Op-Ed Submission From CMs King, Diaz, Cabrera and Deutsch

Legalize To Our Demise

By Council Members Andy King, Fernando Cabrera, Ruben Diaz Sr. & Chaim Deutsch

As we talk about legalizing Cannabis in New York, let’s look back on our nation’s history and see the good of endorsing harmful substances.  We recognize that alcohol is legal, but let's face it - it isn't good for you.  Alcohol impairs judgement and making it easily available for adults means easily available for young people.  For decades, our nation has seen alcoholism ruin marriages, families and lives.  We've seen countless alcohol-related vehicular deaths and alcohol-related activities destroy healthy academic careers. 

Are we ready to have the conversation about the costs of legalizing another harmful substance?  Cannabis, or marijuana, shouldn't be consumed by any young person, but our conversation recently on legalization has involved young black and brown men being policed unfairly, and all we hear in the media is: let's legalize marijuana to end this unfair policing. 

Can't we separate these issues? Of course we can, because they are two separate issues.  Poor policing has nothing to do with using drugs.  If we want to deal with different policing strategies in communities of color and white communities, then that should be the conversation.  Legalizing marijuana does not address those policing strategies.  What it does is send a poor message to kids that smoking weed is OK. 

Sepúlveda, Diaz, James, and Palma Secure One-Month Delay of "Draconian" Hike in Common Charges by Parkchester South but Vow "All Options Still Open"

  Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda said Monday that the decision by Parkchester South management to defer the threatened across-the-board 15.19 percent increase in common charges assessed all owner-residents was “a positive but insufficient development.”

“Obviously,” Sepúlveda continued, “the board of directors heard — loudly and clearly — the demand by the community and its representatives for explanations and our determination to do whatever it takes to prevent exorbitant and unsubstantiated increases.”

The deferral was announced in a December 17 “Dear Unit Owner” letter from Board President Abu Shakoor which stated that management “recommended deferring the planned increase to Common Charges for 30 days.” The letter went on to assert that the board of directors was “preparing information for you to address and explain the need for the increase,” followed immediately, nonetheless, with a declaration that the increases will begin in February.

Sepúlveda cautioned, however, that “all options” remain open — referring to the possibility of seeking an injunction or demanding that management agree to the hiring of an independent auditor to impartially review the numbers behind the increase.

It was just one week ago that more than 700 owner-residents turned out at a town hall meeting held by Sepúlveda, State Senator Rev Ruben Diaz, and Council Member Annabel Palma at St. Paul’s Lutheran Evangelical Church to address the common charges increase.

Assemblyman Sepúlveda reiterated his criticism of the way management was handling the issue and sharply rebuked them for insensitivity to the community. “The fact that repairs may be necessary throughout Parkchester South,” said Sepúlveda, “does not justify management’s imposing draconian increases that will be devastating to the elderly, single families, the disabled, and others who are already struggling to keep up.”

Sepúlveda also had lambasted Parkchester South management — Board President Shakoor in particular — for having pledged to attend last week’s town hall meeting but then reneging, with no explanation.

“They were no shows,” Sepúlveda stated. “Apparently they decided that other business was more important than the 15.19 percent increase that they have been attempting to shove down people’s throats.”

"I am deeply concerned about the proposed 15% hike in common charges for residents of Parkchester South Condominiums and the significant impact that it will have on the hard-working families in this community," said Public Advocate Letitia James. "That's why I am committed to working with Assembly Member Sepúlveda, State Senator Diaz, and Council Member Palma on behalf of residents to urge the Management Board of Parkchester South to consider a more reasonable agreement." 

“It has been one month since I formerly requested copies of past and proposed budgets from Parkchester South, and I have not received them. In the spirit of transparency, I reiterate my request so we can review the decision-making process of Parkchester’s Management with Parkchester residents, and any members of Management who decide to attend our January Town Hall Meeting. During our December 14th Town Hall Meeting, I requested that New York City Public Advocate Letitia James write a letter to New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman calling for an investigation of Parkchester South Condominium, Inc., and I have yet to receive a copy of that letter,” said Senator Diaz.

“Parkchester South Condominium’s decision to delay the implementation of the proposed maintenance fee increase until February is a tentative step in the right direction. I’m hopeful that the board will use this time to reassess its financial needs, while understanding — and taking into account — the impact this has on its tenants. My colleagues and I will continue to have conversations with management, and the board, until we can facilitate a solution amenable to all parties involved,” stated Council Member Palma.

Assemblyman Sepulveda, Senator Diaz, and Council Member Palma, who represent the Parkchester South Condominium, are planning a town hall meeting for early January to further discuss these rate increases with Parkchester residents.

SEPÚLVEDA, DIAZ, AND PALMA HOLD URGENT FORUM ON PARCKCHESTER SOUTH’S THREATENED 15% HIKE IN COMMON CHARGES

  —More than 700 owner-residents attend —

An emergency forum held Monday night by Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, State Senator Rev Ruben Diaz, and Council Member Annabel Palma about Parckchester South’s threatened 15 percent hike in common charges drew other key elected officials and upward of 700 Parkchester owner-residents.

The elected officials were joined at the event — which was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Evangelical Church on McGraw Avenue — by Public Advocate Letitia James and a representative from the Office of NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer.

“The fact that repairs may be necessary throughout Parkchester South,” said Sepúlveda, “does not justify management’s imposing draconian increases that will be devastating to the elderly, single families, the disabled, and others who are already struggling to keep up.”

Sepúlveda also called on Parkchester South management “to be more accountable and to participate in meetings with the community and its elected officials.

“Board President Abu Shakoor and other management officials stated that they would be available to attend, but they were no shows,” continued Sepúlveda. “They apparently decided that other business was more important than the 15.19 percent increase that they are trying to simply shove down people’s throats. Despite their lack of participation at the first town hall meeting, we will offer them another opportunity to meet with the owners at another meeting.”

“I am so proud of the turnout from Monday night's meeting. More than 400 people joined us, but shame on the Management of Parkchester South who, at the last minute, decided not to attend. I am committed to continue to keep fighting because this 15-1/2 half percent hike is abusive.” stated State Senator Rev Ruben Diaz.

Public Advocate James said “I am deeply concerned about the proposed 15% hike in common charges for residents of Parkchester South Condominiums and the significant impact that it will have on the hard-working families in this community. I am committed to working with the local elected officials and Management Board of Parkchester South on behalf of residents to urge them to consider a more reasonable agreement." 

Council Member Palma stated, “Parkchester’s South Condominium Boards financial management has resulted in homeowners and tenants paying an unjust 15.19% maintenance fee increase. The result--residents, many who are already struggling to make ends meet, will no longer be able to afford to live in one of the city’s last affordable residential communities.  As a current resident at Parkchester, I am fully aware of the need for capital improvements in our buildings, but such a drastic increase will be detrimental to our residents, many who are already struggling with their day to day expenses. I, along with my colleagues at the state level, such as Assembly Member Sepulveda, and Senator Diaz, along with Public Advocate James, look forward to working with Parkchester Management and it’s board, to identify the best financial solution for all stakeholders involved.”

The elected officials said they are considering “all options” to block the increase. According to Sepúlveda, Diaz, and Palma, these options include seeking an injunction against Parckchester South Condominiums, Inc. and bringing in an independently chosen auditor. “The auditor,” Sepúlveda explained, “would assess the actual costs of needed repairs and determine an equitable per-unit share of those costs, a determination that would ensure that already financially pressed Parckchester South condo owners not be gouged.”

Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda represents New York’s 87th Assembly District (Bronx), which along with Parkchester and Stratton Park also includes Castle Hill, West Farms, Van Nest, and Unionport.

Constantinides, Torres, Diaz, Intro Gun Registry Legislation

  City Council Member Costa Constantinides and Council Members Ritchie Torres  announced today’s introduction of legislation guaranteeing community access and mandating a community notification requirement within the City’s gun offender registry.  Constantinides and Torres were joined by bill co-sponsor Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Constantinides said, “This online gun offender registry bill will promote public safety and guarantee our communities are notified when a registered gun offender lives within their neighborhood.  Gun violence is a public policy challenge which requires a multitude of solutions.  Protecting the public’s right to know their neighbor is an essential building block of fostering stronger community relations.  The Gun Offender Registry bill will better equip our city in the effort to combat and eradicate gun violence.”

Torres said, “We must take every measure to stem the tide of gun violence in New York City.  This bill will create a commonsense crime-fighting tool that provides both law-enforcement and community members with real-time information on violent gun-offenders in their neighborhoods.”

Diaz said, “A safer New York State, and a safer nation, demands that we shine a light on those individuals who would commit gun crimes in our neighborhoods. An easily-accessible gun crime registry will serve as an excellent tool not only to keep neighborhoods informed about crime, but to serve as a deterrent from such acts. I am proud to stand with my colleagues today to reintroduce this legislation, which I first proposed in my 2013 ‘State of the Borough’ address, and I look forward to seeing it become law.”

From January 2013 to July of this year, there have been 1,400 shooting incidents and there have been 1,190 shooting victims.  

The bill mandates that registered gun offenders will be listed in a publicly available online sub-directory, which will provide a searchable database.  Individuals can sign up for free automatic email notifications when an offender moves into a geographic area they specified.

The registry will be updated on a monthly basis and will include: the offender’s name, block on which they live, a physical description, the crime the offender was convicted of, and sentence imposed.  Gun offenders are required to be registered for only four years from the date of release or after conviction, after which their names are expunged.

The bill sponsors were joined in support by their colleagues, along with other elected officials and community groups.

“As we expand our City’s efforts to reduce gun violence and make New York a safer place to live, all New Yorkers should be assured that they will have access to up-to-date information that will assist them in protecting their families,” Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, chair of the Council’s Public Safety, said. “Ensuring access to accurate information about convicted gun offenders, this legislation is a creative approach to enhancing the array of options available to every New Yorker as we join together to combat gun violence.”

“By making the existing gun offender registry public we are telling these criminals that they are no longer just being watched by the police, but by everyone. I am confident that this step will help fight the increased gun violence I have seen in my district and act as a safety measure for families concerned about their safety in their own neighborhoods. We must be willing to work together, with our fellow elected officials, the police department and community organizations to ensure that our neighbors are able to access this resource. Together we will show that gun violence is not tolerated in our community and never will be,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

"New York residents deserve access to any information that will help them lead safer lives and give them the tools to better protect their families. By allowing for community access and mandating community notification to the City's gun offender registry we will give our citizens the knowledge they need to make smart choices. I stand with my colleagues in government in fighting for this vital piece of legislation," said State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein.