What You Should Know

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

  Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Calls for A Thorough Investigation into 13th C.D. Election

Adriano Espaillat should have known that before he conceded on Tuesday night, that there were many uncounted ballots that might have declared him the winner.

It is unbelievable and incredible that despite the extremely low voter turnout, the final tally to decide who actually won the Democratic Primary race between Senator Adriano Espaillat and Congressman Charlie Rangel (and three other candidates) continues to change.

According to today’s media reports, there are 3,174 affidavit ballots for New York’s Primary Race in the 13^th Congressional District, 776 from the Bronx and the rest mostly from the 72nd Assembly District in Washington Heights.”

How can it be that on election night there was a 6.6 percentage gap showing Charlie Rangel was the clear victor, and now, two days later, we hear that all the votes have not been counted, and as the remaining votes are being counted, Congressman Rangel is now only leading by a mere 1,000 votes and still 30 machines have not been counted yet?

We need to know what actually transpired with the Board of Elections and the candidates for this race.  How can it be that two days after the Primary, things are such a mess?

Is this how a democracy functions?

Will this mean that from now on, candidates will have to wait two or three days before conceding the seat or do we have to send the people from the board of elections to a counting and additions course?

This calls for a thorough investigation!

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

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Luis Sepulveda Fundraiser

     

     Friday night there was a fundraiser held at the Pines located on Eastchester Road right across the street from the Bronx Democratic County Headquarters for 87th Assembly candidate Luis Sepulveda. This fundraiser was being hosted by Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie. The Bronx County Democratic organization has announced that they will be backing every incumbent in the Bronx this year, and since there is no incumbent in the 87th A.D. Mr. Luis Sepulveda has been endorsed by the Bronx Democratio organization and Chairman Heastie. There were many friends and supporters of 87th A.D. candidate Luis Sepulveda, but due to the high temperature outside the fund raiser was moved from the Rooftop Garden of the Pines inside to a much cooler space.

     Luis Sepulveda ran in 2010 against Assemblyman Peter Rivera loosing by only a few votes, and now that Peter Rivera has been confirmed to be the new state labor commissioner Sepulveda is campaigning each and every day as he is the underdog. Tthe Luis Sepulvedahe campaign headquarters is located at 1512 Castle Hill Avenue, or you can his Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/luis.r.sepulveda.

     Here you see Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie on the right, 87th assembly candidate Luis Sepulveda in the center, and possible 2013 11th City Council candidate Dan Padernacht on the left.

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Mark Gjonaj Fundraiser

     Thursday night 80th Assembly candidate Mark Gjonaj held a fundraiser at Maestros Caterers. The room was packed with over 300 supporters of candidate Gjonaj. Diane Savino the current 80th Assembly State Committee Woman who has broken away from the Liberty Democratic Association of the 80th A.D. to support Mark Gjonaj for Assembly introduced candidate Mark Gjonaj to a roar of approval. 

     Candidate Gjonaj said that when he heard that the 80th A.D. was the poorest district in the Bronx he decided torun to make the 80th A.D. a better place to live. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs he continued are whats needed, and he wants to create more jobs. Schools are only used 1/3 of the time, and Gjonaj wants to use the asset of the school building more hours of the day. Longer school days, more after school programs, adult education, and community usage of the school;s are needed.

    Candidate Gjonaj spoke about the poor education that public school children receive currently, and he said that he wants top change the=at when he gets to Albany. "Our kids will have the same opportunities as all the children of New York Stae do and Albany  will hear that from me". 

     Candidate Gjonaj ended his speech by saying "the 80th A.D. has been neglected and maligned for to long, and Mark Gjonaj will change that". Below are a few photos of the event.

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Above Left- Only one side of the packed room.

Above Right 80th A.D. State Committee Woman Diane Savino gets a hug after introducing candidate Mark Gjonaj.

Below Left- Group photo of Mark Gjonaj with some supporters.

Below Right is the Gjonaj family, Mark at the podium, his wife Roberta, and sons Joseph and Nicholas.

13th Congressional Race UPDATE

       As of Friday June 29th this is the 13th District Democratic Primary results. Mind you that only 94% of the polling precincts  have been accounted for. The missing precincts are said to be from Washington Heights and part of the Bronx where candidate Espaillat is to have gotten a large percentage of the vote. With the difference of just over 1,000 votes between the top two candidates with almost 3,000 votes still to be counted we could be seeing an election similar to the recent special election in the 27th State Senate District.

UPDATE----    The Manhattan Supreme Court will be holding a hearing on the results of 13th Congressional race. It is also possible that there will be calls for the Justice Department to take up the issue of if Latino voter weren't disenfranchised.

Candidate             Votes                Pct.
Charles Rangel       16,916             43.9%
Incumbent

Adriano Espiallat   15,884             41.3%

Clyde Williams        3,974             10.3%

Joyce S. Johnson    1,187               3.1%

Craig Schley              545               1.4%

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Wave Hill Events July 13–July 20

FRI, JULY 13    YOGA TOGETHER

Jumping frog, twisty owl, downward dog, oh my! Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax the body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Lisa Ferraro, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Incorporate breathing and relaxation techniques into a dynamic and playful experience that you and your child can enjoy together. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat if possible. Recommended for ages 2–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Session fee includes one adult and one child, Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10‒11AM

SAT, SUN, JULY 14, 15    MOW-DOWN GARDEN HOEDOWN WEEKEND

Pay homage to the humble, hardworking grass family. Grasses are everywhere at Wave Hill and throughout the world. We eat grasses—our favorite and most basic foods come from grains like corn, oats, rice, wheat, rye, barley and millet, all of which are really grasses! Grasses are used to build baskets, brooms and even homes! Instruments are made from grasses! And of course, grasses are beautiful to behold. We’re celebrating this super plant family with all-American music, art-making, guided tours, grassy games and more. Admission to the grounds is free all weekend, thanks to the generous support of Target.

ON THE GROUNDS, 9‒5:30PM

SAT, JULY 14    FAMILY ART PROJECT—HATS, MATS AND BASKETS

Hats, Mats and Baskets/Sombreros, salvamatele, y canastas de mimbres

Mix ornamental, multi-colored grasses and other natural materials to weave your own shady hat, summer mat or festive grassy basket for this special Mow-Down Weekend event. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JULY 14    TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. Short and long form classes are led by Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM Beginners, 11AM Intermediates

SAT, JULY 14    GRASS TUNNEL-RAISING

Weave grasses and other materials onto a lean-to-like-structure to create a shady tunnel with artist Gisela Insuaste at this Mow-Down Weekend event. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM & 2PM

SAT, JULY 14    MAKE A SOD-KICK!

Craft a creature from rye grass, soil and nylon stockings, then decorate your pal to give him or her personality, at this Mow-Down Weekend event. Will she be Grassylocks or Miss Canthus? Maybe he’ll be the Lawn Ranger! Take ‘em home and your ‘sod-kick’ will sprout grassy hair in just about a week. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

ON THE GROUNDS, NOON‒3PM

SAT, JULY 14    BASKET-MAKING DEMONSTRATION

Master basket maker Carolyn Lambert-Braun weaves grasses into artistic, yet functional baskets and encourages audience participation at this Mow-Down Weekend event! Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

ON THE GROUNDS, NOON‒3PM

SAT, JULY 14    LIVE MUSIC: SPIRIT FAMILY REUNION

A blend of front-porch Americana, old-time gospel and bluegrass, Brooklyn’s own Spirit Family Reunion, blurs the line between past and present at this Mow-Down Weekend performance. Sing along with the band, which includes fiddle, bass, accordion and a big ole drum. Don’t know the lyrics? Not to worry—they might even bring songbooks! Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

ON THE GROUNDS, NOON & 1:30PM

SAT, JULY 14   GARDEN WALK: GRASSES THAT GRACE THE GARDEN

Ornamental grasses enhance a garden with their graceful habits and subtle textures. Observe their diversity, from the imposing giant reed (Arundo donax) to the adorable miniature fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’), and see how well they mingle with other plants at Wave Hill on this Mow-Down Weekend walk. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1 & 3PM

SAT, JULY 14    GALLERY TOUR

Join an exhibition interpreter for one of our regularly scheduled tours of Tending toward the Untamed: Artists Respond to the Wild Garden. Wave Hill’s Wild Garden serves as inspiration for new painting, photography, animation, sculpture and installation, by artists Gary Carsley, Chris Doyle, Julie Evans, Isabella Kirkland, Janelle Lynch, Rebecca Morales, Erik Sanner and Anat Shiftan. In the Sunroom Project Space, Wave Hill’s Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Nova Jiang and Cameron Rowland have each created installations. Jiang’s project combines art, technology and garden design to create an interactive experience for visitors; Rowland investigates the architecture and open space of public housing projects in relation to Wave Hill. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM, through August 18. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JULY 15   HATHA YOGA

Release stress and find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga, surrounded by the beauty of Wave Hill. Hatha Yoga involves the use of physical postures, breath control and meditation to create a supple, strong and relaxed body-mind. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. Participants should bring a mat, dress in loosely fitting clothing and come to class with breakfast well digested. All levels welcomed. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10–11:15AM

SUN, JULY 15    FAMILY ART PROJECT—HATS, MATS AND BASKETS

Hats, Mats and Baskets/Sombreros, salvamateles y canastas de mimbres

Mix ornamental, multi-colored grasses and other natural materials to weave your own shady hat, summer mat or festive grassy basket for this special Mow-Down Weekend event. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JULY 15    GRASS TUNNEL-RAISING

Weave grasses and other materials onto a lean-to-like-structure to create a shady tunnel with artist Gisela Insuaste at this Mow-Down Weekend event. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM & 2PM

SUN, JULY 15    MAKE A SOD-KICK!

Craft a creature from rye grass, soil and nylon stockings, then decorate your pal to give him or her personality, at this Mow-Down Weekend event. Will she be Grassylocks or Miss Canthus? Maybe he’ll be the Lawn Ranger! Take ‘em home and your ‘sod-kick’ will sprout grassy hair in just about a week. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

ON THE GROUNDS, NOON‒3PM

SUN, JULY 15    BASKET-MAKING DEMONSTRATION

Master basket maker Carolyn Lambert-Braun weaves grasses into artistic, yet functional baskets and encourages audience participation at this Mow-Down Weekend event! Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

ON THE GROUND, NOON‒3PM

SUN, JULY 15    LIVE MUSIC: ASTROGRASS

What better way to honor grasses then with a band named Astrograss? Revel in the earthy, bluegrass-inspired sounds of fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar laced with gorgeous vocal harmonies. Listen for original tunes, American classics and unexpected covers at this Mow-Down Weekend performance. Dancing is encouraged! Great for the whole family! Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

ON THE GROUNDS, NOON & 1:30PM

SUN, JULY 15   GARDEN WALK: GRASSES THAT GRACE THE GARDEN

Ornamental grasses enhance a garden with their graceful habits and subtle textures. Observe their diversity, from the imposing giant reed (Arundo donax) to the adorable miniature fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’), and see how well they mingle with other plants at Wave Hill on this Mow-Down Weekend walk. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1 & 3PM

SUN, JULY 15   GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, JULY 16

Closed to the public

TUE, JULY 17    STORIES IN THE GARDEN

Each week, a “mystery reader” from Wave Hill’s staff shares a few of her or his favorite stories with budding young naturalists. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Ideal for ages 3 and up and their adult companions. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM

TUE, JULY 17    GALLERY TOUR

Join an exhibition interpreter for one of our regularly scheduled tours of Tending toward the Untamed: Artists Respond to the Wild Garden. Wave Hill’s Wild Garden serves as inspiration for new painting, photography, animation, sculpture and installation, by artists Gary Carsley, Chris Doyle, Julie Evans, Isabella Kirkland, Janelle Lynch, Rebecca Morales, Erik Sanner and Anat Shiftan. In the Sunroom Project Space, Wave Hill’s Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Nova Jiang and Cameron Rowland have each created installations. Jiang’s project combines art, technology and garden design to create an interactive experience for visitors; Rowland investigates the architecture and open space of public housing projects in relation to Wave Hill. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM, through August 18. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, JULY 18    SUNSET WEDNESDAY

Try an outdoor yoga class, join a guided garden walk or wander onto the Great Lawn to enjoy a plein air performance by local BxIndie musicians, through the Bronx Council on the Arts. Bring your own folding chair and enjoy the concert from the comfort of your own favorite seat. Gardens open until 8:30PM. Glyndor Gallery, Perkins Visitor Center, The Shop at Wave Hill and Food Service open until 8PM. Check www.wavehill.org/visit for the schedule for Sunset Wednesdays free shuttle service to and from Metro-North and the #1 subway. All events are free with admission to the grounds with the exception of yoga.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6‒8:30PM

WED, JULY 18    SUNSET YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga on the tranquil lawns at Wave Hill. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath control and meditation. Sunset Wednesday sessions are taught by Yoga for Bliss instructor Joanne Salome. Participants should bring a mat if possible, dress in loosely fitting clothing and come to class with their latest meal well digested.  All levels welcomed. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration onsite day-of.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6‒7:15PM

WED, JULY 18    SUNSET GARDEN WALK

Join us for a short guided walk through the evening gardens. Visit a different garden every Sunset Wednesday through August. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

WED, JULY 18    BxINDIE MUSIC AT SUNSET—JAZZ AND BLUES TRIOEnjoy a plein air performance by local BxIndie musicians, through a collaboration with the Bronx Council on the Arts. New this year, you can bring your own folding chair and enjoy the concert from the comfort of your own favorite seat. This evening, the Robert Silverman Jazz and Blues Trio performs. Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 7PM

THU, JULY 19    ARTISTS’ CIRCLE

Capture the beauty of Wave Hill’s landscape in these drop-in, open-air studio sessions. Wave Hill provides easels and boards, and you bring art-making materials and paper or canvas. All levels welcome; new artists encouraged! Facilitated group critique at the end of each session. Weather dependent. Session fee: $10 Member/$18 Non-member. Registration day-of at Perkins Visitor Center starting at 9:30AM. Meet on the grounds for critiques. This weekly series continues through August.

REGISTER AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM−1PM

FRI, JULY 20   YOGA TOGETHER

Jumping frog, twisty owl, downward dog, oh my! Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax the body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Lisa Ferraro, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Incorporate breathing and relaxation techniques into a dynamic and playful experience that you and your child can enjoy together. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat if possible. Recommended for ages 2–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Session fee includes one adult and one child, Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10‒11AM

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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 on July Tuesdays.  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 242^nd 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.

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STATEMENTS ON SUPREME COURT'S HEALTH CARE RULING

Here are a few statements that have come to us on the Supreme Court ruling about the "Affordable Care Act"

City Comptroller John Liu stated the following :

“Today’s historic decision by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding President Obama’s Affordable Care Act ensures that approximately 1 million New York City residents without health insurance will no longer have to choose between buying the medication they need and paying the rent. New York State, as a longtime leader in health insurance reform, already had in place critical elements of the Affordable Care Act, including guaranteed eligibility regardless of one’s health condition and expanded access to Medicaid. New Yorkers will now benefit from increased access to primary and preventive care, added help in finding and using insurance coverage, and an overall focus on spending our healthcare dollars more wisely. As implementation of the law continues and funding streams change, the Comptroller’s office will be monitoring closely to ensure that the Health and Hospitals Corporation has adequate resources to carry out its critical mission of serving the City’s most vulnerable populations.”

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STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

“Today the Supreme Court delivered a major victory for the American people by upholding the ‘individual mandate’ of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

“This is an important law that affects millions of residents across the country.  In a Borough where a high percentage of residents are uninsured, it is imperative for this law to remain so that  Bronxites can access  and afford the care they need. According to the Bronx Health Link, had the bill been upheld in its entirety about 99,000 Bronx residents would have gained insurance coverage, and the uninsured rate would have gone down from 21% in 2009 to 14%. Moreover, up to 70,000 more New York State residents would have been eligible for Medicaid starting in 2014.

“It is because of this law we have made a fundamental and transformative change to how those with preexisting conditions will receive the care they so desperately need. It is because of this law we have taken a substantial step in fixing a broken system.

“But there is more work to be done. By striking down the Medicaid expansion provision, we have missed a tremendous opportunity to impact those areas with the greatest economic need.  We must continue to push Congress to make the needed reforms to Medicaid so that more Americans can receive benefits under this important program.

“We thank the President for his leadership.  Residents in our Borough and those across the country will have greater rights and protections when it comes to healthcare. Today is a victory for all Americans,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

 

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SENATOR RIVERA CONGRATULATES SUPREME COURT FOR HISTORIC DECISION ON THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D,WF-Bronx) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act in its entirety, including the individual mandate:

"Today is a great day for the residents of the Bronx that I represent and for working people throughout the United States who understand the struggle to find affordable health care in this country. I am incredibly grateful for the Supreme Court's important and historic decision and for President Obama's leadership on ensuring that every American have access to affordable health insurance. Thanks to today's decision, the implementation of the Affordable Healthcare Act will lead to 32 million more 

 

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Statement from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

 

"The Supreme's Court ruling in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a HUGE victory for the people of the United States. The hypocrisy of Mitt Romney, who gave Massachusetts Romneycare with many similar provisions, is shocking, even for a Republican. Anyone with a son or daughter below the age of 26, anyone with a pre-existing condition, and, in fact, anyone should be grateful to President Obama for his great accomplishment. I hope people understand that it's important to re-elect President Obama, not only because of his leadership on the crucial issues facing the United States, but because the appointment of Supreme Court Justices over the next four years must NEVER be made by a Republican president." *************************************************************

CITY’S PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS FROM CELL ANTENNAS STUCK IN A DEAD ZONE

Audit Finds Department of Finance Failed to Uncover Unreported Income from Cell Antennas, Missed $24 Million in Potential Property Taxes

 

   City Comptroller John C. Liu and State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced that a joint audit found New York City’s Department of Finance failed to collect an estimated $24 million in property taxes because it did not use available resources to identify property owners who did not report income from cell antennas.

“As phone companies and cell tower landlords profit handsomely, our taxpayers are entitled to share in that revenue,” Comptroller Liu said. This audit clearly outlines how the Finance Dept. can recover $24 million. That's real money that can stave off anything from tax increases to cuts in public services.”

“During these tough economic times, the city and state need to maximize all sources of available revenue to keep crucial programs running and needed employees like police, firefighters and teachers on the job,” Comptroller DiNapoli said. “The audit findings released today show that with a little creativity and ingenuity the city can benefit tremendously. This audit came about as an effort between our two offices and shows what can be accomplished when we share resources and expertise.”

Owners of commercial properties and large apartment buildings must report income from cell antenna equipment to the Department of Finance (DOF). This income increases the City’s assessed value of the property, which helps determine property taxes.  Auditors used Department of Buildings’ data and other resources available to the DOF to find 2,108 property owners who failed to report income from cell equipment in 2008-2009.  By comparison, in 2009, the agency’s assessors found just 90 properties that failed to report income.

Borough	Properties w/ Unreported Income 2008-2009	Tax Revenue Missed
Manhattan	594	$9.8 million
Bronx	363	$3.5 million
Brooklyn	602	$5.8 million
Queens	489	$4.7 million
Staten Island	60	$0.5 million

Response

The DOF agreed to use additional available databases in order to expand its search for unreported income, to apply cell site income to properties when it verifies property owners have not reported such income, and to consult with the Law Department about imposing penalties on owners who fail to report income.

The agency stated that starting in 2011, when the audit was initiated, it prioritized the accurate valuation of cell sites.

The DOF stated that it failed to collect a potential $10.5 million in property taxes — not $24 million — a figure that it reached by counting 843 properties that failed to report income.  However, the agency’s estimate failed to reflect the 1,711 properties that did not report income identified by the audit.  When adjusted to reflect those 1,711 properties, the agency’s estimate more than doubles and is very much in line with the audit finding.

Background: Property Taxes and Cell Equipment

When the DOF discovers that an owner has failed to report income, the agency adds a preset amount to the property’s income and adjusts the assessed value. Based on DOF estimates, properties north of 125^th Street and in the outer boroughs make about $2,000 a month per cell carrier that leases space. South of 125^th Street, properties make an estimated $4,000 per month. 

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What You Should Know

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

Senator Diaz Unites with Senator Storobin Against Same-Sex Marriage

You should know that the newly elected Senator David Storobin from Brooklyn has introduced his first piece of legislation, Senate Bill S7712-2011 to repeal gay marriage in New York State.

Senator Storobin was sworn into office two weeks ago after defeating New York City Councilman Lew Fidler in the closest election Brooklyn’s history has ever seen.

As the Senator who has taken the lead to oppose gay marriage in New York, I thank Senator Storobin for giving me the opportunity to join him as a co-sponsor to this historic and pending piece of legislation.

You should also know that so far – as of today – it is only Senator Storobin and me who support this legislation.  It will be a difficult and uphill battle.  Nonetheless, our struggle will continue as we work to get 30 more Senators to join us.  We are not giving up.

As the saying goes, it isn’t over until it’s over!

I am Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.

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13th Congressional Race Prediction

      Tomorrow is the new federal election primary day Tuesday June 26th and the polls will be open from 8 AM to 9 PM. The Republican Party will be choosing a candidate to run for U.S. Senate (to run against current U.S. Senator Kristen Gillabrand) from the three candidates running, and there are close Democratic primaries for congress in several congressional district such as the new 13th C.D. We took out our crystal ball and asked it to give us the results of the 13th C.D. race.
    

      Our crystal balls prediction in the 13th C.D. Democratic Primary is as follows. Mr. Craig Schley who ran in the 2010 general election on the Independence Party line and not in the Democratic Primary in 2010 will come in fifth place with up to 8 percent of the vote. Ms. Joyce Johnson has lost some of her luster from 2010 (including the endorsement of the New York Times), and in 2012 will garner less than 10 percent of the vote. Any of the remaining three candidates could win this race, but we see Mr. Clyde Williams coming in third with between 15 and 19 percent of the vote. That leaves close to 65 percent of the vote for Congressman Rangel and Senator Espaillat to split. Our crystal ball kept changing here, but when we asked it for the final tally and the winner it came up 36 percent for the new Congressman Adriano Espaillat and 29 percent for Mr. Charlie Rangel. Our crystal ball also had a message for Manhattan Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Keith Wright. The message for Mr. Wright was that next time you should make sure that there is more than one Latino in the race to split the Latino vote if you want to win the seat. Our crystal ball says that you have such a candidate. 

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Bronx Borough President's Caribbean Heritage Celebration

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LIU: BIKE SHARE PROGRAM PEDALS PAST SAFETY MEASURES

10,000 bicycles could lead to more injuries, fatalities and increased legal claims  

 

  City Comptroller John C. Liu today released a comprehensive plan to help ensure the City’s Bike Share program, “Citi Bike,” is safe for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists alike.  Nearly a month before the first 7,000 bicycles are set to hit the City’s streets, Liu put forth the recommendations designed to increase safety and reduce the City’s exposure to lawsuits.

“In the rush to place ten thousand bicycles on our streets, City Hall may have pedaled past safety measures, a move that risks significantly exacerbating the number of injuries and fatalities of both bikers and pedestrians, especially those most vulnerable like young children and seniors,” Comptroller Liu said.  “Aside from the human toll, there is a real possibility that the Bike Share program will increase the number of legal claims against the City.” 

Comptroller Liu announced his plan at a news conference in his office in Lower Manhattan, just blocks away from one of the City’s most dangerous intersection for cyclists, Delancey and Essex Streets.

Research has highlighted the dangers of bicycling in New York City. Specifically, recent studies have found that over a third of bicyclists run red lights, bike lines are blocked 60 percent of the time by cars, trucks, and taxis and that New York City is one of the most dangerous cities in the United States for bicyclists.

Liu’s report titled “Bike Share in the City: A Comprehensive Safety Plan” can be found at www.comptroller.nyc.gov, and outlines a number of recommendations to ensure the physical health of riders and the fiscal health of the City.

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