Hear From City Council Candidates Ahead Of Next Week's Election

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN — Sunset Parkers have another chance to hear from the candidates vying to represent them on the New York City Council ahead of next week's primary election.

UPROSE, a nonprofit focused on climate change and racial justice that is very active in Sunset Park, is hosting a candidate forum on Wednesday with six of the candidates for office. It will take place at Marie Heim of Sunset Park, on 46th Street and Fourth Avenue, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The candidates are vying to represent the 38th city council district, which includes Sunset Park and Red Hook. Primaries for citywide elections take place on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

A statement from UPROSE said this election is critical as Sunset Park stares down several large and potentially neighborhood-altering pieces of development.

"District 38 is in a stage of flux that will determine its trajectory," the statement says. "Developers have invested a staggering amount of capital to promote their vision of the district; most importantly their vision for New York City’s last industrial waterfront - transforming it into the next Williamsburg, Chelsea or Soho - and with it NYC’s capacity for manufacturing in the years to come.

"District 38 will play a crucial role in amplifying and advocating the community’s vision during this period of transition."

The six candidates include incumbent Carlos Menchaca and former councilwoman Sara Gonzalez, who Menchaca defeated in his upstart bid four years ago. Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, another major challenger for the nomination will also attend.

Carmen Hulbert, Chris Miao and Delvis Valdes round out the night's lineup.

"UPROSE Youth and Sunset Park residents have taken the initiative to organize this debate to ensure that youth on the frontlines of the climate crisis are included in the local political process," UPROSE says. "Over the next 4 years their representative will determine their future and if they can remain in the city - their voices cannot be ignored."

If you can't make it out to the forum, be sure to subscribe to Patch for a recap of the night's events, more updates on the race and other Sunset Park news.

Image: Patch file photo