Thursday, February 28, 2013

Wave Hill Events March 15–March 22


 
Just a reminder that our hours change starting March 15, when we are open until 5:30pm, taking advantage of the increasingly long, lovely days of spring.

SAT, MARCH 16   FAMILY ART PROJECT—PRIMITIVE PRINTS
Primitive Prints/Impresiones primitivas
Search for prints made by critters venturing out into the March mud. Then, with just a few, simple gestures―plus tempera paint and an easy printmaking method―make big, bright, bold prints of your own. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 16    GARDEN WOODWORKING: URBAN BIRD HOUSE WORKSHOP
Construct a multi-tiered birdhouse “condo” with master carpenter and Wave Hill Facilities Manager Frank Perrone. Using basic woodworking tools, assemble a one-of-kind sculptural home for your garden’s avian friends. The finished birdhouse can be mounted on a pole, hung from a tree or enjoyed indoors as a decorative piece. No carpentry experience required. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult. Space is limited. $60 Member/$75 Non-member per project. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.
WAVE HILL WOODSHOP, 10AM–4PM

SAT, MARCH 16    “BEHIND-THE-GREENHOUSE” GARDEN TOUR
Venture through closed doors for a behind-the-scenes garden tour of Wave Hill. Peek inside the Potting Shed, preview the South African bulbs getting ready for their dazzling Palm House debut and get a first look at some of the exciting plants destined for our summer display, with Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

SUN, MARCH 17     FAMILY ART PROJECT—PRIMITIVE PRINTS
Primitive Prints/Impresiones primitivas
Search for prints made by critters venturing out into the March mud. Then, with just a few, simple gestures―plus tempera paint and an easy printmaking method―make big, bright, bold prints of your own. Free with admission to the grounds.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 17    WINTER WORKSPACE: COLOR MIXING AND INTERACTION IN PAINTING
Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Francisco Donoso’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Donoso leads a short discussion on the mixing, interaction and basic properties of color. Participants will use this knowledge to create their own vibrant paintings inspired by the gardens. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. This program also takes place on March 9.
GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–1PM

SUN, MARCH 17    WINTER WORKSPACE: EXPLORING FORM—MOLD MAKING AND CASTING
Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Onyedika Chuke’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. In this mold-making workshop, participants learn about different casting techniques and then create their own molds and casts of both organic and machined forms. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits.
GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 1–4PM

SUN, MARCH 17    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, MARCH 18
Closed to the public.

TUE, MARCH 19    WINTER WORKSPACE: PAINTING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Tessa Grundon’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. The artist will demonstrate how she creates images of the environment using natural materials such as mud and beeswax sourced onsite. Using these techniques, participants will make their own drawings of the local landscape. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended, online, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM
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A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  
ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in March. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.
 
 

NYC Design Commission Recommended Stone Dust for Putnam Trail!


(This came in from Save the Putnam Trail)

The NYC Public Design Commission recommended a STONE DUST surface for the Putnam Trail in May 2010. The Van Cortlandt Park Administrator Margot Perron said that, “strong support for the paved (asphalt) surface by community bike riders was sufficient in judgment of DPR” to overturn the qualified recommendation of the NYC Public Design Commission. Is this really how decisions are made now? Who are these “community bike riders” who make the decisions for the entire community regarding how $2.5 million in taxpayers funds are spent?
 
What happened to the voices of 90% of people who use the trail which include walkers, birders, hikers, runners, nature lovers, and thousands of other ordinary citizens? Why was their opinion not considered?

Ask the NYC Public Design Commission to reopen the review of the Putnam Trail and revert back to their original recommendation of a stone dust surface which is what an overwhelming majority of the community wants. Please ask the NYC Parks Dept. to produce evidence of all of these “community bike riders” who showed overwhelming support for asphalt paving and also ask why other users opinions were not considered.

Please contact the NYC Public Design Commission at this link
http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mailartcom.html




Wednesday, February 27, 2013

COMPTROLLER LIU: PENSION FUNDS INVESTING $500 MILLION IN SANDY REDEVELOPMENT


   Capital Will Rebuild 3,000 Units of Affordable Housing and Help Small Businesses, Mostly in Outer Boroughs

   
City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced that four of the five New York City pension funds have voted to invest $500 million in residential and commercial real estate, focused in areas
affected by Superstorm Sandy. With leverage, it is anticipated that this will result in a $1.5 billion capital infusion for potentially 3,000 units of housing and 150,000 to 200,000 square feet of commercial space.  The investment is pending approval tomorrow by the New York City Fire Department Pension Fund.

“The $1.5 billion rebuilding program will become the bricks and mortar neighborhoods need to rebuild from Sandy’s wrath,” Comptroller Liu said. “This investment demonstrates the steadfast commitment of City employees and retirees to pursue opportunities that are not only expected to deliver strong returns, but also to generate collateral benefits for the communities they call home.”

Comptroller Liu’s Bureau of Asset Management (BAM) has worked aggressively and quickly in the few months since Sandy to bring together the Pension Funds’ capital and local real estate developers to assist in rebuilding stricken neighborhoods.

“Comptroller Liu and the BAM staff have crafted a much-needed investment program that will help the City recover from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and provide solid risk-adjusted returns for the Funds.   I believe this program will prove to be a great benefit for thousands of City residents affected by Sandy,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“I am pleased to vote in support of investing NYCERS pension funds to rebuild New York City neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said District Council 37 Executive Director and NYCERS trustee Lillian Roberts.  “Our members’ hard-earned retirement money, and that of our fellow union brothers and sisters, will rebuild 3,000 units of affordable housing, and create new and refurbished commercial space. This will create hundreds of jobs during the construction phase and in long-term employment in businesses that will locate to this space. I wish to commend my fellow trustees for voting yes to this plan and thank Comptroller Liu and his team for putting it together so quickly.”

Sandy Rebuilding Program
The New York City Pension Funds’ $500 million investment will provide the needed equity for the projects, which are expected to utilize approximately $1 billion of additional loans toward the total $1.5 billion in Sandy-related building projects.

The projects will take shape in the coming months as the money is invested in repairs and construction over the next three years.  The housing restored and rebuilt by the Funds’ investment will be predominantly affordable and the projects selected will be concentrated in the outer boroughs.

The investments will be made by two newly formed partnerships with Related Companies and the Hudson Companies Incorporated, which the Funds will provide with $300 million and $200 million respectively. The Funds are expected earn a risk-adjusted market rate of return on the investments.

The Related investment program will focus on the renovation and reconstruction of housing that was damaged or destroyed by Sandy. The company will use the Funds’ investment in the City’s outer boroughs and low-lying areas of Manhattan. Related will also invest across NYC in multi-family housing in order to increase the overall availability of housing units to NYC residents displaced by Superstorm Sandy, with a priority on rental units. The investment will additionally create a loan program to offer property owners who face shortfalls from insurance proceeds, with funds to restore properties to full function. Related will invest $10 million of its own funds into the overall program.

Hudson will receive $200 million, 80 percent of which will create affordable and market-rate housing in coastal areas zoned A, B, and C that were impacted by Sandy.  Hudson will acquire properties in need of repair and retrofitting. Part of the money will be used to develop properties that incorporate green and flood-prevention design technologies. Another portion of the funds will go toward retail properties. Hudson will invest an additional $8 million into the projects.

Related Companies is headquartered in New York City and has experience in development, acquisitions, management, finance, marketing, and sales.  Related has an existing portfolio of real estate assets valued at over $15 billion.  Over 40 years, Related has demonstrated a commitment to the preservation of affordable housing.

The Hudson Companies Incorporated, which is also based in New York City, is experienced in new construction, building rehabilitation, and development, including “green” building and rehabilitation of historic
properties. The firm’s residential developments span the luxury, middle-income, and subsidized affordable housing markets.

New York City Comptroller John C. Liu serves as the investment advisor to, custodian, and trustee of the New York City Pension Funds. The New York City Pension Funds are composed of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System, Teachers’ Retirement System, New York City Police Pension Fund, New York City Fire Department Pension Fund, and the Board of Education Retirement System. In addition to Comptroller Liu, the New York City Pension Funds’ trustees are:

New York City Employees’ Retirement System: Janice Emery, Mayor’s Representative (Chair); New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio; Borough Presidents: Scott Stringer (Manhattan), Helen Marshall (Queens), Marty Markowitz (Brooklyn), James Molinaro (Staten Island), and Ruben Diaz, Jr. (Bronx); Lillian Roberts, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME; John Samuelsen, President Transport Workers Union Local 100; Gregory Floyd, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.

Teachers’ Retirement System: Janice Emery, Mayor’s Representative; Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm, New York City Department of Education; and Sandra March, Melvyn Aaronson (Chair) and Mona Romain, all of the United Federation of Teachers.

New York City Police Pension Fund: Janice Emery, Mayor’s Representative; New York City Finance Commissioner David Frankel; New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly (Chair); Patrick Lynch, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association; Michael Palladino, Detectives Endowment Association; Edward D. Mullins, Sergeants Benevolent Association; Louis Turco, Lieutenants Benevolent Association; and, Roy T. Richter, Captains Endowment Association.


New York City Fire Department Pension Fund: Janice Emery, Mayor’s Representative; New York City Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano (Chair); New York City Finance Commissioner David Frankel; Stephen Cassidy, President, James Slevin, Vice President, Robert Straub, Treasurer, and John Kelly, Brooklyn Representative and Chair, Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York; John Dunne, Captains’ Rep.; James Lemonda, Chiefs’ Rep., and James J. McGowan, Lieutenants’ Rep., Uniformed Fire Officers Association; and, Sean O’Connor, Marine Engineers Association.

Board of Education Retirement System: Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott; Mayoral: Rosemarie Maldonado, Jeanette Moy, Ian Shapiro, Tino Hernandez, Judy Bergtraum, Freida Foster, Allison Rogovin, and Milton Williams; Patrick Sullivan (Manhattan BP), Kelvin Diamond (Brooklyn BP), Dmytro Fedkowskyj (Queens BP), Robert Powell (Bronx BP) and Diane Peruggia (Staten Island BP); and employee members Joseph D’Amico of the IUOE Local 891 and Milagros Rodriguez of District Council 37, Local 372.


Monday, February 25, 2013

Public Meeting-The Bronx Charter School of Excellenc


The Bronx Charter School of Excellence will be constructing a new facility on 1960 Benedict ave., and converting 2000 Benedict ave. to a community facility.

I invite the community to attend to be informed of how these project will proceed and to voice any questions or concerns.

Location: Community Building, 2000 Benedict Ave., Bronx, NY

Date: Friday, March 1st.,

Time: 6PM

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda-87th District
1973 Westchester Ave
Phone: (718) 931-2620
Bronx, NY 10462


Join us March 11th for the Irish Heritage Luncheon!! MUST RSVP!!

Bronx Chamber Logo       

IRISH HERITAGE LUNCHEON

Monday, March 11th
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
F & J Pine Tavern
Bronx, NY 10462

$30-Members / $40-Future Members

Honorees:
US Congressman Joseph Crowley
Commissioner Robert Walsh, SBS
Kevin McCabe, News 12 The Bronx
James E. McQuade, Owner - Schuyler Hill
Joseph A. McManus,
NY Democratic State Committee 80th AD
Bronx Borough Commander Kevin Butler, FDNY
Virginia Gallagher,
Pilot Cove Manor Housing Development Fund
and more to be announced

Sponsored by:
Verizon Wireless
&
TGI Office Automation

Click Here to register for this event.
For more information, call 718-828-3900 or email Gabrielle@bronxchamber.org



Russian National Ballet performs Giselle at Lehman Center


THE RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET’S
GISELLE
 The Quintessential Romantic Ballet!
AT LEHMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 4pm
"The Russian National Ballet Theatre, Directed by Elena Radchenko, is a cut above many of its rivals.” —The Washington Post
   The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts proudly offers audiences a chance to experience firsthand what makes the Ballet such a magnificent art form with The Russian National Ballet Theatre’s performance of Giselle.  With music by composer Adolphe Adam and choreography by Marius Petipa, Giselle is one of the most celebrated ballets of the Romantic era and the ballet credited with giving Mikhail Baryshnikov his dancing debut.  The company of 50 dancers brings the story of a young peasant girl to life as she enters a world of betrayal, beauty and danger.  The company’s New York City performance is on Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 4pm at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY.
The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded in Moscow during the transitional period of Perestroika in the late 1980s, when many of the great dancers and choreographers of the Soviet Union's ballet institutions were exercising their new-found creative freedom by starting new, vibrant companies dedicated not only to the timeless tradition of classical Russian Ballet but to invigorate this tradition as the Russians began to accept new developments in the dance from around the world. 
“This performance [of Giselle] was great…Each member danced with emotion and style that stayed true to classical ballet while making their role their own.  Their gracefulness, perfect edges and lines demonstrate why the ballet, like opera, is such a powerful art form.  You can feel the emotion in your seat….” – Muncie Gannett
Special ticket price for children 12 and under, $10 any seat
The performance of the Giselle takes place on Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 4pm at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd. W. on the campus of Lehman College in the Bronx.  Tickets cost $40, $35 and $25, and for children 12 and under, $10 any seat.  Tickets can be purchased through 24 hour online access at www.LehmanCenter.org or by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718-960-8833 open Monday & Wednesday-Friday 10am-5pm (closed on Tuesdays) and beginning at 12 noon on the day of the concert.  Lehman Center is accessible by #4 or D train to Bedford Park Blvd., and is right off several major highways, including the Henry Hudson Parkway, the Saw Mill River Parkway and Major Deegan Expressway.  Low-cost on-site parking available for $5.
Lehman Center is supported, in part, with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.  The 2012-2013 season is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, JPMorgan Chase, and through corporations, foundations and private donations.  Special $10 tickets for children are underwritten by Con Edison.

 

BLOOD DRIVE WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY AT JACOBI HOSPITAL


BLOOD DRIVE AT JACOBI
Wednesday, February 27  11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, February 28  9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Atrium (Building 8)
Jacobi Medical Center
1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY, 10461

Call - - 718.918.4055, for more information.

 

2nd Annual African-American Abrazo


By Team Diaz, 
State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblyman Marcos Crespo 85th A.D., and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda 87th A.D.

   Friday night February 22nd was the 2nd Annual African-American Abrazo held by Team Diaz. 
The event opened up with a welcome by Senator Diaz Sr. , and an invocation by Rev. Felecia Smith. The U. S. National Anthem was sung by the New York City Housing Authority Choir, and the Negro National Anthem was sung by the Parkchester Baptist Church Voices of Praise. 

   Ms. Beverly Roberts the Chair of the Advisory Committee said a few words, and introduced the elected officials in attendance. After performances by the Mount Zion Sisters in the Spirit Praise Dancers, and New Tabernacle Praise Dancers the Presentation of proclamations to the Honorees began. the Honorees were Police officer Cleneth A, Davis, Ms. Linda M. Jordan, Ms. Viola Doswell, Master Michael Dean, and Deacon Emeritus Douglas B. Williams.

Left - The NYCHA Choir.
Right - The Parkchester Baptist Church Voices of Praise.


 










Left - Apostle Leeds Jern.
Right the elected officials stand behind the five Honorees for a group photo.

A group shot with City Controller (and candidate for mayor) John Liu (between the two women next to Assemblyman Sepulveda.













Left - Mayoral candidate Rev. Eric Salgado speaks to the crowd.
Right - Councilwoman Letitia James (candidate for Public Advocate) addresses the crowd.














Left - Senator Diaz with City Compotroller and candidate for mayor John Liu with Honoree Police officer Cleneth A. Davis and Rev. Joel Bauza candidate in the 15th council district.
Right - Comptroller Liu and Assemblyman Sepulveda with Community Board 9 member and candidate for the 15th council district William Rivera. Mr. Rivera was key to Assemblyman Sepulveda's victory last year.



Statement from Assemblyman Camara regarding Assemblyman Hikind's Blackface Costume


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Jervonne Singletary
Office of New York State Assemblyman Karim Camara
1216 Union Street Brooklyn, NY
718-771-3105 (o)
718-344-2023 (c)
jervonnes@gmail.com

                             
Statement from Caucus Chair Regarding Assemblyman Hikind’s ‘Blackface’     Costume
                           
 I am deeply shocked and outraged by the insensitive actions of Assemblyman Hikind, to dress as a black basketball player complete with tanned skin and an afro wig. We, as leaders have to be extremely careful that we foster understanding amongst our different cultural groups and not use the images of one as a tool for humor. In speaking with many African Americans both leaders and average citizens, the outrage is widespread. 

The history of the blackface minstrel show is something deeply painful in the African American community. It brings back the memories of African Americans being reduced to “buffoonery” just to gain access to the entertainment industry. The stereotypes embodied in blackface minstrels have played a significant role in cementing and proliferating racist images, attitudes and perceptions, which are still painful and offensive today.

I find the actions of the Assemblyman to be callous and repugnant. At the very least, an apology should be issued to those who found his portrayal objectionable. 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------

This response is on Assemblyman Dov Hikind's blog.
 

It's Purim. People Dress Up.


Yes, I wore a costume on Purim and hosted a party. Most of the people who attended also wore costumes. Everywhere that Purim was being celebrated, people wore costumes. It was Purim. People dress up.

I am intrigued that anyone who understands Purim—or for that matter understands me—would have a problem with this. This is political correctness to the absurd. There is not a prejudiced bone in my body. 
 
 
 

NYLCV To Mayoral Candidates: Don't Backtrack On Solid Waste Management Plan


   The New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make environmental sustainability a top political priority in New York, today called on all mayoral candidates to support the New York City Solid Waste Management Plan in its entirety.
Several mayoral candidates discussed the Solid Waste Management Plan last Friday night at a forum in Manhattan, where it appeared that some candidates have changed their views.
Passed in 2006 with strong support from New Yorkers, city leaders and environmental organizations, the Solid Waste Management Plan revolutionized the way New York handles its garbage. Prior to the plan’s implementation, the overwhelming majority of the city’s garbage was trucked into low-income and minority neighborhoods outside of Manhattan. For decades, those communities faced disproportionate environmental burdens including noise, reduced air quality and odors.
The Solid Waste Management Plan addressed this environmental injustice by requiring each borough to handle its own share of waste. The plan also helped clean the air and reduce quality-of-life complaints by establishing a system of marine transfer stations to reduce truck traffic and transport waste more efficiently. The locations of the marine transfer stations were carefully selected after exhaustive studies and community input.
After many years of debate, the City Council approved the Solid Waste Management Plan in 2006 by a vote of 44 to five.
“It is understandable that no one wants a garbage facility in their neighborhood. But New York cannot go back to the old, inefficient and unfair ways of the past,” said NYLCV President Marcia Bystryn. “The marine transfer stations can be made resilient to higher sea levels without abandoning the Solid Waste Management Plan. We strongly encourage all mayoral candidates to stand their ground and affirm their commitment to this smart, sustainable and equitable system.”

NYLCV was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, policy making and political action organization that works to make environmental protection a top priority with elected officials, decision makers, and voters by evaluating incumbent performance and endorsing and electing environmental leaders to office in New York State.

 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Bronx Parks Speak Out - The Photos.


Here are many photos of the 19th annual Bronx Parks Speak Out held on Saturday at Lehman College.

Left - Margot Perron of Van Cortlandt Park. 
Right - The Con Edison table on green energy.


Left - The Friends of Ferry Point Park.
Right  - Transportation Alternatives.


Left - Mr. I.C. Levenberg at the BCEQ table.
Right - I.C. with some friends in the dinning room.


 











Left - Musicians King Ktakei & Shaka Shabazz. Enlarge the photo to see their sculpture on the table. 
Right - Mr. Dart Westphal speaking out about Bronx parks.

Brandy Cochrane speaking up about building understanding around cultural differences, and learning what parks mean to different cultures looking at the power point presentation.











Left - Mayoral candidates Democrat Sal Abanese (left), No Party candidate Adolfo Carrion Jr (center), Green Party candidate Dr,. Anthony Gronowicz (right).
Right - Current Councilman G. Oliver Koppell 11th district with his staffer Andrew Sandler.

 










The candidates running for the term limited seat of Councilman G. Oliver Koppell.
Left - Community Board 8 Aging Committee Chairman Andrew Cohen sitting with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.
Right - KRVDC treasurer Cliff Stanton (middle) with two attendees. 


Saturday, February 23, 2013

What You Should Know


By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York


I Am Glad I Voted Against It 

You should know that a Manhattan Supreme Court Justice blocked Governor Andrew Cuomo’s attempt to harm New York City’s public schools poor students by cutting $260 Million in education aid.

The Governor’s decision came after the City of New York and the teacher’s union failed to meet a deadline on a deal for a new teacher evaluation system, prompting the Governor to take his vengeance upon the innocent students of those poor, in need and in really bad shape public schools in New York City.

According to the New York Post, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez issued the ruling stopping Governor Cuomo from denying New York City the $260 million in school aid by stating “Innocent students that have no influence over the legislative process or negotiations were potentially placed at risk academically.”  The judge also stated that “there are alternative means of achieving the goal while preserving federal grant funds without the long term affect of financial sanctions on the students.”

You should know that after this ruling, by a Hispanic Supreme Court Judge,  and the setback that it means to Governor Cuomo’s administration, I wonder if this is why Governor Cuomo wants his friends to be appointed to the court system, even if they are not qualified.

Immediately after the ruling, a spokesperson for Governor Cuomo stated that the Governor intends to appeal the ruling of Justice Mendez. Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson, speaking on behalf of the City of New York, according to the Post, stated that: “We have said all along that students should not be penalized for the UFT’s failure to negotiate and our goal has been and continues to be a fair and effective evaluation system.”

You should know that this is a great victory for the New York City Department of Education and the children that it serves.  Mr. Michael Rebell who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the city parents stated that “There’s no point to this penalty anymore. I hope the fact the Governor knows it is going to be solved….would get him and the legislature to reconsider and not impose this penalty.”

Finally, you should know that since the beginning, Governor Cuomo wanted to punish the children of the City of New York and the school system by imposing this penalty. He found a way to include this damage and ill-conceived idea by including it in the budget and forcing legislators to vote for it. I saw it coming, I spoke to my colleagues and asked them not to vote for it, I spoke against it on the Senate floor, nobody listened because it was the Governor’s idea and the Governor was pressuring them.

Praise the Lord because there is justice and someone like Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez, who saw the damage that this cut of funds would have done to the poor and needy children of our communities.  Now, I can rejoice and say I am glad that I voted against it.

I am Senator Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.


SEN. JEFF KLEIN HOSTS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH BREAKFAST

 
   State Senator Jeff Klein joined Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, former New York City Comptroller, Bill Thompson, African-American Community leaders and nearly 300 constituents in celebrating Black History Month at his annual breakfast at Villa Barone Manor today. At the breakfast, the program included a keynote address from former New York City Comptroller, Bill Thompson, musical performances from the Reverend Nathaniel Tyler Lloyd Legacy Choir of Trinity Baptist Church and the presentation of awards to African-American community leaders for their work in the district and beyond.

Senator Klein stated that the event “recognizes the incredible contributions of African-Americans in our community. The contributions of those honored today help shape our communities for the better and I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize them for their incredible efforts. Whether it is working hand in hand with community leaders to empower minority candidates running for office or working to ensure that African-Americans have access to quality health care, schools and employment, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with and work for African-Americans in the Bronx and across New York to uplift all of our communities. I look forward to meeting, working and honoring future leaders in the African-American community for years to come.”

 Event honorees included the Hon. Richard Thomas, Council Member, The City of Mount Vernon, Mr. Lamont Parker, Youth Committee Chair, Bronx Community Board No. 8, Ms. Herma Williams, President, Pelham Parkway Houses Residents Council and Ms. Monique Johnson, President, Throggs Neck Houses Residents Council.

 Senator Klein and keynote speaker, former NYC Comptroller, Bill Thompson with guests at the Black History Month Breakfast this morning.
 Senator Klein stands with honorees at the Black History Month Breakfast. (From L to R): Assemblyman Crespo, Ms. Herma Williams, Ms. Monique Johnson, Senator Klein, Honorable Richard Thomas and Mr. Lamont Parker. 
 Senator Klein, Assemblyman Crespo, and former Comptroller Thompson speak with Honoree Ms. Herma Williams.
 Senator Klein and former Comptroller Thompson give some tips to Candidate for comptroller and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.




KOPPELL OPPOSES CO-LOCATION OF TWO NEW HIGH SCHOOLS IN DEWITT CLINTON BUILDING


A Rose by Any Other Name is Still a Rose 

At a public meeting on February 26, 2013 on DeWitt Clinton’s Future, Council Member Oliver Koppell, a member of the Education Committee, strongly opposed the proposal of the Department of Education to downsize Clinton and co-locate two new high schools in the building.
Initially heartened by the DOE’s decision not to close the school, he soon learned that a rose by any other name is still a rose. “Placing two new high schools in the building is tantamount to ensuring Clinton’s demise,” he said.
“There is no doubt in my mind.” Koppell continued, “that the new high schools will drain Clinton of the more well prepared and motivated students. Clinton will become the “school of last resort” for English Language Learners, “Over the Counter” students and those who are underprepared. Without the resources necessary to help these students, the school’s academic record will plummet, leading to a renewed call for its closure.”
Koppell expressed the opinion that this need not happen. He indicated that funding, support and new leadership could reinvigorate the school. “Improvement can come about,” he stated, “by allocating more teaching and counseling resources, increasing staff development, revising the curricula and enlisting the help of the alumni and neighboring institutions of higher learning,”
Koppell defended the role of the large comprehensive high schools saying that that they offered students a wide choice of courses, extracurricular activities and sports teams.
“The success Clinton has had in the past in its 100 year-old tradition of educating students is predictive of the future success it can have if it is given the necessary support.  I urge the DOE not to give up on Clinton by reallocating its resources and space to other schools, but to bolster it by providing the necessary assistance it needs to become a school of excellence once again,” Koppell concluded.
 
 

LIU: CITY SHOULD BOYCOTT HP IF COMPANY FAILS TO PAY $163 MILLION IT OWES TAXPAYERS


 Cites Company’s ‘Possible Corruption’ in Letter Urging Mayor to Sue

In a letter Wednesday to Mayor Bloomberg, City Comptroller John C. Liu warned that his office may reject future contracts with Hewlett-Packard (“HP,” NYSE: HPQ) if the company fails to reimburse taxpayers for the up to $163 million it owes the City. That bite would hurt HP: City agencies have spent almost a quarter-billion dollars on HP’s products and services over the past three years.
 
“Doing business with the City of New York is a privilege, not a lifetime guarantee,” Liu wrote. “Let’s be clear: HP is not the only vendor the City can use to purchase printers, laptops, and servers. It’s about time we teach companies that their attempts to cheat New York City taxpayers will have serious consequences.”
 
HP owes the City the money for overbilling as a contractor on NYC’s 911 call center project, known as the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP), which is nearly eight years behind schedule and more than $1 billion over budget. A May 2012 audit by the Comptroller’s office found that HP’s work on the 911 call center was so poorly monitored and rife with billing and other errors that Liu referred the matter to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for further review. A new three-month analysis Comptroller Liu’s Audit team conducted of HP’s time and material billings for May 2007, October 2008, and September 2010 found serious billing errors similar to those noted in the 2012 audit report, as well as further instances of improper practices.
 
Liu urged Bloomberg to sue HP to recover the taxpayer funds lost because of HP’s overbilling, and stated that the Comptroller’s Office “will carefully review any HP contract submitted to this office for registration for possible rejection under Section 328(c) of the City Charter on grounds of ‘possible corruption in the letting of the contract or that the proposed contractor is involved in corrupt activity.’”

Bloomberg’s office has repeatedly dismissed the audit’s findings as inaccurate, but its claims that the project came in under budget are false and misleading. The original scope of the call center contract always included a project known as PSAC 2, which later had to be contracted out separately, resulting in millions of dollars of added costs for the City.

“City Hall can’t turn back the clock and undo the gross mismanagement of this project, but it must pursue the consultant to refund our taxpayers for sham billings,” Liu said. “And both the Mayor’s office and the consultant must stop their duplicitous claims that the project came in under budget when in fact it was only half-completed.”
 
The City desperately needs the money to address next year’s budget challenges.

“Last year’s budget was balanced in large part because of the half-billion-dollar settlement with Science Applications International Corporation for its mismanagement and fraud connected with the CityTime project,” Liu wrote. “The nearly $163 million HP owes would help restore the 20 fire companies, more than 30,000 childcare slots, and nearly 1,000 school teachers that face elimination in the upcoming year’s budget.”
 
Background:
 
·         City agencies have spent an average of more than $80 million per year on HP products and services over the past three years.
 
Spending with Hewlett-Packard by City Agency
Rank
Agency
Amount
1
Department of Information Tech & Telecom      --- $137,959,668
$137,959,668
2
Department of Education                                                ---   $54,127,203
$54,127,203
3
School Construction Authority                                  ---   $16,555,001
$16,555,001
4
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene       ---     $6,307,530
$6,307,530
5
Department of Social Services                                    ---     $5,724,500
$5,724,500
6
Department of Citywide Administrative Services - $4,890,044
$4,890,044
7
City University of New York                                      ---     $2,833,593
$2,833,593
8
Department of Environmental Protection          ---     $2,043,821
$2,043,821
9
Department of Homeless Services                        ---     $1,517,867
$1,517,867
10
Fire Department                                                               ---     $1,155,565
$1,155,565
All Other
                                                                                                     ---     $7,448,741
$7,448,741
Total
                                                                                                     ---  $240,563,534
$240,563,534



Data Source: CheckbookNYC.com spending data (1/1/2010 - 12/31/2012)
·         May, 30, 2012, audit report on HP 911 call center project expenditures: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/audits_2012/06-30-12_FM11-107A.shtm
_________________________

Text of the letter from Comptroller Liu to Mayor Bloomberg:

February 20, 2013

Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg 
Mayor               
The City of New York
City Hall
New York, N.Y. 10007

Re:   Hewlett-Packard’s Emergency Communications Transformation Program Overbilling

Dear Mayor Bloomberg,

I write regarding our May 30, 2012 audit of Hewlett Packard’s wrongful overbilling of the City and deficient work on its System Integration Contract for the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP). As we found in our audit, HP used unscrupulous billing and other practices to inflate its charges to the City by up to $163 million. At the time, your spokesman dismissed those findings.

My audit staff recently uncovered new information about HP’s unscrupulous practices that could strengthen the City’s efforts to obtain the maximum recovery from HP. Our new three-month analysis of HP’s time and material billings for May 2007, October 2008, and September 2010 found serious billing errors similar to those noted in the 2012 audit report, as well as further instances of improper practices.

Our office met with the Law Department and apprised it of these findings, which underscore the fact that HP’s wrongful business practices pervaded its contract and reflect not merely gross error, but possibly willful misconduct.

I therefore strongly urge your office and the Corporation Counsel to intensify and accelerate the City’s efforts, through litigation and otherwise, to recover taxpayer funds lost as a result. The Law Department should immediately reflect the results of our post-audit review in its claims and potential litigation against HP, as well as the issues raised in the 2012 audit report. Prompt and aggressive action by the City is needed to recover all of the money HP owes the City and its taxpayers.

The City should immediately review all other agreements it may have or is considering with HP, because the facts call into serious question whether HP qualifies as a responsible vendor with the requisite integrity to receive taxpayer dollars. 

In this regard, please be advised that my office will carefully review any HP contract submitted to this office for registration for possible rejection under Section 328(c) of the City Charter on grounds of “possible corruption in the letting of the contract or that the proposed contractor is involved in corrupt activity.” Moreover, in light of our audit findings, this office intends to freeze future ECTP-related payments to HP.


We must not permit HP to exploit New York City’s taxpayers. Doing business with the City of New York is a privilege, not a lifetime guarantee. Let’s be clear: HP is not the only vendor the City can use to purchase printers, laptops, and servers. It’s about time we teach companies that their attempts to cheat New York City’s taxpayers will have serious consequences.

My audit staff remains available to provide the Law Department with support in our common efforts to substantiate the strongest possible case against HP in order to enable the maximum recovery for the City.  

As you well know, last year’s budget was balanced in large part because of the half-billion-dollar settlement with Science Applications International Corporation for its mismanagement and fraud connected with the CityTime project. The nearly $163 million HP owes would help restore the 20 fire companies, more than 30,000 childcare slots, and nearly 1,000 school teachers that face elimination in the upcoming year’s budget.

While we appreciate the actions your office has taken since to look into HP’s egregious conduct, the clock is ticking. Let’s join forces and work together to recoup these funds.

Sincerely,


John C. Liu