Klein’s clout needed in Albany

To the editor:

As a 50-year Riverdale resident, I have been involved with many neighborhood issues. When confronted with a challenge, the first call that I make is to state Sen. Jeffrey Klein.

I happen not to be an ideologue, so having an effective public official who works well in a bipartisan way is a plus for me.

Recently, I spoke in favor of legislation introduced by Sen. Klein regarding notification and placement of new homeless shelters, and the placement of homeless individuals in motels. The law supports more notice and greater voice for residents, elected officials and community boards.

Sen. Klein led the charge to successfully renegotiate the terms with the Selfhelp developer despite all the finding and government sign-offs that signaled a green light for this Broadway project. It was not in this community’s best interest to house severely mentally ill and well-elderly seniors together next door to another facility charged with housing 256 mentally disabled residents.

When Montefiore proposed an 11-story ambulatory care facility on Oxford Avenue, it was Sen. Klein along with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz who stepped in to pass legislation in Albany that would require a full review by the state health department with community input for hospital-like facilities in the Bronx.

Last year, Sen. Klein secured $250,000 for the MTA to conduct a study for the Hudson River Greenway between Spuyten Duyvil and Yonkers, a critical first step toward this community’s long-time goal. This required months of perseverance and meetings with the MTA and others.

Sen. Klein’s constituents benefit from this determination, seniority and clout in Albany. He effectively serves the communities that he represents.

LAURA SPALTER