks And Recreation Department in all five boroughs performing cleanup and conducting maintenance in all city parks.
2:12:18
We are happy to see that the May included a second shift expansion in its preliminary budget, which includes an additional 4,600,000.0 for the fiscal year twenty five and 12,600,000.0 in fiscal year twenty six and and and out years.
2:12:34
This fund increase will add a 230 additional second shift workers, bringing a total of second shift workers to four seventy.
2:12:42
The these new workers will cover an additional hundred hotspots in city parks.
2:12:47
As you're aware, these are much needed positions especially in the summer when there's a lot of activity in the parks such as family celebrating, live events, concerts, and parks.
2:12:58
The parks need to be kept clean so thousands of New Yorkers as well as visitors can enjoy these beautiful open spaces.
2:13:06
These positions are pipeline to employment and helping New Yorkers get job skills to get back in their feet back on their feet.
2:13:16
I heard that the other day, a single mother living in New York City housing went from being a part worker to becoming a CPW.
2:13:23
That that that's only one of the many stories that you haven't been yet told.
2:13:27
I am glad to hear that the administration had fully heard us and included the much needed funding into the budget for second shift, but there's more work to be done.
2:13:37
I'm here today to support my fellow union brothers and sisters who work in other park titles that need restoration and baselining of funds.
2:13:46
Some of these positions include baselining 4,100,000.0 for 50 urban park ranger positions to manage wildlife and ensure, engaging additional, experience.
2:13:58
And I will take any questions if you have anything you need to ask.