Senator Jeff Klein, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Joined by Elected Officials & Seniors, Celebrate Major Property Tax Savings That Are On The Way for Homeowners

SCHE/DHE program expansion set to help thousands more live affordably in New York

Senator Jeff Klein, Mayor Bill de Blasio, joined by Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and Bronx seniors, celebrated the anticipated expansion of the Senior Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) on Friday.

This year, Senator Klein fought to increase the income eligibility for the SCHE and DHE programs which provide major property tax exemptions to residents living on fixed incomes. In The Bronx, seniors could potentially save upwards of $1,000 a year through the exemption.

The proposal  received support from Mayor de Blasio.

The New York State Senate recently passed legislation carried by Independent Democratic Conference member Senator Diane Savino, which would raise the income cap for SCHE/DHE to $50,000 for a full 50% property tax exemption and to $58,400 for a partial exemption, which will provide much-needed relief to New York City homeowners. The eligibility levels have not been raised since 2006. The current income limit for a full 50% reduction is just $29,000.

It is expected to pass in the Assembly, where Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh carries the legislation.

“Our seniors deserve to live out their golden years without worrying that they can no longer afford their homes, the places where they raised their children and hold cherished memories. It is important that for seniors and disabled homeowners living on tight budgets we create an affordable New York by bringing real property tax relief by raising the income eligibility for SCHE and DHE to 2017 levels. I’m proud that the IDC has been the driving force behind this policy and I thank the Mayor de Blasio for his support,” said Senator Klein.

“Since the creation of these programs, life has changed significantly in New York City. We’ve watched the cost of living increase, but the income requirements for SCHE and DHE have remained stagnant,” said Mayor de Blasio. “New York City’s seniors should not be worrying about how they’ll afford to stay in their homes. At a time when we’re facing tax cuts for billionaires by billionaires, it is our duty to do all we can for those most deserving of some assistance.”

The program will help seniors save big in The Bronx. On average a qualifying homeowner in:

• Throggs Neck will save $1,029 a year
• Morris Park will save  $2,637 a year
• Melrose will save $1,589 a year
• University Heights will save $1,523 a year
• Soundview will save $2,339 a year
• Riverdale will save $1,017 a year

On average a homeowner who qualifies for the program under the expanded income threshold could save up to $1,750 a year.

This proposal would also increase the cap for partial exemptions to $58,400, with property tax exemptions provided to qualified senior and disabled homeowners on a sliding scale.

SCHE/DHE at $50,000 (Proposed)
Income Range	Abatement
$57,500 - $58,400	5%
$56,600 - $57,499	10.0%
$55,700 - $56,599	15.0%
$54,800 - $55,699	20.0%
$53,900 - $54,799	25.0%
$53,000 - $53,899	30.0%
$52,000 - $52,999	35.0%
$50,100 - $51,999	40.0%
$50,001 - $50,999	45.0%
$0 - $50,000	50.0%

MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO, COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE ANNOUNCE $5.7 MILLION COMMUNITY CENTER RENOVATION ON STATEN ISLAND

Investment will expand Cornerstone Program at Mariner’s Harbor Houses  

   Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Member Debi Rose announced the City would invest $5.7 million to renovate a community center at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Mariner’s Harbor Houses on Staten Island. The renovated community center will expand the Department of Youth and Community Development’s (DYCD) Cornerstone Program at Mariner’s Harbor Houses, providing an additional 150 residents with access to quality, community-based programming in two facilities that span more than 5000 square feet. The renovation is expected to be completed in early 2020.

Opened in 2016, the Cornerstone Program at Mariner’s Harbor Houses is funded by DYCD and operated by United Activities Unlimited. The initiative offers community members a variety of programming determined by residents, including homework assistance, sports clinics, mentoring programs, clothing drives and special events and trips.

“Community centers are the heart of our neighborhoods, and provide a place for all New Yorkers to come together, learn and have fun,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This renovation will ensure that more residents have access to engaging programs and activities, and strengthen the community as a whole.”

“We know that when our young people have nowhere to go after school, they are far more likely to run into trouble with the law” said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. “This substantial investment into the Mariners Harbor Community Center will provide invaluable programming, services, and most importantly a safe place for the residents of that community to learn & play. Investments like these have ripple effects throughout the neighborhood, and I applaud Mayor De Blasio, NYCHA, DYCD, for recognizing that all Staten Islanders need spaces like this to feel safe in their communities.”

"I commend Mayor de Blasio and Council member Rose for their investment in the renovation of this important program. Mariner's Harbor is a community that is farthest away from much of the North Shore development, so important upgrades to the community like this ensure the residents are getting the vital services they deserve,” said New York State Senator Diane Savino.

  

“The addition of a renovated center right next to the Cornerstone Program funded by DYCD and operated by United Activities Unlimited will give residents access to even more vital community services, and another place to keep them safe and engaged,” said Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Bill Chong.

“For NYCHA residents, community centers are more than just a building, they are a foundation for our​ neighborhoods,” said NYCHA General Manager Michael Kelly. “Investing in Mariner's Harbor Houses to double the current community center space means Staten Island youth will have an expanded area to call their own whether they're receiving help at a computer lab or homework assistance. Today, with the partnership of Mayor de Blasio, we're moving closer to achieving our NextGen NYCHA goal of creating safe, stable and connected communities.”

Mariner’s Harbor is one of 94 Cornerstone Programs at NYCHA community centers in all five boroughs. Started in 2010, the program is a joint NYCHA and DYCD effort to create vibrant, multi-generational community centers on NYCHA developments that are responsive to local needs and improve quality of life and well-being of neighborhood residents.

This investment is a part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to build stronger neighborhoods through enhanced community engagement and expanded programming for NYCHA residents. In March, Mayor de Blasio pledged $1 million to help build a community center at NYCHA Marcy Houses. In 2014, Mayor de Blasio expanded summer hours at 107 community centers in NYCHA developments, including Cornerstones, so that they remain open until 11 P.M. The later hours provide young people with a safe space for recreation and learning.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chancellor Carmen Farina come to MS 306

  Late Thursday afternoon as the school day had ended Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina visited MS 306 located on Tremont Avenue in School District 10. They came to see the successful after school programs at MS 306, to talk about the mayors Pre-K proposal, and more after school programs in NYC public schools. They first met with MS 306 Principal Serapra Cruz, and then visited one room in which a vibrant after school program was going on.

  When de Blasio and Farina came into the room where a press conference was going on Mayor de Blasio opened with being able to have the programs that are in this school help children progress into adulthood, bond them together, and keeps them off the streets and out of trouble. De Blasio then said that in MS 306 all the students receive free lunch due to the high poverty rate of the area. He went on to say that he was a school board member of District 15 where he met Ms. Farina, and helped to bring her to become the Superintendent of that school district. He added that Chancellor Farina will have as a goal to improve the middle schools in NYC. 

  Next in the speech by the mayor was on after school programs. The mayor said that in the past 6 years 30,000 after school seats have been lost under Mayor Bloomberg. He wants to have principals be able to choose which after school programs that will fit into their schools best. Chancellor Farina then said that she wants to replicate those good schools and programs citywide. The mayor added that public libraries and community based organizations will be asked to help. 

  Mayor de Blasio then took questions. One question was that in MS 306 only 25% of the students participate in after school programs. The mayor said that he wants all students to have after school programs as well as Pre-K, and that is why he is pushing for his 5 year tax on those who earn more than $500,000.00.

He cautioned however that NYC will have to wait until the state budget is done in April to find out what the state is giving NYC in aid, but he wants these programs not to be tied into any politics.

  To the questions of some of the reporters on hand the answer by Mayor de Blasio was " you have to give me some time I was just elected". On a personal note I was a parent leader and member of the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Council when former schools chancellor Joel Klein was appointed, and I heard the very same answers that Mayor de Blasio gave. "I'm new here, Give me some time, and finally it was give me the question ahead of time so I can have the answer for you". 

  I then asked a question of Chancellor Farina what she was going to do about parent involvement that was at its high before Joel Klein was schools chancellor, and is now at its lowest point. Chancellor Farina had some green index cards saying that she meet with the current Chancellor's Parent Advisory Council the day before, and she took note on the green cards that she said was for parents. Chancellor Farina then said that she was meeting with the Community (District) Education Councils next week, and would have a set of orange index cards for their comments. She went on to say that she will have a different color of index card for each different situation. Below are some photos of the Mayor and Chancellor's visit to MS 306.

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Farina chat with MS 306 principal Serapra Cruz in a crowded school hallway.

Mayor de Blasio at the podium as he outlines his education goals. 

Not being as tall as Mayor de Blasio Schools Chancellor had to hop onto the pull out step from the podium to speak.

Mayor de Blasio Meets Wtih Bronx Council Delegation

  In an interview with Capitol New York Bronx Council delegation leader Councilwoman Annabel Palma talks about this latest meeting with Mayor Bill de Blasio to try to sway their votes from Dan Garodnick to Melissa Mark-Viverito for city council speaker. As of now only Councilman Ritchie Torres has committed to voting for Mark-Viverito with the rest of the Bronx delegation committing to Dan Garodnick for speaker when the selection takes place on Thursday January 8th.

  In the interview Councilwoman Palma says "This whole process has been handled through manipulation and threats. People have been called and told they would not get help in their districts when it came to budget time." She added that those who vote against Councilwoman Mark-Viverito for speaker were threatened with primary challenges in future races. In the next council election in the Bronx, the 8th (Mark-Viverito), 13th (Vacca), 17th (Arroyo) and 18th (Palma) will be open seats due to term limits. The 11th (Cohen) and 12th (King) were supported by Mayor Bill de Blasio, while the 15th (Torres) is the lone supporter of Mark-Viverito. That would leave only the 14th (Cabrera) and 16th (Gibson) to worry about having a primary in 2017. Having spoken to several Bronx council delegation members about how they will vote, all who are supporting Garodnick have said they will vote as a block for him. I wonder however if Councilman Fernando Cabrera or Councilman Fernando Hyde from the 14th council district will show up for the vote.

  Councilwoman Palma did not give any specifics as to just who or whom was threatening any Bronx council member, but said "This whole process of the Working Families Party involvement and the unions having such a heavy hand on who gets a speaker is totally disrespectful to the entire Council,"
  Mayor de Blasio declined to comment on the meeting, saying only that it was a "very productive and respectful meeting." You can find the entire article from Capitol New York here.

  

IT"S OFFICIAL BILL DE BLASIO IS THE NEW MAYOR

  After being sworn in at 12:01 AM January 1st by New York State Attorney General Eric Schniderman, new mayor Bill de Blasio was sworn in officially on the steps of City Hall by former President Bill Clinton at 1:01 PM. De Blasio was sworn in first by NY State Attorney General Eric Schniderman at his home in Brooklyn while his wife Chirlane Mcray held the bible for the new Mayor her husband. Also standing next to the new mayor as he took the oath of office were his two children Dante and Chiara. Both children and his wife became prominent in his campaign especially when his son Dante's Afro was the darling of the media. 

  At City Hall the public swearing in of new City Comptroller Scott Stringer was first. Second was the swearing in of new Public Advocate Letita James, and then came the event everyone was waiting for the swearing in of new Mayor Bill de Blasio by Former President Bill Clinton. Afterwards New Mayor de Blasio either shook hands or hugged several of the dignitaries in the attendance. Those included Hillary Clinton, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Former Mayor David Dinkins to name only a few. Others were invited to meet the new Mayor inside City Hall.

Gonzalez: Bill de Blasio's choosing Carmen Fariña as schools chancellor will revolutionize city's schools

This comes from The Daily News by way of a member of Mayor Bill de Blasio's Transition Team.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/gonzalez-de-blasio-schools-chancellor-revolutionize-city-schools-article-1.1562040

“Teachers and administrators have been maligned,” she said. She vowed to reinstitute professional development and training of teachers, but to do so from within the school system itself.

She repeatedly stressed the need to treat parents as partners.

“She actually sees parents as allies in making the schools better, not as a nuisance to be kept out,” said Javier Valdes, executive director of Make the Road New York, a Brooklyn community group that hailed her appointment.

But the emotional high point of Fariña’s remarks came when she talked of entering city public schools speaking only Spanish, and of facing discrimination from a teacher who refused to learn to pronounce her name.

With Latinos now making up more than 40% of our school population, thousands of pupils from Latin America and other parts of the world continue to face the same kind of problem today, Fariña said. Too often, teachers pressure those children to 

Anglicize their names.

“Your children will be spoken to by the name you gave them,” the new chancellor promised.

Only a lifetime educator could grasp the importance of properly pronouncing every child’s name in the classroom.

Editors Note 

As a member of the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Council when Ms. Farina was promoted to Deputy Chancellor, I beg to differ with the above comments and article. Citywide parent leaders found Deputy Chancellor Farina to be just like Chancellor Joel Klein when it came to parent concerns. The only reason I can find for her appointment as chancellor is her history with Community School Board 15 member and now Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Mayor Bill de Blasio Looking for New Comunications Director

  Just days after it reported that Mayor elect Bill de Blasio's communications director Liz Smith was seeing former Governor Eliot Spitzer The New York Post has reported that Ms. Smith is out as communications director. In its first story the Post reported that De Blasio described it as having been blindsided by the news of the relationship, and said at a press conference Monday that he hadn’t decided whether he would keep her on staff.

   The Post reports that Smith was absent Thursday from her usual position with de Blasio, and that aids have interviewed several possible replacements. De Blasio backed Spitzer's opponent in the Democratic Primary Scott Stringer for Comptroller, and had been critical of Spitzer, who resigned in 2008 over a prostitution scandal.

   The exposure of Spitzer and Smith's affair led to Spitzer and his wife Silda announcing that their marriage was finally over. The Post reports that the next day after the announcement Smith brought Spitzer to a Christmas party at her parents home in Bronxville. The entire Post article can be found here.