Thursday, April 7, 2016

Join BronxWorks in a 5K Multi-Charity Event - All Non-Profits Will Raise New Revenue





Join BronxWorks in a 5K Multi-Charity Event
All Non-Profits Will Raise New Revenue
 
 
LUNCH INFORMATION SESSION
When: Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 12:30 p.m.
Where: BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center
1130 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456
 
 
The Generosity Series of multi-charity 5K Run/Walks is an integrated peer to peer fundraising platform that's making fundraising better, easier and more predictable. Our Charity Partners raise funds at a rate of five times higher than the industry average. Our company handles all event logistics and your non-profit receives customized bibs, T-shirts and medals for your participants with your logo. Learn how your non-profit can raise money by joining the Bronx 5K run/walk event to be held Sunday, June 26, 2016 in Van Cortlandt Park.
 
Here's a 2-minute video clip from one of our events:www.youtube.com/watch?t=2&v=A9HYmv5FTgA
 
The Generosity Series website: www.generosityseries.com
 
Please contact Julie at julie@generosityseries.com or 718-506-9777 x507

Phil Cardone
 Grants & Events Director
 Bronx Chamber of Commerce
"The Network For Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's Sanitation Forum- April 21, 2016



Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's
Legal Series Forum  
Join us for our first Legal Forum on

 NYC Sanitation Guidelines 

Thursday, April 21, 2015
6 pm to 8 pm

Bronx House
990 Pelham Parkway South
Bronx, N.Y. 10461

For more information, please contact the office of 
Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj

Greenway Day - Next Sunday, April 17th



Sunday, April 17, 2016
Riverdale Station Park
254th Street and the River
1-3pm
Event
will feature music, food, children's activities and more right alongside the beautiful Hudson River!

Community Members are urged to attend the upcoming 
Community Board 8 Greenway Meeting
April 13, 7:30pm
Riverdale Y 


Ride Safe! Fun, Food and Motorcycle Safety Day Sponsored by Empire Harley Davidson and the Jacobi Trauma Service



Ride Safe!
Fun, Food and Motorcycle Safety Day
Sponsored by Empire Harley Davidson and the Jacobi Trauma Service

Saturday, April 30th v 12 Noon - 4 PM
Empire Harley Davidson
8 Industrial Lane, New Rochelle, NY 10805

·         Jacobi Trauma Service Injury Prevention Program and Emergency Medicine
·         Empire State Motorcycle Safety Education Program
·         Biker Down! - Tips For Riders On The Scene
·         Safe Riding Techniques and Demonstration by the New Rochelle Police Department Motorcycle Unit
·         Safety Gear Demo
·         BBQ and Music
·         Raffles and Giveaways
--

Carmen De La Rosa Launches Campaign for 72nd Assembly Seat of Assemblyman Linares



  Chief of Staff to Council Member Rodriguez Ready to Fight for Equal Pay for women, Quality Education, Increased Access to Healthcare and to Preserve Affordable Housing

    Carmen De La Rosa, Chief of Staff to NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, announced her candidacy for the 72nd Assembly District on Thursday, saying she would be a strong voice in Albany, especially in a community lacking in female elected leadership. Carmen De La Rosa, a district leader for the 72nd AD and experienced staffer who rose through the offices of Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell and Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, announced that she is ready to fight for the community where she was raised and is now raising her young daughter, bringing a fresh, progressive voice to the table uptown.
"This candidacy is about bringing a new, progressive voice to Albany, strengthening the representation of women in our uptown community and throughout our state," said Carmen De La Rosa, Assembly Candidate for the 72nd Assembly District. "Our communities in Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill face challenges when it comes to access to reproductive healthcare, quality schools and affordable housing, but I am ready to take these challenges head on and fight for the neighborhoods I have called home my entire life."
Carmen De La Rosa was raised in Inwood, attending elementary and middle school at St. Jude's, before going to High School at Mother Cabrini on Fort Washington Avenue. She was proudly the first person in her family to attend college, graduating from Fordham University with a degree in Political Science.
She entered government as a Community Liaison to Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell, working with the Upper West Side community on issues of improved senior care, fighting co-locations in local schools and affordable housing preservation, while learning the functions of a state Assembly office. She then returned to work for her community at the office of Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, serving as his legislative, policy & budget director, focusing on college affordability and the disparities in enrollment at higher education institutions for students of color.
In 2014, Carmen was appointed Chief of Staff to Council Member Rodriguez, playing an instrumental role in the passage of nearly a dozen bills related to Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero initiative, as well as supporting countless neighborhood institutions from senior centers to after school programs to social service providers. It was in this role that Carmen gained a firm understanding of the true needs of the uptown community and how to address them, through legislative action, smart, progressive budgeting and fierce advocacy.
Carmen now stands prepared to take on Albany to fight for Equal Pay for women, more resources for our grossly underfunded schools and to preserve the affordable housing so treasured in northern Manhattan.
"It is appalling that in 2016, women are paid so much less for equal work," said Carmen De La Rosa. "I am ready to take this fight to the finish line for the hard working women of Washington Heights. I also recognize the plight that so many working families uptown face when our schools are underfunded and our affordable housing stock faces pressure from rising rents and greedy slumlords. I have worked on these issues for years and now I am prepared to lead the way."
"Carmen has long held the distinct ability to bring communities together around important issues," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. "I am proud to support her candidacy for this important seat and I know she will be a strong, progressive voice for our diverse uptown community. Her experience and wherewithal on issues from public safety to improving education and protecting affordable housing make her hands down the best candidate for this seat. In a neighborhood yearning for young leadership, she will bring a welcome voice to the table and a fresh perspective on ways to advance our community."
"As someone who has worked closely with Carmen, advocating on behalf of residents in Northern Manhattan, I am proud to support her candidacy for the 72nd Assembly District," said Council Member Mark Levine. "Carmen De La Rosa has been a tremendous asset to the Uptown community and I know she will do an excellent job representing them in the assembly. Her knowledge and advocacy on early childhood education, equal pay and access to reproductive health, will be crucial in making strides in these areas. Our state legislature and our community would each be bolstered by Carmen's resounding voice."


Presidential Politics - Clinton Comes to Bronx Day After Cruz Visit


      Yesterday Republican Presidential candidate Ted Cruz came to a Bronx Restaurant to meet with State Senator  Ruben Diaz Sr. Senator Diaz has endorsed Republicans in the past including Rob Astorino in the last New York State Governors race. However his son Bronx Borough President a devout Democrat has endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for President. It should also be noted that Team Diaz member Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda has endorsed Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.  So what is going on here - Father supporting another Republican candidate this time for President, Son the devout Democrat supporting the Establishment Democratic candidate for President, and Insurgent member of Team Diaz supporting the non Establishment Democratic candidate for President? Photo below is from Daniel Johnson's Facebook page of Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton outside Yankee Stadium this morning.



Daniel Johnson's photo.
Add caption

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

TONIGHT: NBDC with NYC Small Business Services



North Bronx Democratic Club invites you to a Members Meeting
Join us for a Members Meeting
with NYC Small Business Services

Wednesday, April 6, 2016
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Tracey Towers
Community Center
40 West Mosholu Parkway South
Bronx, NY

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - April 13, 2016 Gala - Special Recognition



Special thanks is extended to the following 
companies supporting the April 13, 2016 Gala!
More companies will be added! 
To confirm and be added, email me upon receipt.
Active Staffing Services
Bronx Community College
Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation
BRONXNET Community Television
Children's Corner Learning Center
Country Bank
Ensign Engineering, P.C.
Fordham University
Hostos Community College
HSBC Bank
Hutchinson Metro Center
KZA Realty Group Inc.
Lehman College
Manhattan College
Manhattan Parking Group
Mercy College
Metro Optics Eyewear
Monroe College
New York Community Bank
NYC Health & Hospitals-Jacobi
One Fordham Plaza, LLC
Perillo Tours
Piscano Eye
Ridgewood Savings Bank
Sandra Erickson Real Estate Inc.
SUNY Maritime College
Tosca Cafe
Villa Barone Manor


Nunzio Del Greco
President and CEO
Bronx Chamber of Commerce
"The Network For Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461
718-828-3900
Nunzio@bronxchamber.org

Statement on Times Square & Pedestrian Plaza Legislation, Passed Through Committee Today



  TRANSPORTATION CHAIR YDANIS RODRIGUEZ STATEMENT ON PEDESTRIAN PLAZAS AND TIMES SQUARE VOTE

  Today the New York City Council Transportation Committee voted to pass legislation that would grant the City Department of Transportation the authority to regulate Times Square and plazas throughout the city of New York. This bill will allow the DOT to implement their proposed changes to better manage space in Times Square. Council Member Rodriguez hailed the vote as one for progress and offered several suggestions to support all those involved.

"Today's vote on our plazas, especially as it relates to Times Square, marks a significant step forward for the innovative program, ensuring that this and our many other public spaces will be protected for years to come," saidCouncil Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez. "As we voted today, I put forward several suggestions to the DOT as they make rules to govern Times Square and plazas across the city. As it relates to Times Square, I stand in support of the hard working costumed characters and desnudas and believe that ample space should be provided to their activity, alongside signs to encourage tipping, to ensure they can continue to support themselves and their families. I also proffered that 20% of public space in Times Square and the other plazas across the city should be dedicated to cultural and educational programming. Finally, businesses near major plazas that have seen major returns from this public space should help support less-frequented plazas in the outer boroughs with programming and upkeep, in order to avoid a tale of two cities when it comes to our plazas. I am proud of the work that has gone into this process and believe we will end with a result that benefits all parties."

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY AFFORDABLE HOUSING, BRONX


COMUNILIFE TO HOLD RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
FOR 65 UNIT El Rio RESIDENCE
 
 
  On Friday, April 8th, at 10am, Comunilife, Inc. will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to formally inaugurate its newest supportive and affordable housing building - the 65 unitEl Rio Residence.
 
The facility located at 1041 East 179th Street in the West Farms section of The Bronx, includes 39 studio apartments for New Yorkers living with special needs and 26 studio apartments for low-income residents.  Amenities include community room, laundry, back garden, staff offices, and 24/7 security.
 
"The El Rio Residence is Comunilife's latest housing development for low-income and special needs New Yorkers," said Comunilife's President and CEO, Dr. Rosa M. Gil.  "We are delighted to be able to provide a new, safe and affordable housing option in the Bronx's West Farms Community.  El Rio is an important contribution to the City's commitment to increase the number of supportive housing units available to our most at-risk residents."
 
El Rio is NYSERDA certified and follows the Enterprise Green Communities guidelines.  The building incorporates energy efficient features including low-flow fixtures, bi-level lights in hallways, low VOC paint, FSC certified wood, energy star appliances, native vegetation at the recreational areas, erosion control during construction and construction materials with a high recycled content.
 
The project was developed with Capital Financing received through NYS's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Homeless Housing and Assistance ProgramNYC's Department of Housing Preservation and Development Supportive Housing Loan Program, the Bronx Borough President's Office, and with low-income housing tax credit equity from Red Stone Equity Partners.  The building was designed by Gran Kriegel Architects with Fazio Construction serving as the general contractor.
 
El Rio is part of Comunilife's housing portfolio which now includes 1,607 units of housing in nine transitional and permanent congregate residences for homeless New Yorkers living with special needs; three low-income apartment buildings and 993 units of supportive scatter site apartments.
 
The grand opening will give Comunilife the opportunity to thank the following elected and appointed officials for their support in ensuring the project's successful completion -- Mayor Bill de Blasio, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts and NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Vicki Been.  We also wish to thank NYS Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan, and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett, for their ongoing support of supportive housing programs across our city and state.
 
The grand opening will also allow Comunilife to formally welcome the building's 65 new residents to the community and Comunilife family.


ABOUT COMUNILIFE:

Founded in 1989, Comunilife is a health and human service agency whose mission is to improve the quality of life and create a healthier tomorrow for children, adolescents, adults, families and seniors living with mental illness and/or HIV/AIDS in New York City's underserved, diverse communities. Comunilife provides culturally-competent, community-based services to 3,500 New Yorkers annually.

WHAT:

Ribbon cutting ceremony for El Rio Residence, a new, state-of-the-art supportive and affordable housing building with 65 units.
 
WHEN:
Friday, April 8, 2016; 10:00am
 
WHERE:
1041 East 179th Street at Boston Road, West Farms, Bronx.


COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVE FREE DEFIBRILLATORS



Council Member Andy King, 12th CD, distributes defibrillators to community-based organizations that received CPR training on Monday.

   New York City Council Member Andy King congratulated and presented defibrillators to representatives from Northeast Bronx community-based organizations that completed a CPR training Monday evening (April 4th) on use of the devices.
The packed training session was held at the Morris Park Community Center, Bronx, as a part of the “Beating Hearts” initiative sponsored by the New York City Council.
As a part of the $350,000 FY16 initiative program, council members from all 51 districts, selected four (4) community-based organizations in need of defibrillators – particularly organizations that work with children, seniors or engage in physical activities.
The goal of this initiative is to ensure organizations are well prepared for cardiac arrest emergencies, as research shows that early intervention during a cardiac arrest strongly increases an individual’s likelihood of surviving. Sudden cardiac arrests outside of hospitals are responsible for an estimated 160,000 deaths a year nationally. In cases where cardiac arrest is caused by an abnormal heart rhythm, known as ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, death may be averted if a quick and effective shock is delivered with a defibrillator and a normal rhythm restored.
“We’ve heard testimony in the City Council from individuals who are grateful that an organization or junior ball park had a defibrillator on hand during an emergency. This life-saving technology is essential to have around and it’s great that we can do what we can to help community-based organizations obtain a defibrillator and train their staff on how to use it,” said Council Member King (12th CD).
Monday night’s recipients included St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Wakefield; the Williamsbridge NAACP Early Childhood Education Center, Coop City's Velocity Track Club, as well as the Morris Park Community Association and other organizations from Council Member James Vacca's district and around the Bronx.  Each organization received one Automatic External Defibrillator and a storage cabinet.
Training and AED placement was provided by the Staten Island Heart Society (SIHS).

 From left, EMT Kevin Hazel, SIHS; Tony Signorile, president of the Morris Park Community Association; EMT John Wilson, SIHS, Council Member James Vacca, Rachel Volpe, RN, SIHS, Council Member Andy King and EMT Joe Pessalano, SIHS.


  

Bronx Gothic's Final Performances take place in the Bronx at BAAD



BAAD! - The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance proudly presents  
The Final Performances of Okwui Okpokwasili’s 
BRONX GOTHIC 
APRIL 29 & 30 
For the First Time the Artist Performs Show near Her Bronx Neighborhood 
    BAAD! - The Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance continues to be a beacon for contemporary dance in the Bronx and proudly presents Okwui Okpokwasili’s celebrated, Bessie Award-winning full evening event,Bronx Gothic. The show draws inspiration from Victorian-era novels and West African griot storytelling to reveal a dark and powerful Bronx tale of sexual awakening, the body in transformation and the humor, love, strangeness and even terror that accompany it. Okpokwasili returns to the Bronx where she was raised to perform the shows final two performances at BAAD! which is on the campus of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church where she had her confirmation. The two performances are on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30 at 8pm. BAAD! is located at 2474 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461. Tickets cost $35 and $15 for residents of the Bronx. For tickets and information visit BAADBronx.org or call 718-918-2110. 

Bronx Gothic is a solo creation at the intersection of theater, dance and visual art installation, and gives a palpable force to the charged relationship between two girls on the verge of adolescence in 1980s Bronx--where Newports are bought in singles at the corner bodega, sex saturated notes are passed in class, and Orchard Beach erupts in flame. 
Okwui Okpokwasili is a New York-based writer, performer and choreographer who grew up in the Bronx. She frequently collaborates with the award-winning director Ralph Lemon and has appeared in dance and theater productions, and in films.  Bronx Gothic is her second collaboration with the director/designer/filmmaker Peter Born. Their first New York production, pent-up: a revenge dance premiered at Performance Space 122 and received a 2010 New York Dance and Performance (“Bessie”) Award for Outstanding Production; and Bronx Gothic is their second collaboration, premiered in 2014 and also received a New York Dance and Performance (“Bessie”) Award for Outstanding Production.  The show was produced by MAPP International and has toured nationally and internationally. 
On both days a limited group of guests are invited to a pre-show VIP Reception at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with cocktails, a buffet, a tour of the 19th century cemetery that surrounds the campus, and reserved seating at the Bronx Gothic performance. The VIP event begins at 6pm and tickets costs $250. St. Peter’s is located at 2500 Westchester Ave., Bronx, NY 10461. 
The performances of Bronx Gothic are a part of BAAD!’s annual Boogie Down Dance Festival.  For a full schedule of performances and activities visit www.BAADBronx.org. 
Crowned “a funky and welcoming performance space” by The New York Times, BAAD! is a performance and workshop space that presents cutting-edge works in dance and all creative disciplines empowering to women, Latinos and people of color and the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual,  transgender and queer) community. BAAD! is home to Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre (AATT) and the Bronx Dance Coalition and was founded by Arthur Avilés and Charles Rice-González in 1998 in Hunts Point. BAAD! moved to Westchester Square in October 2013 to a gothic revivalist building on the grounds of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. 
The North American Tour of Bronx Gothic is produced by MAPP International Productions. Bronx Gothic was co-commissioned by Performance Space 122, Danspace Project, and Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and the Jerome Foundation with residency support from Park Avenue Armory’s Under Construction Series, New York Live Arts, Baryshnikov Arts Center, and LMCC’s Extended Life Dance Development program. Additional commissioning support provided by Le Maillon in Strasbourg, Théâtre de Gennevillers in Paris, Théâtre Garonne in Toulouse, and Zagrebacko Kazalište Mladih in Zagreb, as part of PS 122 GLOBAL program. 
BAAD!/AATT receive support from The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, The Lambent Fund of the Tides Foundation, The SHS Foundation, The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, The Mertz Gilmore Foundation, The New York State Council on the Arts,  and private donations.  

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

A.G. Schneiderman And Tax Commissioner Boone Announce Conviction Of Unregistered Tax Preparer For Attempting To Steal Tax Refunds



Raul D. Kelley Expected To Be Sentenced To 2 To 6 Years In Prison For Submitting Forged NYC Transit Authority W2 Statements And Preparing Over 700 Fraudulent Tax Returns
     Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and Taxation and Finance Commissioner Jerry Boone today announced the guilty plea of Raul D. Kelley, 49, of the Bronx, NY for submitting forged W2 statements and preparing over 700 fraudulent tax returns while acting as an unregistered tax preparer. Kelley pleaded guilty today in Albany County Supreme Court before The Honorable Andrew G. Ceresia to the crimes of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, a class “D” felony, and Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class “E” felony. Kelley is expected to be sentenced to 2 to 6 years in prison for his crimes when sentencing occurs on May 3.   
“When individuals avoid paying their taxes, it unfairly shifts the burden to honest taxpayers across New York State,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Today’s guilty plea brings the defendant to justice for his role in repeatedly submitting false documents to state tax officials and I appreciate the hard work of the Department of Taxation and Finance for partnering with my office during this investigation.”  
“The defendant admits to cheating the State on two fronts—first by falsifying tax returns for his clients, and then by falsifying his own personal income tax returns,” said Commissioner Boone. “This sentencing should send a clear message about the high price to pay for criminal activity.”
In January 2015, as a result of a joint investigation by the Attorney General’s Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance’s (DTF’s) Criminal Investigations Division, Kelley was arrested on felony charges regarding his operation of an unregistered tax preparer business, in which he submitted fraudulent tax returns on behalf of taxpayers.  Kelley was re-arrested in February 2016 on additional felony charges for submitting fraudulent documents and information on his own personal income taxes, in an effort to take more than $25,000. 
According to the indictment and statements made to prosecutors, Kelley worked for the NYC Transit Authority from 2007 until 2008 as a train operator. However, after leaving the NYC Transit Authority, Kelley continued to submit forged W2 Statements through the 2012 tax year, claiming thousands of dollars in fraudulent tax withholdings. In addition, Kelley claimed thousands of dollars in deductions and credits that he was not entitled to, all in an effort to personally wrongfully collect more than $25,000 in New York State tax refunds.
The investigation by the Attorney General and the DTF uncovered additional crimes linked to Kelley’s role as an unregistered tax preparer, including the submission of over 700 fraudulent New York State personal and corporate income tax returns for tax years 2009 through 2012. These submissions resulted in the theft from the DTF of $267,425 and the attempted theft of an additional $506,572.
Kelley pleaded guilty today before the Honorable Andrew G. Ceresia in Albany County Supreme Court to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (a Class “D” felony) and Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a Class “E” felony). As part of his plea, Kelley admitted that that these crimes were related to Kelley’s role as an unregistered tax preparer and his submission of fraudulent New York State personal and corporate income tax returns for clients between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013.
In exchange for his guilty pleas, Kelley is expected to be sentenced to 2 to 6 years in state prison and must pay a $10,000 fine. 
Commissioner Boone encourages taxpayers to ensure that tax preparers are registered with New York State by using the Tax Department’s searchable online database of 40,000 tax preparers. Certified public accountants, attorneys and enrolled agents have other professional requirements and are, therefore, not required to be registered.
The Attorney General thanked the DTF’s Criminal Investigations Division for its cooperation in the case.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Philip V. Apruzzese of the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau. The Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Gary T. Fishman and Deputy Chief Stephanie Swenton. The Division of Criminal Justice is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Kelly Donovan.
The Attorney General’s investigation was conducted by Investigators Michael Leahy, Elsa Rojas, and Mark Spencer, under the supervision of Deputy Chief Investigators Antoine Karam and John McManus.  The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Dominick Zarrella.

NYS Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, nvite you to a reception recognizing the role of Albanians in sheltering Jewish refugees during the Holocaust



NYS Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, 
Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, 
&  
H.E. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania 
Cordially Invite you to a reception recognizing the role of
 Albanians in sheltering  
Jewish refugees during the Holocaust

The reception will feature a trailer of the documentary, 
"Besa: Albanians that saved Jews during WWII," a display of the photographs and stories demonstrating the compassion and bravery of ordinary people. A full screening of the documentary will follow. 
Monday, April 11, 2016

Reception & Program: 6:00pm- 7:00pm
Documentary Screening & Panel: 7:30pm- 9:30pm
Museum Of Jewish Heritage
36 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280
SPACE IS LIMITED- RSVP IS MANDATORY
Only ticket holders will be admitted

To RSVP, email assemblymangjonajevents@gmail.com
1) Reception/Program 2)Documentary 0r 3)Both

For more information, please contact:
Klaudio Rruko 347-671-4355 or Illirjan Fundo 917-459-8912 or 718-409-0109.
 



Klein Bill Banning Sex Offenders from 1,000 feet of Pre-K & Kindergartens Passes Senate



The New York State Senate on Monday passed legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Klein to prohibit Level 2 and 3 sex offenders from residing within 1,000 feet of a pre-kindergarten or stand-alone kindergarten facility. The bill would also require that a quarterly list of all elementary and secondary schools in the state is obtained by the Commissioner of Corrections and Community Supervision, in order to ensure that current residency laws are being enforced.

“Entire communities are being left vulnerable to dangerous sexual predators who often strike more than once. There's a reason why the law does not allow pedophiles to live within 1,000 feet of a school. Parents expect those laws to protect all children and be enforced. I am pleased that my bill to prohibit sex offenders from residing near a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten has passed the Senate, and that this legislation will also go a long way towards ensuring that the law is properly enforced,” said Senator Klein.

Last year, the Independent Democratic Conference released, “Keeping Our Children Safe From Sex Offenders,” which revealed disturbing violations of residency restrictions and numerous sex offenders living dangerously close to both traditional and stand-alone UPK programs in New York.

The analysis also uncovered over 130 instances where registered sex offenders were listed under incorrect zip codes. The discover renders useless the zip code alert system, which parents and community members utilize to receive notification when a sex offender moves into the area.

Two of the sexual predators found in that investigation – Michael Nieves and Damon Ford – are already back in prison. Ford violated his parole after police found him purchasing synthetic marijuana. Nieves also violated parole conditions when police were called to his home for a domestic dispute.

In August, yet another predator was found residing near a school. Mark Mercado, who was released from the Gowanda Correctional Facility in western New York, had relocated to The Bronx. He was found within 950-feet of a stand-alone UPK at the Westchester Tremont Day Care Center, which serves approximately 100 local children.

First introduced in 2014, the bill overwhelmingly passed the State Senate in 2014 and 2015.

Editor's Note:

While the State Senate has passed this legislation now for the third straight year, it must also be passed by the State Assembly, that has not the past two years. If the State Assembly was to pass this legislation this year, then the bill must be signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo to take effect.