Upon the recommendation of State Assemblymember Joan Millman the Public Authority Control Board (PACB) approved the transfer of piers 1,2,3, and 5 from the NY/NJ Port Authority to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation (BBPDC). The property transfer approval is an important step in creating a world class park for New York City.

Additionally, Assemblymember Millman recommended that the BBPDC be required to seek approval from the PACB for each additional property acquisition, and the terms of each lease for revenue generating development. The added approvals are necessary to keep a system of checks and oversight on the BBPDC for their use of public funds and public land.

"After years of hard work, I am pleased that we have taken a critical step forward in the creation of Brooklyn Bridge Park," stated Millman. "By requiring the BBPDC to seek approval for all property acquisitions and lease terms, we mandate a system of checks on how the park will be developed. This way we can ensure that development is limited only to the parcels outlined in the General Project Plan, and ensure that the terms of the lease are structured to gain the maximum amount of revenue necessary with the least development," Millman added.

The Public Authority Control Board which is comprised of a representative from the Governor's Office, the Senate Majority Leader's Office, and the Assembly Speaker's Office is one of the last rounds of approval necessary in the public review process. Legislative members with state projects in their district have input into the decisions of the PACB.

Assemblymember Millman joined the Coalition to Reform Antennae Safety (CRAS), which is comprised of elected officials and community activists from across New York City. CRAS advocates for cell phone antennae placement regulation until all possible health risks are accurately assessed. With the proliferation of cell phone usage, more cell phone antennae are being installed in residential areas without any regulation. Cell phone antennae are a known source of radiation and CRAS advocates for regulations to curb their placement in locations where they may pose a risk to public health.

In response to the placement of a cell phone antenna in the vicinity of a local school, Millman introduced Assembly Bill A.9425 which would prohibit the placement of any cell phone antenna or related equipment within 500 hundred feet of a school building. Additionally, this bill would require municipalities to be notified 90 days prior to the placement of a cell tower or antenna.

"Until we can determine the health risks associated with cellular antennae, we need to regulate how and where they are sited," said Assemblymember Millman. "That is why I introduced legislation that will prevent cell antennae within 500 feet of any school, protecting our most vulnerable population." She continued, "This could pose a serious public health issue and we need to treat it like one."