Vlad Kucher opposes 561-A and supports Intro 48
Kucher says he grew up near the Coney Island wastewater plant and participates in the complaint program. He argues 561-A would benefit out-of-state polluters and that Intro 48 would expand community participation.
Good afternoon, everyone.
My name is Vlad Kachriavi, and I'm a participant of the Citizens Air Complaint Program.
My concern for air quality started from a very young age, since the Coney Island wastewater treatment plant is right next to where I grew up, and it makes the smell of fecal matter every time the weather is nice outside.
Imagine my enthusiasm when I discovered that I can be part of a program that seeks to reduce pollution and improve the quality of life for my neighborhood while getting rewarded for it.
At Brooklyn College, I enrolled in a public health class where I learned that public health is primarily the responsibility of government, but a successful public health enterprise must involve all sectors of the community.
And this is why I'm here today, to testify against proposals such as Intro 561A that undermine community efforts for the benefit of out-of-reach polluting
corporate entities and advocate for proposals like Intro 48 that extend opportunities to reduce pollution to New Yorkers in all boroughs.
Adopting the proposed Intro 5618 is detrimental.
Negligent companies would be given a pass at the expense of our neighborhoods.
They complain that fines are unfair, but in my experience, what is unfair is these companies and their employees coming into our streets from their out-of-state headquarters and releasing air pollutants.
As they complete their work quotas.
The money that 561A will be saving these entities is not likely to be used to ameliorate their negligent practices, hence will not benefit our communities in any way.
The revenue that participants are rewarded as a result of the program is circulated back into our local economy, as it should.
In the face of grim public health,
of statistics on air pollution, the program has brought great benefits to our city.
One of these is empowering of concerned citizens from all boroughs to seek fairness.
Intro 48 serves this purpose.
As someone from a multicultural neighborhood, I can attest that those whose English is not their strong language are often the most exposed to environmental
hazards and the hardest working.
They deserve the opportunity to advocate for themselves.
Please don't undermine this program with Intro 561A and instead look towards supporting the health and livelihoods of our communities by considering Intro 48.
I would like to end by saying that unlike polluting entities that are profiting from our neighborhoods that are
advocating for this environmental program, are working towards improving the livelihoods of all New Yorkers, since we believe that everyone that works hard to keep the city running deserves clean air, even the employees of corporate polluters, even those in favor of 561A, and especially their families.
So vote no for 561A and yes for 48.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you for...
Yes, please state your name and commence with your testimony.