New York State Independent Redistricting Commission

Jerry
January 28, 2022
View File
Please see attached from Ulster County Executive Patrick K. Ryan. Thank you. Jerry Sheehan | Executive Confidential Secretary to County Executive Ulster County Executive's Office | 244 Fair Street, 6th Floor, Kingston, N.Y. 12440 t. 845.340.3800 | jesh@co.ulster.ny.us

Marguerite
January 27, 2022
The new redistricting map made by the Independent Redistricting Committee totally disenfranchises two distinct yet historically connected African American communities that have voted together for 30+ years and elected representation that reflected its interests in homeownership, economic empowerment, and social issues. The present 35th Assembly District has African American communities in North Corona, East Elmhurst, LeFrak City and Sherwood Apartments that has enabled an Assembly Member to go to Albany and make legislative appropriations that address social inequities that manifest in drug abuse, allow for the creation and maintenance of a growing senior citizen population, and create programming support for youth betterment through sport and job training. There is also a strong connection with these communities and LaGuardia Airport where opportunities have always been present for franchise ownership serving the unending stream of passengers passing through, and for service contracts in the airport facility. Presently, issues around automobile traffic (with its resultant congestion and pollution) and alternative means of transportation to and from this upgraded airport are being debated. Obviously, this State issue has a major impact on the surrounding community’s quality of life. In addition, cultural institutions in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park have historically been a part of this district as these two communities are connected both geographically and through local usage of these important areas. The proposed new Assembly District lines take the 10,000+ residents in North Corona and East Elmhurst and put them in a newly created 34th Assembly District. It takes the 2,500+ residents of Lefrak City and Sherwood Apartments and puts them in the newly created 39th Assembly District. Neither of the two new ADs have residents with the same number of ethnicities that would empower either community as one would be overwhelming Hispanic, while the other White, Orthodox Jewish (Russian ancestry), North Asian and Indian (south Asia). This strong Black community presently served by the 35th Assembly District would disappear – as its votes would be diluted with the inability to elect its own representative. Redistricting is a difficult process as many competing interests and groups look to have their voices heard. Yet, this “cracking” of a district draws lines that decrease Black representation in an area that has consistently elected the Black community’s candidate of choice. The drawing of a legislative line should not cause harm to minority votes; rather, it should reflect a “portrait” of the people they represent, with all their nuances and special features. The preservation of existing political communities reflected in the cores of prior districts must include racial fairness to have meaningful representation. The proposed new lines do not reflect this priority; they would divide the political representation of these African American communities ensuring their minority status thereby reducing – if not eliminating - their power to be adequately represented in State government. Any new legislative lines drawn pursuant to the 2020 Census, must take these factors into account before any map is finalized. The African American communities of North Corona, East Elmhurst, LeFrak City and Sherwood Apartments must be kept together in a unified Assembly District. Sincerely, Marguerite Daniels

Joanne
January 26, 2022
The proposed redistricting plan to separate Rye Neck from the Village of Mamaroneck is a disservice to the residents of Mamaroneck. Rye Neck is only a school district. We are residents of the village of Mamaroneck. our community services, concerns, identify, involvement in local matters are as Mamaroneck residents.

Julian
January 26, 2022
View File

Amanda
January 26, 2022
To Whom It May Concern: The currently proposed congressional redistricting plan splits the Town of Mamaroneck and the Village of Mamaroneck into two separate congressional districts (NY14 and NY16) and separates the Sound Shore communities who have long shared congressional representation. As a resident of the Town of Mamaroneck with a Larchmont zip code, I join the Town & Village's opposition to the proposed congressional redistricting plan for our municipalities. It is important not only to understand the close working relationship and governmental interconnectedness that exists within our tri-municipal boundaries but the fact that all of the Village of Larchmont and the majority of the Village of Mamaroneck lie within the Town of Mamaroneck. The Town of Mamaroneck and the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck have a long history of sharing municipal services, such as EMS, library, community counseling, sanitation, recreation, capital improvement contracts, and equipment, as well as sharing a school district. Our local government holds regular quarterly meetings to discuss local issues and plan for joint solutions. They often presented our community's shared needs to congressional representatives as a tri-municipal entity in order to best represent its constituents and secure federal support. An example of these joint efforts was shown in the response to the September 2021 flooding. The primary concern with the proposed plan is the separation into two congressional districts. This partitioning of both the Town of Mamaroneck and the Village of Mamaroneck into two districts will make it more difficult for local officials to interface with the federal government to meet the needs of our constituents, it dilutes our voices and makes it harder to get attention for the issues that matter specifically to our community, such as flooding. The proposal will also create confusion among residents like myself when seeking constituent services. Secondarily, since the Town and both Villages are within the Long Island watershed, all of our stormwater flows into Long Island Sound, and our sanitary sewers flow into either the New Rochelle or Mamaroneck Valley treatment plants. Separating the Sound Shore communities into two congressional districts would undercut potential regional solutions and inter-municipal cooperative agreements to comprehensively address stormwater, sanitary sewer issues, and regional flooding. These common interests and the need to work together to address shared environmental matters that impact the Long Island Sound mean that, to be successful, all such joint efforts often involve federal monies and common representation. In summation, the proposal disregards the common goals, shared identity, and long-standing collaborative efforts in many areas of mutual concern among the Town of Mamaroneck and Villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont. It also disregards the areas of mutual concern for the municipalities of the Sound Shore District. All of the Sound Shore communities deserve to have a single voice to represent their collective, unique, and mutual interests. I therefore strongly oppose the proposed change in the boundaries of the 16th Congressional District and urge the Commission to reconsider such a proposal. Sincerely, Amanda O'Neill Larchmont, NY 10538 aeoneill@gmail.com 917.701.9942

Catherine
January 25, 2022
What? Dividing the town of Mamaroneck into 2 congressional districts? Splitting parts of Mamaroneck from Larchmont when they share one school district? Pretending that residents of Queens, the Bronx, and Westchester have the same issues? I don't know who came up with this redistricting idea, but I strongly oppose it. Incidentally, I don't see Westchester in your list so I had to choose "mid Hudson." Give Westchester and Mamaroneck a little love, please!

Kim
January 25, 2022
Dear Members of the Independent Redistricting Commission and New York State Legislature: I am a concerned citizen of Westchester County who feels strongly that the state’s next Congressional District map should not join portions of Westchester to the Bronx and Queens. I do not believe that a single Representative can adequately represent the diverse interests of three counties in a conglomeration of urban New York City and suburban Westchester as drawn in Plans A and B for District 14. I understand that the task of map drawing has been difficult for the Commission and continues to be, but I do not want the Commission to dilute any Westchester votes in this manner, and for the next ten years. This same request was expressed by most speakers who were asked about it at the White Plains public hearing. Currently, I live in a district that spans southern Westchester and the Bronx, and I believe we would be better served and represented if our district were limited to Westchester. Thank you. Kimberly Greene-Liebowitz

Sean Patrick
January 25, 2022
View File

Meredith
January 25, 2022
Dear Members of the Independent Redistricting Commission and New York State Legislature: I am a concerned citizen of Westchester County who feels strongly that the state’s next Congressional District map should not join portions of Westchester to the Bronx and Queens. I do not believe that a single Representative can adequately represent the diverse interests of three counties in a conglomeration of urban New York City and suburban Westchester as drawn in Plans A and B for District 14. I understand that the task of map drawing has been difficult for the Commission and continues to be, but I do not want the Commission to dilute any Westchester votes in this manner, and for the next ten years. This same request was expressed by most speakers who were asked about it at the White Plains public hearing. Thank you. Meredith Gantcher

Meredith
January 25, 2022
Dear Members of the Independent Redistricting Commission and New York State Legislature: I am a concerned citizen of Westchester County who feels strongly that the state’s next Congressional District map should not join portions of Westchester to the Bronx and Queens. I do not believe that a single Representative can adequately represent the diverse interests of three counties in a conglomeration of urban New York City and suburban Westchester as drawn in Plans A and B for District 14. I understand that the task of map drawing has been difficult for the Commission and continues to be, but I do not want the Commission to dilute any Westchester votes in this manner, and for the next ten years. This same request was expressed by most speakers who were asked about it at the White Plains public hearing. Thank you. [insert your name]

Jeffrion
January 25, 2022
January 19, 2022 Karen Blatt Co-Executive Director Douglas Breakell Co-Executive Director New York State Independent Redistricting Commission Dear Directors Blatt and Breakell: The new redistricting map made by the Independent Redistricting Committee totally disenfranchises two distinct yet historically connected African American communities that have voted together for 30+ years and elected representation that reflected its interests in homeownership, economic empowerment, and social issues. The present 35th Assembly District has African American communities in North Corona, East Elmhurst, LeFrak City and Sherwood Apartments that has enabled an Assembly Member to go to Albany and make legislative appropriations that address social inequities that manifest in drug abuse, allow for the creation and maintenance of a growing senior citizen population, and create programming support for youth betterment through sport and job training. There is also a strong connection with these communities and LaGuardia Airport where opportunities have always been present for franchise ownership serving the unending stream of passengers passing through, and for service contracts in the airport facility. Presently, issues around automobile traffic (with its resultant congestion and pollution) and alternative means of transportation to and from this upgraded airport are being debated. Obviously, this State issue has a major impact on the surrounding community’s quality of life. In addition, cultural institutions in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park have historically been a part of this district as these two communities are connected both geographically and through local usage of these important areas. The proposed new Assembly District lines take the 10,000+ residents in North Corona and East Elmhurst and put them in a newly created 34th Assembly District. It takes the 2,500+ residents of Lefrak City and Sherwood Apartments and puts them in the newly created 39th Assembly District. Neither of the two new ADs have residents with the same number of ethnicities that would empower either community as one would be overwhelming Hispanic, while the other White, Orthodox Jewish (Russian ancestry), North Asian and Indian (south Asia). This strong Black community presently served by the 35th Assembly District would disappear – as its votes would be diluted with the inability to elect its own representative. Redistricting is a difficult process as many competing interests and groups look to have their voices heard. Yet, this “cracking” of a district draws lines that decrease Black representation in an area that has consistently elected the Black community’s candidate of choice. The drawing of a legislative line should not cause harm to minority votes; rather, it should reflect a “portrait” of the people they represent, with all their nuances and special features. The preservation of existing political communities reflected in the cores of prior districts must include racial fairness to have meaningful representation. The proposed new lines do not reflect this priority; they would divide the political representation of these African American communities ensuring their minority status thereby reducing – if not eliminating - their power to be adequately represented in State government. Any new legislative lines drawn pursuant to the 2020 Census, must take these factors into account before any map is finalized. The African American communities of North Corona, East Elmhurst, LeFrak City and Sherwood Apartments must be kept together in a unified Assembly District. Sincerely, Lonnia Davis 24-55 Gilmore Street, East Elmhurst NY 11369 C: Honorable Jeffrion Aubry, Assembly Member, 35th Assembly District Howard Vargas, Executive Council to the Speaker

Jeffrion
January 25, 2022
View File

Lisa
January 24, 2022
View File
I am a resident of the Village of Larchmont and I agree with the attached letter from my Mayor, Lorraine Walsh. Sincerely, Lisa Weiss Schwartzman

Nancy
January 24, 2022
David Imamura, Chair Jack Martins, Vice Chair Honorable Members of the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission 250 Broadway, 22nd floor New York, NY 10007 January 24, 2022 Dear Chair Imamura, Vice Chair Martins and Honorable Members of the Commission: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the redistricting plans for New York State. Please consider this letter part of the official record. The recent proposed redistricting plan for the Town of Mamaroneck, Village of Mamaroneck and Village of Larchmont is unacceptable. The congressional district for the Town and two Villages, which sit within the Town, should not be split and should be joined with the other Sound shore communities with whom we have long shared interests and congressional representation. The Town of Mamaroneck, Village of Mamaroneck and Village of Larchmont have a strong and close working relationship. The Village of Larchmont sits wholly within the Town and most of the Village of Mamaroneck sits within the Town of Mamaroneck. The three municipalities have a long history of working together and shared services including ambulance, community services, library, sanitation and recreation as well as sharing a school district. The leaders of the three municipalities, along with the Mamaroneck School District, meet quarterly to share information and address issues. We often think of ourselves and present ourselves as a tri-municipal entity. Separating the Town, and/or separating the Villages from the Town in a congressional district would undermine the cohesiveness of our community and further confuse residents as to their representation. It would dilute our ability to work with our federal partners on our mutual interests and needs. In addition, all the Sound Shore communities in Westchester County face similar sea level rise and climate change challenges. All our stormwater drains to Long Island Sound and affects water quality. We all use the Mamaroneck Valley and New Rochelle County-owned sewage treatment plants. We have begun to work together to address some of these issues and we will need to expand that work to find regional solutions to the current challenges and those ahead. Please reconsider the redistricting boundaries to join the Town of Mamaroneck, Village of Mamaroneck and Village of Larchmont with the other Westchester County Sound Shore communities. Thank you. Sincerely, Nancy Seligson Former Supervisor, Town of Mamaroneck Cc: Senator Shelley Mayer Assemblyman Steve Otis Mamaroneck Town Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney Village of Larchmont Mayor Lorraine Walsh

Diane
January 24, 2022
View File
UPDATE -- submitting csv document attached with 720 signers!!! Dear Members of the Independent Redistricting Commission: Now that the Commission has failed to propose a single set of maps endorsed by the requisite majority of its members, the New York State Legislature rejected the Commission’s first proposals. As a concerned resident of Westchester County, I urge you to propose district maps that maintain Westchester’s independent voice, not splitting it apart, diluted by surrounding areas of New York City. Redistricting is the opportunity to unite areas of Westchester County. When the lines were last redrawn, New Rochelle, Scarsdale and other parts of Westchester were joined with the Bronx. Now, ten years later, the Commission’s proposals would further dilute Westchester’s voice. The City of New York is a unique urban center with an infrastructure of its own, like none other in the state, and a set of issues and concerns that are wholly distinct from suburban communities like Westchester. The district linking Westchester with both the Bronx and Queens is particularly unfair and unacceptable because it divides communities in three counties, limiting the ability of residents in each part of the district to have an elected official who can effectively represent their interests. This area has shared infrastructure and institutions, and both proposals would split our community into not two but three different Congressional Districts. I urge you to reassess the Congressional map and take action to ensure that Westchester County is not unduly divided. Respectfully yours,

Submissions

Public Comments Return to Archived Submissions Page