The New York State Independent Redistricting Commission proposal, although seemingly aimed at achieving district population parity, ignores the naturally drawn district lines that exist within various communities. These communities, such as Marine Park, Canarsie, Gerritsen Beach, and Kings Highway, have unique and diverse histories and characteristics that should be taken into consideration when redrawing district lines. The commercial corridor of Quentin Road serves as a dividing line between the homes that abut Marine Park and those north of it, while Gerritsen Avenue and Knapp Street distinguish the southern Marine Park community from the newer communities of Kings, Bedford, and Sheepshead Bays. Fraser Square, encompassing the blocks north and south of Fraser Square Park, has long been represented by the 41st Assembly District and the eponymous civic association, which is now at risk of being split into three separate districts. Kings Highway, which follows a nearly three-mile stretch of the road and constitutes roughly half of its span through Brooklyn, is home to both high-rise apartments and a thriving Black/Caribbean community living in modest single-family homes.

These communities, bounded by wetlands, share unique ecological, legislative, and economic interests that are not necessarily applicable to the Sheepshead Bay commercial pier system. The IRC fails to recognize the importance and uniqueness of these communities, and redrawing decades-long district lines could result in the disenfranchisement of both new and old communities. The current districts and elected officials have successfully represented and advocated for their diverse and segmented constituencies, and any hasty redrawing of district lines would undermine their efforts. We implore the commission to preserve the unique qualities and diverse neighborhoods in our respective Assembly districts, and to understand the importance and history of each community in the overall makeup of New York State.

The current districts and elected officials have successfully led and advocated for their diverse and segmented constituencies, and redrawing decades-long district lines would lead to the outright disenfranchisement of these communities.

We thank the commission for its consideration and hope that the unique qualities and diverse neighborhoods in our Assembly districts can be preserved.