Chan The Man Summer Recap

Fall is in full swing, but this summer, we focused on issues that hit close to home for our community. We pushed for stronger street safety, including enforcement around mopeds and e-scooters. I stood with the Barreto family after the deadly moped crash that took Efrain Barreto’s life, with Sunset Park families after the Third Avenue hit-and-run that claimed two lives, and with Chinatown residents after a reckless, inebriated driver killed two more. At the same time, we mourned the closures of beloved neighborhood institutions like Bari Pork Store and SAS Italian Records. Beyond these moments of loss, we organized park cleanups and worked on major constituent cases to ensure neighbors had the support and resources they needed.

Timeline Recap

June 27: Bari Pork Store Closure

The closure of Bari Pork Store marks the end of an era for our neighborhood. For decades, it was more than just a butcher shop; it was a gathering place where families shared stories and traditions. While we’re sad to see its doors close, we carry forward the memories and sense of community it gave us.

June 30: NYS Legislators' Cup

Our first Legislators Cup pickleball tournament at Leif Erikson Park.

38 teams entered the tournament.

Assemblyman Chang and our office sponsored it. We're already working on the next one due to the popularity.

July 5: Veteran Hall of Fame

Daniel Luciano was a soldier in the US Army, assigned to the demilitarized zone in Korea, when he was exposed to an unknown chemical that caused a lifetime of debilitating ailments and conditions. As a result, Daniel was honorably discharged as a 100% Disabled Veteran.

On behalf of the people of the State of New York, I thank Mr. Luciano and his family for his service and sacrifice.

July 10: Moped Driver Kills Elderly

A 90-year-old man named Zhuo Lin Xie was killed in Sheepshead Bay when a hit-and-run moped struck him as he was crossing East 14th Street at Avenue U, and the driver fled the scene. The driver ultimately left Mr. Xie with severe head trauma; he later died at the hospital. This heartbreaking loss reinforces why we must insist on stronger oversight, accountability, and regulations for mopeds and motorized devices in our neighborhoods.

July 11: Brooklyn's Third Avenue Accident

On July 11th in Sunset Park, a driver speeding southbound on Third Avenue struck and killed two men—80-year-old Kex Un Chen and 59-year-old Faqiu Lin—then fled the scene. Surveillance footage shows the driver ran a red light and made no effort to stop.

I want to thank the NYPD for apprehending the driver.

July 19: Deadly Accident in Chinatown

The tragedy in Chinatown this summer was caused by a driver who got behind the wheel while intoxicated, showing a complete disregard for both the law and the lives of others. Their decision to drive under the influence killed two innocent people. We continue to stand with the victims’ loved ones and push for stronger protections to keep our streets safe.

July 25: Barreto Court Case

We visited the Kings County District Attorney's Office yesterday with Vivian Barreto to discuss these hit-and-run fatalities that plague our city. Especially the case of Mr. Ephrain Barreto, and the 3 recent fatalities in Sheepshead Bay and Sunset Park.

August 7: National Night Out

August 10: Dominican Day Parade

August 12: First Major Cleanup

August 21: CDPAP Hearing

The Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee and the Senate Health Committee held a joint public hearing on the disastrous transition from CDPAP to PPL.

*I'm a part of the Investigations committee.

New Yorkers deserve answers for why a 9-11 billion-dollar transition has put vulnerable patients at risk, driven out trusted caregivers, and triggered federal investigations, especially when none of the promised savings have materialized.

August 30: Back To School Giveaway

September 5: NY Blue Rose

The NY Blue Rose annual Suicide Support & Awareness Mass. Held at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church, with Monsignor Romano.

Over the decades, we've seen too many of my brothers and sisters take their own lives, and among other organizations, I want to thank the NY Blue Rose for their dedication to helping.

September 11: Honoring 24 Years of Remembrance

September 13: SAS Italian Records Closure

The closure of SAS Italian Records marks a significant loss for our neighborhood. For decades, it was more than just a record store—it was a cultural landmark, a gathering place for music lovers, and a bridge between generations. We mourn its passing, celebrate the memories it gave us, and recommit to preserving the vibrancy that places like SAS brought to our community.

Final Note

Throughout this summer, we had the honor of welcoming a group of SYEP interns into our office. Their curiosity and commitment to learning brought fresh perspectives to our work and reminded us why investing in our youth is essential. I hope the experience was as meaningful for them as it was for us, and that it gave them a closer look at public service, community engagement, and the impact they can have in shaping our future.

Proudly Serving District 17,

Senator Stephen T. Chan

If you have an idea for a law or need assistance with a state-related matter, contact Senator Chan's office.