Brooklyn, NY — June 18, 2026 — Assemblyman Michael “Misha” Novakhov, a regular participant in meetings of the Community First Republican Club, spoke to club members in Brooklyn about local community issues, public safety, government spending, school conditions, and the future of Southern Brooklyn neighborhoods.
The meeting was hosted by Ari Kagan, who introduced Novakhov and noted his active involvement with the club and the community.
Novakhov’s remarks focused on practical issues affecting residents of Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Gravesend, and other parts of Southern Brooklyn.
Sheepshead Bay Fest: Community, Families, and Local Businesses
Novakhov began by speaking about the upcoming Sheepshead Bay Fest / BayFest, scheduled for Father’s Day weekend on Emmons Avenue.
He described the festival as a free community event with music, entertainment, food, and family activities. According to Novakhov, the event would include a large stage, free hamburgers and hot dogs, and a sandwich-eating contest connected to a well-known local business.
Novakhov presented BayFest as more than just a neighborhood celebration. He described it as a way to bring people together, support local businesses, and strengthen community life in Southern Brooklyn.
Water Bill Increase: “Why Is Water Getting More Expensive?”
One of the main issues Novakhov raised was the planned 6% increase in New York City water bills.
He questioned why residents are being asked to pay more, especially after earlier increases. Novakhov argued that working New Yorkers are already under heavy financial pressure and that another water rate hike would take more money out of family budgets and small businesses.
He criticized city spending priorities and connected the increase to what he described as broader mismanagement and political priorities in New York City.
For Novakhov, the water bill issue was not only about water. It was an example of how government costs continue to rise while ordinary residents are expected to pay more.
Noise Cameras and Quality of Life
Novakhov also spoke about loud vehicles, modified mufflers, motorcycles, and the effect of street noise on daily life.
He said many residents are frustrated by cars and motorcycles that make excessive noise, especially at night. While Novakhov said he opposes some traffic enforcement cameras, including 24-hour school-zone speed cameras, he strongly supports noise cameras.
He explained that noise cameras are different because they address a real quality-of-life problem for residents who cannot sleep or enjoy peace in their neighborhoods.
Novakhov also discussed the problem of fake license plates, saying they make enforcement more difficult because many fines cannot be collected. He said he has spoken with local police about the issue and wants more action against vehicles using fake plates.
He encouraged residents to identify the noisiest intersections so those locations can be submitted for possible noise-camera installation.
Schools Without Air Conditioning
Another major subject was the condition of public schools.
Novakhov said it is unacceptable that some New York City schools still do not have air conditioning in every classroom or gym. He said students should not have to miss classes or avoid using school facilities because the buildings become too hot.
He spoke about funding he helped secure for air conditioning at local schools and said he intends to continue supporting similar improvements.
At the same time, Novakhov criticized the high cost of public school projects. He argued that basic work, such as installing air conditioners or renovating bathrooms, often costs far more than it should because of bureaucracy, overregulation, and limited competition in public contracting.
Government Spending and Overpriced Projects
Novakhov repeatedly returned to the issue of government spending.
He gave examples of public projects that, in his view, cost too much and take too long. He argued that New York’s budget is enormous, yet schools still lack basic supplies and facilities.
He said that when simple improvements become extremely expensive, taxpayers have a right to ask where the money is going.
Novakhov called for more transparency, more competition among contractors, and stronger accountability in how public money is spent.
Coney Island Boardwalk: Safety and Reconstruction
Novakhov also discussed the condition of the Coney Island boardwalk, saying residents have complained about dangerous areas where people can trip or fall.
He said he contacted city officials about the need for repairs and was told that a major reconstruction project is being planned for around 2027.
According to Novakhov, the reconstruction may include elevating the boardwalk to better protect it from future storms. He said he will continue monitoring the project and asking officials how the money is being spent.
For Southern Brooklyn residents, the boardwalk is not only a tourist attraction. It is part of daily life, recreation, senior activity, small business traffic, and neighborhood identity.
Autism Awareness and Local Community Service
Novakhov also highlighted an autism awareness walk on the boardwalk and praised a local martial arts instructor who works with children with autism.
He described the instructor as an example of real community service — someone helping families directly and making a positive difference in children’s lives.
This part of his speech emphasized the importance of local people, small organizations, and community leaders who often do important work outside the spotlight.
Republican Message: Voting and Local Responsibility
Toward the end of his remarks, Novakhov spoke about elections and urged residents to register and vote Republican.
He described Republican elected officials and candidates as a “buffer zone” against socialism, chaos, and far-left policies in New York.
Novakhov also criticized politicians who call themselves conservative Democrats, saying voters should look at their actual votes and policy positions rather than campaign labels.
His message to the club was direct: if residents want change in New York, they need to vote and support candidates who represent their values.
A Focus on Everyday Problems in Southern Brooklyn
Novakhov’s speech was focused less on abstract political slogans and more on everyday issues: water bills, noisy streets, fake plates, school air conditioning, overpriced government projects, the Coney Island boardwalk, local festivals, and community services.
For members of the Community First Republican Club, his remarks reflected a broader concern about quality of life in Southern Brooklyn and the need for more accountability in city and state government.
As a regular participant in the club’s meetings, Michael “Misha” Novakhov used the June 18 gathering to update residents, criticize government waste, promote local events, and encourage civic and political participation.
Official Sources and Related Public Information
The following official and primary sources provide background for the issues discussed by Assemblyman Michael “Misha” Novakhov at the Community First Republican Club meeting in Brooklyn on June 18, 2026.
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New York State Assembly — Assemblyman Michael Novakhov, District 45
Official biography and district information for Assemblyman Michael “Misha” Novakhov.
https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Michael-Novakhov -
New York State Assembly — Michael Novakhov Biography
Official Assembly biography page noting that District 45 includes parts of Sheepshead Bay, Midwood, Manhattan Beach, Gravesend, and Brighton Beach.
https://www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=045&sh=bio -
NYC Water Board — Rates and Regulations
Official NYC Water Board page with current and proposed water and sewer rate schedules. This relates to Novakhov’s remarks about rising water bills.
https://www.nyc.gov/site/nycwaterboard/rates/rates-regulations.page -
NYC Department of Environmental Protection — FY 2026 Water Rate Proposal
Official DEP announcement regarding water and sewer rate proposals and public review.
https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/news/25-017/department-environmental-protection-proposes-fiscal-year-2026-water-rate -
NYC Department of Environmental Protection — Noise Camera Enforcement Program Report
Official DEP annual report on New York City’s noise camera enforcement program. This relates to Novakhov’s comments about loud vehicles, modified mufflers, and enforcement.
https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dep/downloads/pdf/air/noise/2025-annual-report-noise-camera-enforcement-program.pdf -
NYC Parks — Coney Island Boardwalk Reconstruction
Official NYC Parks capital project tracker page for Coney Island Boardwalk reconstruction. This relates to Novakhov’s remarks about boardwalk safety and future reconstruction.
https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/6291 -
NYC Mayor’s Office — $1 Billion Coney Island Investment
Official announcement about the city’s major investment in Coney Island, including the Riegelmann Boardwalk restoration project.
https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2025/12/mayor-adams-announces-massive–1-billion-investment-in-redevelop -
NYC School Construction Authority — Capital Plan Reports and Data
Official SCA page for school capital plans and infrastructure reports. This relates to Novakhov’s comments about school air conditioning, repairs, and construction costs.
https://nycsca.org/community/capital-plan-reports-data -
New York State Board of Elections — Register to Vote
Official New York State voter registration information, connected to Novakhov’s call for civic participation.
https://elections.ny.gov/register-vote -
NYC Board of Elections — Register to Vote
Official New York City voter registration page for city residents.
https://vote.nyc/page/register-vote