Media Advisory: New York City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez.

LARGEST PUBLIC CEMETERY IN THE NATION WILL FINALLY GET THE RESPECT IT DESERVES.

New York, NY-- Tomorrow, the Committee on Transportation will be voting on Int. 909-B and Int. 906-A. Mass burials in Hart Island began in the 1870s with its original intentions to be that of a burial ground for mostly Black, Latino, poor immigrants, and HIV patients who could not afford to be buried elsewhere. The Largest public cemetery in the nation will finally be receiving the respect it deserves after years of advocacy. 

Int. 909-B would see that the Department of Transportation (DOT), or another agency designated by the Mayor, develop a transportation plan for public travel, including ferry service, to and from Hart Island.

The Council will also vote on Int. 906-A with the Committee on Parks and Recreation at 2:00pm. The bill would transfer jurisdiction and control over Hart Island, the City's public burial ground, from the Department of Corrections (DOC) to the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).

 

These bills will ensure that we bring dignity and respect to those residing there as well as to their loved ones. Thanks to the support and hard work of Council colleagues, including former Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, Speaker Corey Johnson, Mark Levin, Deborah Rose, and unwavering advocate Melinda Hunt of the Hart Island Project, and all the advocates who have dedicated years to ensure this legislation become a reality. 

WHO: Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez Transportation Committee Chairman, Members of the Committee on Transportation, Members of the Committee of Parks and Recreations, Melinda Hunt of the Hart Island Project, and Advocates.

 

WHAT: Committees on Transportation and Parks and Recreation will vote on the bills that would transfer the jurisdiction of Hart Island and to set up a plan for a viable form of transportation for visitors. 

 

WHEN: Tomorrow; Wednesday, November 13th 

Committee on Transportation Vote: 1:00 PM

 

Committee on Parks and Recreation Vote: 2:00 PM

 

WHERE: 250 Broadway, 16th Floor Committee Room