City Council Candidate Ari Kagan (48th District- Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Midwood, Homecrest, Luna Park, Brightwater, Trump Village) is calling on the New York City Parks Department to restore lights on the Brighton Boardwalk between Coney Island Avenue and Brighton 15th Street. The lights have been off since Hurricane Sandy devastated the community eight months ago. The lack of suitable lighting has created dangerous conditions on the boardwalk for Brighton Beach residents, particularly seniors and children.

“It is unacceptable that eight months after Hurricane Sandy, the City has failed to restore such a basic service to our community,” said Kagan, who resides in Brighton Beach with his wife and two children.  “In the summer months, people want to enjoy the weather, and spend their evenings outdoors. I’ve spoken to dozens of people in the community who said they have seen people trip and fall because of the lack of adequate lighting. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt, in an accident or in a crime encouraged by the lack of lighting.”

“It is absurd that the City can find millions of dollars to construct public bathrooms near the boardwalk, but when it comes to doing something as simple as turning the lights on, we’re asked to wait,” Kagan added. “We are happy the city has listened to the community with regards to the bathroom, but we still need basic services restored. New York City is more than Manhattan, and trendy neighborhoods close to Manhattan. The people of southern Brooklyn deserve better from the Parks Department.”