Monday, March 7, 2016

Council Member Andrew Cohen - Dates and Locations for Participatory Budgeting Voting




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ERIN MERRYN’S LAW PASSES STATE SENATE



  Bill would provide sexual abuse education for students from kindergarten through grade eight


State Senators Jeff Klein and David Valesky, announced that Erin Merryn’s law passed the State Senate today, which would help protect children from sexual abuse by providing for age-appropriate awareness and education programs for students from kindergarten through grade eight.

First introduced by members of the Independent Democratic Conference in 2012, the Senate passed the bill this year on the heel of federal legislation that would provide funding to the State for its implementation.  Despite the bill having passed the Senate every year since its introduction, it has yet to pass the Assembly.

“No child should ever have to suffer these kinds of horrible abuses in silence. With Erin Merryn’s Law, we will ensure that our children are equipped with the information that they need to help another child, or to seek the help they need. I urge my colleagues in the legislature to join the IDC, Erin Merryn, and numerous advocates in fighting to give a voice to every child who may be suffering - we can make Erin Merryn’s Law a reality in New York,” said Senator Klein.

“State law in New York already requires that we educate our children on abduction - it is high time that we updated it to ensure that we are also educating our children on sexual abuse awareness and prevention. New York now has the opportunity to join the 26 other states that have prioritized protecting their children from sexual abuse. I am proud to join Senator Klein, the IDC, and Erin Merryn in calling for the implementation of this much-needed legislation,” said Senator Valesky.

As a child, Merryn was abused by both a neighbor and a family member. She stayed silent due to a combination of threats from her abusers, and the lack of knowledge about available help. Now, it is her mission to give a voice to every child who may be suffering.

In 2012, the IDC released a report on the need for Erin Merryn’s law, as well as the economic impact that sexual abuse has on the state. “Erin Merryn’s Law: Breaking the Silence” estimated that in New York, the immediate financial effects caused by child sexual abuse is estimated to cost the State over $211 million, with ten times as much cost in long term impact.

Implementing an age-appropriate program for young students would give critically important information to victims – many of whom do not know there is a way out of their horrific situation.

“Erin Merryn’s Law recognizes that children themselves need to be not only aware of the dangers that exist in our society but provided with information and support to aid in avoiding abuse, exploitation and abduction. Too many times, we have seen the devastating results that lack of awareness and/or understanding of the dangers and warning signs of abuse, exploitation and abduction have had on our children and families. This legislation will help provide our communities with the tools to combat these terrible crimes,” said Randi Bregman, Executive Director of Vera House, Inc.

“The McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center does a tremendous amount of community education and education in schools focusing on child abuse prevention programming. The impact of education on children is immense, because we want to make sure they know what to do and how to keep themselves safe. We know that in the schools where we provide education, we regularly have one or two children who come forward after learning through our program. The McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center believes strongly in Erin Merryn's law, because we need to ensure that every single child is getting this education and the tools they need,” said Linda Cleary, Executive Director of the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center.

The bill is currently carried  in the Assembly by Assemblyman Dinowitz.

SENATOR KLEIN & THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN HOST FREE HOME GARDENING PROGRAM



  State Senator Jeff Klein kicked off a series of free home gardening classes at The New York Botanical Garden on Saturday.

During the first class “The Fundamentals of Home Gardening,” instructor Daryl Beyers discussed feeding, mulching, planting, pruning, watering, and weeding. Students also learned about soil and composting. Throughout the series, NYBG horticulture experts will teach participants about the basics of gardening, vegetable growing in various spaces, and budget-friendly gardening techniques.

“We are lucky to have the renowned New York Botanical Garden within our district. Gardening has been proven to be therapeutic, improve property values, and add to the beauty of our communities. That’s why I am proud to partner with the Garden to provide this free program to the constituents of the 34th State Senate District,” said Senator Klein.

“The New York Botanical Garden is pleased to continue this partnership with Senator Jeff Klein to deliver the highly successful Home Gardening Program to residents of the 34th Senatorial District. For many years in the past, this series of seminars highlighted simple gardening techniques which help keep communities green and beautiful, and we are honored to provide a fresh set of programs in collaboration with Senator Klein," said Aaron Bouska, Vice President of Government and Community Relations, The New York Botanical Garden.


Bronx Borough President Invites you to Celebrate Irish Heritage Month



Bronx Borough President
Ruben Diaz Jr.
Invites you to His Annual
Irish Heritage Month Celebration
The Rambling House
4292 Katonah Ave
Bronx, New York
     Wednesday, March 16, 2016 
    12 noon until 3pm
Mistress of Ceremonies
PIX 11 News
Mary Murphy
Reporter 
        

Seating is Limited. RSVP is Required


City of New York Announces Record Job Growth



   Total Number of Jobs Reaches All-Time High
 
Job Growth Since Mayor de Blasio Took Office is Largest Two Year Jump in New York City History

The City of New York today announced that based on an analysis of seasonally adjusted job numbers for January 2016 provided by the New York State Department of Labor, New York City has reached a record 4.29 million total jobs.  Additionally, the data confirm that the average number of jobs added since Mayor de Blasio took office in January 2014 through December 2015 was 249,000, the largest two year job gain in New York City History.  The City added 35,400 private sector jobs in January 2016, with largest growth demonstrated in the Educational Services field.  The City’s unemployment rate is down nearly three percentage points since Mayor de Blasio took office.
 
"The incredible growth we're seeing shows we can make our economy stronger and more fair at the same time," said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen. "We're making strategic investments in fast-growing fields with good-paying jobs and real career pathways for New Yorkers."

“These numbers reflect what we’re seeing on the ground. More businesses launching and growing here in New York City. More New Yorkers finding good jobs in all five boroughs,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Maria Torres-Springer. “And with the de Blasio administration making major investments in industries like technology, design, and advanced manufacturing, we’re primed for even greater job growth in neighborhoods throughout the city.”
 
During the previous 12 months ending in January 2016, New York City gained 107,000 jobs, an increase of 3.0 percent, compared to the national growth rate of 2.2 percent.  The strongest employment gains since December 2013 are in Health Care & Social Assistance and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services.


Editor's Note: 

If the picture is so rosey with such good job growth, why is the mayor asking city agencies to be prepared to cut jobs by as much as five percent?


Our Black and Hispanic Children Remain Left Behind by NYC’s “Ivy League” High Schools


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz



  You should know that our Black and Hispanic children have little or no opportunity to be accepted and enrolled in the best public high schools in the City of New York.

According to an article written by Carl Campanile, “DROP IN BLACK, LATINO KIDS AT BEST SCHOOLS,” that appeared in the March 5, 2016 edition of the New York Post, Asian and White students in New York City’s public school system are being treated better and given greater chances than our Black and Hispanic students to attend our best high schools.
You should already know that throughout the City of New York, there are schools called Specialized High Schools. Among them are: Bronx High School of Science, Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Tech, Staten Island Tech, High School of Math at City College, HS of American Studies at Lehman College, Queens HS for Science at York College, and Brooklyn Latin School.
Those “Ivy League” Public High Schools are packed with Asian and White students with a minimal quota of Black and Hispanic students.
Mr. Campanile wrote: “Blacks (27 percent) and Hispanics (40 percent) combined account for more than two-thirds of city public-school students, but only 8.9 percent of those kids are admitted to the top high schools … The dearth of minorities in each magnet school was startling.”
It is so unfair and irresponsible for any of our leaders to fight against Charter Schools and further deny the excellent educational opportunities that Black and Hispanic children receive in New York City’s Charter Schools.
When you compare the enrollment of Black and Hispanic children in New York City’s Charter Schools to New York’s “Ivy League” Public High Schools, those figures are an embarrassing contrast to each other.  You can see that about 90% of the Charter School students are Black and Hispanic, and less than 10% of the “Ivy League” Public High Schools are Black and Hispanic.
According to the NY Post, the NYC Department of Education sources show the following acceptance rates for New York’s “Ivy League” High Schools:
Out of the 8,062 Asian test takers, 2,741 (34%) were accepted.
Out of the 4,729 White test takers, 1,386 (29.3%) were accepted.
Out of the 6,070 Hispanic test takers, 320 (5.3%) were accepted.
Out of the 5,914 Black test takers, 210 (3.6%) were accepted.
As you can see, it is nearly impossible for Black and Hispanic students to get accepted into these “Ivy League” Public High Schools.  But we all know that more than 90% of Black and Hispanic children enrolled as students in our Charter Schools are given educational opportunities to succeed and compete in college and in the world.
My suggestion to my Black and Hispanic colleagues in government who fight against Charter Schools is to take a close look at these statistics and realize how detrimental their actions really are.  
They should stop opposing the quality educational opportunities that Charter Schools provide for our Black and Hispanic children and instead, concentrate their energies and efforts to make sure that the "Ivy League" Public High Schools give Black and Hispanic children the same opportunities that they give others.
I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

Editor's Note:

  Just how long has State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr, been in office? He first is awakened to this now. Where has he been all the years he has been in elected office, and as a parent. Also just what did he do to change this over the years he has been in office?  

Sunday, March 6, 2016

100 PERCENT SATURDAY MARCH 5, 2016


100 PERCENT
By Robert Press

Trump - Kasich

    After today's results from the Republican primaries and caucuses the call for Rubio and Kasich to drop out has come from both Donald Trump and Ted Cruz the two front runners in the Republican Presidential race. However the anybody but Trump or Cruz Republican establishment may have to settle for Trump or Cruz as the candidate for president. What the Republican establishment however can get would be the Vice-President candidate along with several key cabinet positions in a deal with either Trump or Cruz. That could be the reason that Rubio and Kasich are still in the race to make sure that neither Trump or Cruz can get to the magic number of 1,237 delegates needed to be automatically nominated. 1,612 delegates are available, and currently Trump has 382, Cruz has 300, Rubio has 128, and Kasich has 35, with about 736 delegates left to gather. However those delegates who were chosen to a candidate who is no longer in the race are also available to those candidates left in the race. That would mean that only Trump or Cruz would have any chance of making it on the first ballot, thus a Trump - Kasich ticket would be the best case scenario for almost all in the Republican Party. 
   In local races, the Bronx Democratic County organization has come out with an endorsement of Keith Wright one day after Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie had endorsed candidate Wright to replace Charlie Rangel in Congress. It was the worse kept secret as everyone knew that Heastie was going to endorse Wright for Wright's support in becoming the new Speaker of the State Assembly. Score two now for not so new Assembly Speaker Heastie, with the first one being the nomination and easy victory of New Bronx DA Darcel Clark. 
  Bronx State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Bronx Assemblyman Victor Pichardo endorsed State Senator Adriano Espaillat last week, while Bronx Assemblyman Jose Rivera has endorsed Adam Powell to replace Rangel in congress. So much for party unity in the Bronx, and it looks like there may be more defection from the Bronx Democratic County organization in endorsements from others in the Northwest Bronx in this congressional race. 
    This is a big week for events as two are scheduled for Wednesday. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce holds its Irish Heritage Luncheon from 12 - 4 PM at the Rambling House located at 4292 Katonah Avenue in Woodlawn. RSVP to the BCC at 718-828-3900. Wednesday evening Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosts his Greek Heritage Celebration from 6 - 8 PM at St. Peter the Apostle Greek Orthodox Church located at 3245 Kingsbridge Avenue. RSVP to the BP's office at 718-590-3989. Thursday March 10th Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. celebrates Women's History Month at Scavello's on the Island located at 101 City Island Avenue with special guest speaker Ms. Coline Jenkins. Breakfast is being served from 11 AM - 12:30 PM as the program begins at 12:45 PM. RSVP to the BP's office at 718-590-3522. Friday March 11th is the TEAM DIAZ Annual Abrozo Garifuna being held at Maestro's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue from 7PM - 12 AM. This is an invitation only event and you can call the district offices of State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. at 718-991-3161, Assembly members Michael Blake at 718-538-3829, Marcos Crespo at 718-893-0202, or Luis Sepulveda at 718-931-2620 for an invitation. Saturday March 12th Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj is hosting a Women of Distinction Breakfast at the Pelham Bay Diner located at 1920 E. Gun Hill Road. from 9:30 - 11:30 AM. The honorees include Marissa Soto ESQ., Ms. Diane Cerino, Ms. Andrea Siegel, Ms. Avril Francis, and Ms. Barbara Stronzer. RSVP to Assemblyman Gjonaj's office at 718-409-0109. Please note that the seating is limited at all the events listed so please call the phone numbers listed and make reservations if you plan to attend any of them. 
     If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on this blog, you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.   

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Council Member Cohen, Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, Senator Jeff Klein and Community Board 8 Host Health & Wellness Fair





Above - Councilman Andrew Cohen, Community Board 8 Chairman Dan Padernacht, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and State Senator Jeff Klein are joined by a few of the many visitors that attended the Health and Wellness Fair held at Vladeck Hall. The site is in all three elected officials districts, and in Bronx Community Board #8, who were joint co-sponsors of the event.  
Below - The three elected officials are joined by a representative of Thrive NYC. Thrive NYC was one of the many exhibitors at the health and wellness fair. 




Above and Below - Some more of the exhibitors who had information tables at the health and wellness fair. 



Bronx County Democrats Back Keith Wright for Congress



Keith Wright: Democrat for Congress

Big news, Bronx County Democrats 
Back Keith Wright!




Friday, March 4, 2016

Inva Mula; Diva in New York



Artistic Promotions, Inc. Presents:
Inva Mula
Diva in New York


Gala concert with the International  star 
Albanian soprano
Date:  Sat. March 26, 2016
Venue:  Town Hall NYC at 123 43 Rd. St. New York
Time:  7:30 PM
 Pianist  
Genc Tukici

Symphonic orchestra conductor
Maestro Bujar Llapaj
Guest performances
Deshira Ameti Kerliu, Soprano
Kreshnik Zhabjaku, Baritone
Riad R. Ymeri, Tenor
Tickets on Ticketmaster as:
Inva Mula in New York
$62-$102

For full information please check this website:artistispromotions.org/events



Croton Filter Project - Croton FMC Meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2016



   The Croton FMC will next meet on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7pm at the DEP Croton office, 3660 Jerome Ave, Bronx 10467.  An agenda will be forwarded when it is available.

  Special Note: The meetings of the CFMC are normally held on Thursday night, but Thursday March 24th falls on Holy Thursday. In order to allow for more participation the date was changed to Tuesday March 22nd. 


News From State Senator Jeff Klein



KLEIN BILL TO  SENTENCE VANDALS TO CLEAN UP THEIR OWN HANDIWORK PASSES SENATE & WOULD ENHANCE GRAFFITI PENALTIES

Legislation would create new Class-E felony &
require diversity education for hate-fueled graffiti


State Senator Jeff Klein announced that his comprehensive bill to clean up graffiti passed the State Senate today.

The legislation (S.849) would take a multi-faceted approach to tackling vandalism by enhancing penalties through the creation of a new, heightened crime — making graffiti in the first degree. The crime would address graffiti that promotes gang activity or is placed on religious property, making it a Class-E felony.

“Graffiti creates blight, damages property, and causes financial hardship for business owners and the community. My legislation will provide relief to graffiti victims, while giving these vandals an up-close look at the damages that they caused. By allowing judges to order vandals to clean up their own mess, allowing for diversity education to counteract hate-fueled graffiti, and creating a new Class-E felony for graffiti that encourages gang activity or targets religious property, this multi-faceted approach combats every aspect of this ever-rising crime,” said Senator Klein.

The bill would also hold vandals directly accountable to their victims, and require diversity education for hate-fueled graffiti. In order to ensure that vandals fully comprehend the severity of their crime, this legislation would allow a judge to sentence a vandal to clean and repair the property they damaged. Additionally, the bill allow a judge to require a vandal to complete a diversity training program for graffiti that is used as a tool of harassment based on race, religion, gender or other related factors.

The bill passed the Senate by an overwhelming majority, and has been sent to the Assembly where it is carried by Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN LAUNCHES COUNTDOWN TO FITNESS
coutndowna.jpg

State Senator Jeff Klein and Urban Health Plan launched the Spring Countdown to Fitness program at Harding Park Community Center on Thursday. Over 100 people participated.
“The Bronx bears the dubious distinction of being the unhealthiest county in New York State and we must change that. I’m proud that through my grant, Urban Health Plan is bringing an exciting fitness program to our residents. Countdown to Fitness, which is free of charge, promotes increased physical activities, offers healthy cooking demonstrations, and encourages participants to adapt to a healthier lifestyle through educational seminars. Last year’s evaluations reflected significant improvement in healthy lifestyle habits for the participants, and I’m confident that we’re going to see the same positive results over the next ten weeks,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

Senator Klein allocated $50,000 in state funding for this ten-week fitness and wellness program held by Urban Health Plan, which kicked off in the fall. The spring Countdown just started with twice-a-week sessions.

Participants take Zumba, kickboxing and dance classes; learn how to make healthy and delicious recipes like baked apples, sauteed cauliflower and cucumber blueberry salad; and learn about immunizations, heart disease, cancer screenings and stress management.

As the program kicks off, baseline metrics are taken (blood pressure screening, weight check-in, and body mass index measurement) and at the conclusion those personal health statistics help each participant assess their success.  Last year’s evaluations reflected significant improvement in healthy lifestyle habits for the participants.

CITY COUNCIL HOUSING COMMITTEE HOLDS PRELIMINARY BUDGET HEARING



DOB and HPD play critical roles in fixing New York's housing crisis

   Today, the New York City Council's Committee on Housing and Buildings, chaired by Council Member and Deputy Leader Jumaane D. Williamsheld a preliminary budget hearing to review the financial priorities of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Department of Buildings (DOB).

HPD and DOB play a critical role in addressing the housing crisis. The allocation of funding to both agencies has a tangible effect on programs and policies designed to support tenants, protect all New Yorkers, and create and preserve affordable housing.

"The decisions made in this budget will have real impacts on families throughout New York City," said Council Member Williams. "We have an opportunity to use the budget to impact the affordable housing crisis and address the fears, frustrations and concerns New Yorkers have about displacement and the future of our communities. Preserving and creating affordability is the top concern for New Yorkers and we must make sure it's prioritized."

The central concern at today's hearing was ensuring both HPD and DOB are provided with the necessary resources to prioritize the needs of our communities. The hearing covered the Fiscal 2017 Preliminary Operating and Capital Budgets for HPD and the Fiscal 2017 Preliminary Operating Budget for DOB.

The Committee examined all components of HPD's $876.2 million dollar expense budget, and $3 billion dollar City Capital Commitment Plan, along with details and progress related to Mayor de Blasio's Housing Plan. Council Member Williams also questioned HPD with regards to state issuance of tax-exempt bonds, 421a, J-51, vacant lots, Mitchell Lama housing and other topics.

The Department of Housing Preservation and Development works to maximize the production and preservation of affordable housing for low- and moderate income families in New York City by enforcing housing quality standards, financing the development of housing development and preservation, and ensuring sound management of the City's affordable housing stock. In conjunction with these housing objectives, the Department supports a comprehensive community development agenda by conveying City owned properties, both occupied and vacant, to responsible private owners, while promoting retail development, homeownership initiatives, and productive community
partnerships.

The Department's Fiscal 2017 Preliminary Budget is $123.2 million more than the
Fiscal 2016 Adopted Budget of $753 million. The increase is primarily due to new staffing needs associated with administration; preservation unit; the development unit; the division of neighborhood strategies, and funding for building façade and elevator repairs.

It is imperative that HPD's budget fosters the creation and preservation of affordable homes. From January 1, 2014 to December 2015, HPD financed the creation and preservation of more than 40,204 affordable units citywide. More than 75 percent of the units financed to date were for extremely low, very low, and low-income families, affordable to households with annual incomes of $62,150 and below. A further 9,227 units were financed for moderate and  middle-income households. To date, Brooklyn has the most units constructed and preserved, for a total of 11,847 units from Fiscal 2014-2016.About 75 percent of the units financed for extremely low income households are located in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Similarly, about 65 percent of the units financed for very low-income and low income households are located in the Bronx and Brooklyn. If Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) is passed by the Council, the program is expected to impact and increase the number of newly constructed units developed.

The Committee also evaluated the DOB's $155.4 million dollar expense budget and received updates on the Department's progress related to the Building One City initiative. Council Member Williams questioned DOB further on how the intended goals of the initiative relate to the extremely concerning rise in construction related incidents, injuries and fatalities.

The Department of Buildings ensures the safe and lawful use of more than one million buildings and properties by enforcing the City's Building Code, the City's Zoning Resolution, New York State Labor Law, and New York State Multiple Dwelling Law. The Department enforces compliance with these regulations through plan examinations, permitting, property inspections, and licensing functions. Anyone who intends to demolish, alter, or build an addition to an existing structure or erect a new structure must obtain a building permit from DOB to ensure that the resulting property structure complies with all applicable laws.

The Building One City initiative was introduced in the Fiscal 2016 Executive Budget and was comprised of several initiatives and actions to streamline online operations and reduce processing times for construction applications, strengthen proactive enforcement tools, and expedite inspections to speed the review process for new affordable housing production. These actions provided about $40 million in new funding, approximately 320 new positions and $120 million in new resources over the next four years. Comparatively, this year, the Department has implemented only marginal changes in the Preliminary Plan.

DOB collects revenue from the issuance of licenses and permits, charges for services such as inspection fees, and fines for late filings. In recent years, DOB has implemented several revenue generating initiatives, including improved service delivery in enforcement and development areas and implementing an online inspection program. These actions have resulted in a significant increase in the Department's ability to collect revenue. In Fiscal 2017, the agency expects to generate $220.2 million in revenue, while total expenditures are projected to be $155.4 million.

The budget for HPD and DOB provides an important opportunity to ensure we are using all available tools to alleviate the affordable housing crisis.

Break the ice and shake hands with a police officer – a friend



C. E. P. B. A

Community, Education, Political and Business Alliance

Break the ice and shake hands with a police officer – a friend

  CEPBA (Community, Education, Political and Business Alliance) Founder/President Johnnie Goff created a new innovative program initiative for the Junior High School students of Community School District #11, “Shaking Hands with a Friend – a Police Officer.”  Ms. Goff approached Inspector Stevenson and the Community Officer Belle of the 47th Precinct, inviting them to participate, and they agreed.

  On March 3, 2016, in front of the Sousa Campus (MS142), Principal Shawn Mangar along with Ms. Goff and Inspector Stevenson and about 30 officers came out and shook hands with about 300 students from the three schools inside the Sousa Campus Building. “This event was awesome,” said Ms. Goff. “It provided an opportunity for meaningful police-student interactions, and I’m proud of everyone who participated.”

  CEPBA is a voluntary association of non-affiliated individuals as well as organizational representatives that choose to mobilize their unique resources and those of the communities across City Council District #12 and the Northeast Bronx to advance the educational opportunities of their youth and, in turn, the generational empowerment of the concerned and engaged local citizenry. CEPBA has linked up with other organizations such as the Men’s Group from Butler Memorial Church, Rain Eastchester Senior Center and other businesses to establish a positive relationship with the Northeast Bronx Community.

  Ms. Goff the Program Coordinator has set up another Hand Shaking Program at the Richard Green Campus (MS113), 3710 Barnes Avenue, Bronx NY 10467 on March 8, 2016 at 2:00pm.

  Our follow-up event will be our symposium to be held at the Al Tuitt Campus, 921 East 227 Street, Bronx, NY, 10466, First Floor, on Saturday April 9, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

KLEIN & TORRES REVEAL SHOCKING NYCHA DAMAGE SURVEY



  Low-income residents languish in rotting apartments waiting up to five years for repairs


Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein and New York City Council Public Housing Chair Ritchie Torres stood with advocates and residents to reveal the results of a shocking NYCHA damage survey today.

The Offices of Senator Klein and Councilman Torres, with assistance from the Office of Senator Diane Savino, conducted an extensive survey of NYCHA tenants across the city. The resulting report, “NYCHA 2020: Revitalizing New York City’s Crumbling Public Housing,” exposes disturbing mold-infested units, crumbling ceilings and broken intercoms, with families sometimes waiting for as long as five years for repairs.

“Our report, “NYCHA 2020: Revitalizing New York City’s Crumbling Public Housing” only confirms what we’ve said before: NYCHA is the City’s worst landlord. These are tenants who pay rent and want to take pride in their homes -  no one should be expected to languish in a mold-infested home, with leaking ceilings and paint peeling from the walls. We cannot sit back while damage is done to our best affordable housing stock. That is why we are proposing the NYCHA 2020 Public Housing Revitalization Plan, which would increase funding to provide safe, healthy conditions to residents, while reforming NYCHA’s operations and increasing transparency. NYCHA’s system may be broken, but we are ready to fix it,” said Senator Klein.

“These devastating survey findings add to the body of evidence that show state disinvestment in NYCHA has significant impact on residents’ health, safety and well-being. While the findings and statistics are alarming, they are not surprising. Without State support for NYCHA, residents will continue to suffer in their apartments and buildings will deteriorate. It is imperative that the State not only include funding for NYCHA in this year’s budget but also push for the Authority to be accountable for completing critical repair projects. As the single biggest provider of affordable housing in the City, we cannot allow NYCHA’s buildings to fall down around us,” said Councilman Torres.

Over 200 residents were surveyed via a door-to-door to questionnaire where residents were asked  about NYCHA’s responsiveness to complaints and the agency’s manner of communication and the physical conditions in apartments and buildings were extensively documented.

Dangerous Disrepair

The report further details the dangerous disrepair of NYCHA buildings. Over 63 percent of surveyed residents reported something damaged or broken in their unit - crumbling walls, peeling paint, falling bathroom and kitchen ceilings, and dysfunctional intercoms. Half of tenants who described a broken intercom have had the problem for over five years.

The extensive damage of units and buildings ultimately impacts the safety and health of residents. During the survey, staff documented egregious violations in building common areas, photographing exposed electrical wiring, mold, and peeling paint.

Residents reported that they felt unsafe in their buildings, with 51 percent saying their building’s condition made them feel unsafe. Of those surveyed, 25.4 percent rated their building as “bad or terrible” and 31.7 percent rated it as “unsatisfactory.”

Mold - Infested Units

The survey illustrates the dangerous mold problems prevalent in many NYCHA apartments, with over 60 percent of tenants surveyed reporting a current or past mold issue. Disturbingly, 18.8 percent of tenants said their complaints were never responded to, while 21.7 percent indicated that they were forced to live with mold while maintenance took over a month to respond. Approximately three-quarters of NYCHA tenants - nearly 74 percent - reported that the mold grew back.

Studies have shown that mold exacerbates asthma and other respiratory conditions. Fifty percent of respondents noted that someone in their household had asthma, with another 30 percent describing other breathing problems.

Calls for Help

Staff also surveyed residents about the responsiveness of NYCHA. When they called for help, residents reported that they received responses with incorrect information 79.2 percent of the time.

Forty-two percent of tenants said that NYCHA did not provide updates as to when a building-wide issue would be fixed, and 66.9 percent said that any information that was provided was wrong.

One mother of two autistic children told surveyors that during storms paint chips rain from her ceiling, leaving her to scramble to clean them before her children can eat the poisonous fragments.

Another resident testified that his mother, a senior citizen, had repeatedly complained about her leaking roof. Maintenance would make shoddy repairs occasionally, but the problem was never properly fixed. She passed away before the roof ever stopped fully leaking.

Revitalizing NYCHA

Last year, the IDC, under the leadership of Senator Klein, was able to secure $100 million in funding to NYCHA. This year, the NYCHA 2020 Public Housing Revitalization Plan would provide $100 million in state funding, with another $100 million in matching City funds. In order for NYCHA to receive the funding, the Authority would be required to adopt a revitalization plan with clearly specified goals and accountability.

To address future funding, future surplus funds from the Battery Park City Authority would be dedicated to NYCHA. Over a decade, this would bring an additional $400 million to NYCHA, according to New York City Comptroller estimates.

Senator Klein additionally sponsored legislation that would build increased transparency by giving the New York City Council oversight, so that the Council is able to demand information about the ongoing conditions of NYCHA buildings.

Another tier in the proposal would establish the NYCHA Repair Certificate Program to provide incentives to private developers to complete critical capital repairs to NYCHA developments in exchange for increased development rights. The program would also simultaneously identify training opportunities for NYCHA tenants, to provide meaningful career development for low-income residents.

“Last year, the IDC was successful in securing $100 million for repairs to NYCHA, but we need more to fix the nightmare conditions that these tenants are forced to live with. We can not leave human beings to live in this deplorable state. That is why we are proposing another $100 million for critical repairs, with increased oversight and transparency. I have been proud to fight for NYCHA residents in the past, and I am proud to continue to work to ensure that these tenants can live in clean, safe, affordable homes,” said Senator Savino.