Res. No. 1033
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass A.2988-A and S.2328-A, which would expand the provision of school bus transportation to students in cities having a population of one million or more.
By Council Members Rose, Ignizio, Oddo, Chin, Ulrich, Halloran, Arroyo, Barron, Brewer, Eugene, Gentile, Gonzalez, James, Koslowitz, Mendez, Vacca, Van Bramer, Vann, Williams, Comrie, Cabrera, Dickens, Mark-Viverito, Lappin, Levin, Nelson, Dromm and Koppell
Whereas, There are areas in New York City, such as Staten Island, where there is a lack of adequate school transportation options for students; and
Whereas, For example, Staten Island has the largest geographical school district in New York State, but lacks the same access to public transportation available in the other four boroughs; and
Whereas, According to the New York City Department of City Planning, the population in Staten Island grew by 24.4 percent over the past ten years, and its public school population is expected to grow by 8 percent; and
Whereas, New York State Assembly bill A.2988-A, by Assemblyman Michael Cusick, and Senate bill S.2328-A, by Senator Andrew Lanza, would close the gap in the school transportation system that currently exists for students in New York City; and
Whereas, These bills expand eligibility for school bus service to grades 7 and 8 where the student lives more than 1 mile away from school and to siblings of K-2 students who are in grades 3-5 and live more than .5 mile away from school; and
Whereas, A lack of school transportation services is potentially creating a dangerous situation for students who have to travel long distances and cross dangerous intersections; and
Whereas, On June 28, 2011, Aniya Williams, age 13, a resident of Staten Island and student at the Staten Island School of Civic Leadership, was fatally struck by a tractor-trailer as she was crossing a busy intersection to catch a public bus after leaving school; and
Whereas, These bills will decrease these unnecessary and potentially dangerous student trips; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass A.2988-A and S.2328-A, which would expand the provision of school bus transportation to students in cities having a population of one million or more.
LS# 2701
8/15/2011
GZ