MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS GRACE BONILLA AS ADMINISTRATOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION

   Mayor Bill de Blasio today appointed Grace Bonilla as Administrator of the Human Resources Administration (HRA), which is now part of the Department of Social Services. Utilizing her years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors – including senior-level experience at HRA, Grace Bonilla will be responsible for leading HRA to fight poverty and income inequality. She will report to Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks.

“The people who work at the Human Resources Administration are tasked with achieving one of the most important goals of this City – combatting income inequality and poverty,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Grace Bonilla’s years of experience at HRA and fighting for New York’s most vulnerable make her a fine addition to the team to expand upon HRA’s critical work. I welcome Grace back to HRA and look forward to working with her.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Grace Bonilla back to the Human Resources Administration,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio. “As a longtime advocate for and champion of vulnerable New Yorkers, Grace brings critical expertise and an incredible sense of purpose to HRA. I look forward to working with her in this new role as we work to connect more New Yorkers to the critical services HRA provides.”

“We are very excited to have Grace Bonilla back in our agency in her new role as Administrator for the Human Resources Administration,” saidDepartment of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “She brings with her a wealth of experience in public and community service that will be a great asset to the agency as we continue to implement our reforms to help the neediest New Yorkers. I look forward to working with her again and to her leadership of the HRA team.”

“It is with a newfound purpose that I return to HRA and look forward to serving this Administration at such a critical time for our city and country. I am honored to work with Commissioner Banks and the stellar team at HRA as we continue to strengthen the safety net and assist millions of New Yorkers. I bring with me all the lessons that I have learned from the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families staff, our parents and students, and will work to effectively represent their hopes and dreams for themselves and our city. I am humbled by Mayor de Blasio’s vote of confidence and look forward to serving the city in this capacity,” said Grace Bonilla.

As part of the 90-day review of homeless services, the Mayor determined that to better coordinate services to New Yorkers and prevent homelessness HRA and the Department of Homeless Services should both report to a single Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, with an Administrator appointed to directly manage each agency. Grace Bonilla has been selected to fill the Administrator position at HRA.

About Grace Bonilla

Grace Bonilla was most recently the President and CEO of the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families (CHCF), a non-profit which combines education and advocacy to expand opportunities for children and families. In her role as President of CHCF, Bonilla served on the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Advisory Group. She also served as co-Chair of ACS’ Racial Equity and Cultural Competency as well as the Community School Advisory Board, among others. From 2012 to 2014, Bonilla served as Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Community Affairs and Immigrant Services, working to remove potential barriers to services for 1 million limited English proficient (LEP) and immigrant clients. Prior to this, she spent 10 years in senior roles at HRA. From 2011 to 2012, Bonilla was Assistant Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Constituent Services at HRA. She oversaw the daily operational needs of the Office of Constituent Communications and Infoline, the agency’s call center. She also collaborated with senior staff to ensure that HRA effectively implement legal mandates associated with the Americans with Disabilities Act and improved collaboration between the Office of Constituent Services and other program areas.

From 2009 to 2011, Bonilla served as Director of Legislation and Policy in the Office of Child Support Enforcement at HRA. In this role, she supervised the legislative and policy unit in efforts to adopt best practices from around the country. She also collaborated with the New York State Family Court to bring innovative approaches to reducing arrears for low income non-custodial parents. In addition, Bonilla was a project manager for a pilot program that examined the benefits of beginning child support orders through agreements outside of court for families on cash assistance. Bonilla also assisted as a liaison with New York Family Court to eliminate millions of dollars in arrears for low income non-custodial parents. Prior to this, she served as a Senior Legislative Analyst and Agency Attorney at HRA. Bonilla is the proud daughter of immigrant parents. Born and raised in Queens, Bonilla continues to live there with her husband Michael and three sons. She is a graduate of St. Johns University and Brooklyn Law School.

About HRA

Now part of the Department of Social Services, the Human Resources Administration (HRA) provides economic support and social services to families and individuals through the administration of major benefit programs including cash assistance (CA), the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid and Child Support Services. HRA also provides homelessness prevention and rental assistance, educational, vocational and employment services, assistance for persons with disabilities, services for immigrants, civil legal aid and disaster relief. For the most vulnerable New Yorkers, it provides HIV/AIDS Services, Adult Protective Services, Home Care and programs for survivors of domestic violence.

Wave Hill Events Mar 3–Mar 10 Ray Vega!

  Just another dazzlingly peaceful week in the gardens—if you can think of a sizzling performance Sunday by Ray Vega’s quintet in that way! Also happening on Sunday, at the other end of the gardens, is the next-to-last drop-in studio time with two of the artists in our Winter Workspace Session 2 in Glyndor Gallery. And another of the Session 2 artists, Cecile Chong, offers a workshop this week.

Want some specific garden inspiration for your next visit? Check out weekly posts to our blog, each focusing on a particular plant that deserves your interest. This week it’s winter-blooming witch hazel—as attached.

SAT, MARCH 4    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: NARRATIVES IN ENCAUSTIC

Work with Winter Workspace artist Cecile Chong to create a personal chronicle or story embedded permanently in encaustic. Fixed in beeswax and resin, your work will become a scrapbook page or visual time-capsule. $55/$45 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. 

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 10AM–1PM

SAT, MARCH 4    FAMILY ART PROJECT: A LIVING WALL

While we are still tucked indoors for winter, let’s remember plants that provide fresh air indoors. Using the shapes, colors and names of these familiar, green friends, make paper collages incorporating many verdant hues, then participate in a group installation project—a green wall! Free, and admission to the grounds is free untilnoon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 4    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

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

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SUN, MARCH 5    FAMILY ART PROJECT: A LIVING WALL

While we are still tucked indoors for winter, let’s remember plants that provide fresh air indoors. Using the shapes, colors and names of these familiar, green friends, make paper collages incorporating many verdant hues, then participate in a group installation project—a green wall! Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 5    PRE-CONCERT TEA

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Mark Twain Room prior to today’s concert in Armor Hall. The Café at Wave Hill pairs a classic menu with an assortment of green, black and herbal teas. This traditional tea service includes the four classic elements of savory, scones, sweets and tea. The menu, presented by Great Performances, includes an array of tea sandwiches, scones and bite-sized desserts. Afternoon Tea also includes a glass of sparkling wine. Afternoon Tea Service is $36. Wave Hill Members receive a 10% discount. Advanced registration is required, online atwavehill.org. We will take reservations until noon, Friday, March 3.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON

SUN, MARCH 5    WINTER WORKSPACE DROP-IN SUNDAY

Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-in Sunday. In the Winter Workspace today are Elisabeth Condon andTommy Nguyen. Stop by Glyndor Gallery to speak to the artists and get a closer look at the creative process. Free with admission to the grounds. 

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–3PM

SUN, MARCH 5    CONCERT: RAY VEGA LATIN JAZZ QUINTET

Trumpeter Ray Vega brought the audience to its feet on his prior visit to Wave Hill. “A dean of golden tones and elegant, melody-respecting improvisational development" (JAZZIZ Magazine), the South Bronx native and his Latin Jazz ensemble return triumphantly to Armor Hall with a mix of his own works and his unique take on standard tunes. Performances begin at 2PM and last approximately one hour with no intermission. Ticket prices: Adults $28/$22 Wave Hill Member, Children (ages 8-18) $15/$12. Order tickets online or onsite at the Perkins Visitors Center. For additional information, please call 718.549.3200 x251.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, MARCH 5    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, MARCH 6    

Closed to the public

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 and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs 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 30 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 W. 242nd 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.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELESS SERVICES TERMINATING ALL HOTEL AND CLUSTER-SITE CONTRACTS WITH BEDCO

DHS seeks new nonprofit service providers to manage cluster shelters as first step toward phasing BEDCO out over coming months

  The NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) today announced that it will end the use of Bushwick Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) as a nonprofit service provider sheltering homeless New Yorkers in hotels and cluster sites. Over the coming months, BEDCO’s hotel and cluster-site portfolio will be completely eliminated and/or transitioned to other providers—the result of an ongoing comprehensive review of all aspects of shelter operations. Last year, DHS took steps to end the use of two nonprofit service providers with a history of noncompliance and serious shelter conditions issues, terminating contracts with We Always Care and transitioning the Housing Bridge portfolio to new providers. These changes were made after last spring’s 90-day review of homeless services, during which time DHS took a fresh look at City shelter policies and contractors and proposed critical reforms, many of which had long been called for by advocates. This was the first such review to happen in decades.

“As part of the 90-day review of homeless services, we are aggressively reforming decades-old policies and practices, including ending relationships with providers who have had a history of serious shelter conditions or other issues,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “Wherever possible, we are working to keep New Yorkers in their homes and out of shelter through a prevention-first strategy. But for our homeless neighbors in shelter, we are making an unprecedented number of changes to dramatically improve shelter conditions and services. Last year alone, we eliminated more than 10,000 shelter building code violations that had built up over many years.”

Today, as the first step toward phasing BEDCO out of these sites, DHS released a negotiated acquisition to secure new providers for all BEDCO-run cluster shelter locations. Over the coming months, DHS will take other measures to phase out BEDCO at hotels where the City provides shelter to homeless New Yorkers.

Comptroller Stringer Presents Analysis of New York City’s Preliminary FY 2018 Budget and January Financial Plan

   With the City’s economic growth beginning to slow, and rising fears of federal budget cuts under a Trump White House, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer today presented his analysis of New York City’s Preliminary Fiscal Year 2018 budget and the January Financial Plan.

“Our economy is strong, but with the pace of growth slowing and with uncertainty surrounding the Trump White House mounting, we have to prepare for whatever comes our way. I believe that we must prepare for the challenges ahead,” New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer said. “Mayor De Blasio has presented a Preliminary Budget that contains a number of laudable new initiatives, which I support.  Yet, as we face challenges ahead, we will have to grow our budget cushion and a more vigorous agency savings program will be necessary.”

The presentation covered several aspects of the City Preliminary budget and the state of the City’s economy, including:

The Comptroller’s Economic Outlook: Slowing Growth

The rate of economic growth is expected to slow for New York City during the Financial Plan period (2017-2021). 

• The current economic expansion since the Great Recession will go on record as one of the strongest. The city has created 635,000 jobs since 2009, totaling a historic high of nearly 4.4 million jobs, and unemployment rates are down in all five boroughs.
• Over half of new jobs have been in industries such as retail, leisure and hospitality, and healthcare, where wages are generally low.
• Real earnings for high-income sectors saw dramatic rises between 2009-2015. Lower paid workers, in contrast saw much smaller gains, with workers in the healthcare and education super-sector, who earn on average just $52,000, seeing no gains in real earnings at all.
• This year and next, the Comptroller’s Office expects growth to be sustained at better than two percent, due to a predicted artificial stimulus through potential tax cuts and proposed infrastructure spending.
• If President Trump implements his threats regarding trade and immigration restrictions, a more drastic slowdown should be expected in the years to come.

Possible Federal Budget Cuts Would Fall Most Heavily on the Safety Net

Federal budget cuts could seriously harm New York’s ability to protect its most vulnerable citizens, who rely on numerous programs funded with Federal Aid.

• The City relies on $7 billion annually in federal aid to help fund a wide range of city programs and services.
• Examples include 124,000 families who rely on HUD Section 8 vouchers, 770,000 low-income and elderly households who get federal assistance to keep their homes warm in winter, and 105,000 jobseekers who were served by City Workforce One centers last year.
• Repealing the Affordable Care Act could have a devastating impact on 1.6 million newly enrolled New Yorkers and the NYC Health + Hospitals system. NYC Health + Hospitals is in the midst of a Transformation Plan to address budget gaps that reach $1.8 billion by 2021, which could be derailed by ACA repeal.

The Budget Cushion Needs to Be Built Up to Meet the Challenges Ahead

The City’s budget cushion – the amount available in reserves and accumulated surpluses at the beginning of each fiscal year – is below the optimal level to meet the likely challenges.

• The Comptroller’s Office believes the optimal range for a budget cushion is between 12 percent and 18 percent of adjusted City expenditures.
• The City began fiscal year 2017 with a cushion of $9.6 billion, or 11 percent of spending.
• As of the Preliminary Budget, the City would start 2018 with a cushion of 10 percent of spending – about $8.5 billion.
• An additional $1.7 billion would be required to reach the minimum 12% threshold.

Great Effort Will be Required by Agencies to Identify Savings

City agencies will need to make a greater effort to identify savings and efficiencies in order to help build up the budget cushion.

• The Comptroller’s analysis found that the vast majority of the City’s $2.1 billion savings in FY 2017 and FY 2018 comes from spending re-estimates, funding shifts, and debt service, while $139 million – or just seven percent of all savings – comes from City agency efficiencies.

• As a percentage of total spending, agency savings have averaged just 1.0 percent in the last three budgets, compared to 2.7 percent in the six budgets during and after the Great Recession.

Homelessness Spending Continues to Climb Steeply

The continuing rise in homelessness spending shows the need for a clear strategy with measurable and transparent milestones.

• Citywide spending on homelessness has nearly doubled from $1.2 billion in FY 2014 to $2.3 billion in FY 2017. Spending on citywide homeless services is projected to increase by $460 million over last year.

• Those dramatic rises are driven in part by the cost of commercial hotels, spending for which reached $102 million in calendar year 2016.

• DHS has failed to update the metrics in its online dashboard for over a year.

Risks and Offsets Analysis Shows Somewhat Higher Gaps than the Mayor’s

The Comptroller’s analysis of the assumptions and methods in the Mayor’s Preliminary Budget proposal, as required by the City Charter, show somewhat higher budget gaps.

• The Comptroller’s Office is more optimistic in its tax revenue forecast than OMB’s. However, the assumption that the City will realize $731 million from the sale of taxi medallions may be optimistic, and the Preliminary budget continues to leave out the intercept of sales tax revenue imposed by the State last year to recapture savings from the 2014 refinancing of STAR-C bonds.
• The analysis also shows several areas where spending is likely underestimated, including overtime, homelessness, DOE’s Medicaid claiming, and City support for NYC Health + Hospitals.
• As a result, budget gaps beginning in FY 2018 are projected to be somewhat higher than those predicted by OMB.

To view Comptroller Stringer’s budget analysis presentation, click here.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON CONDITIONS AT BRONX BUILDING 750 GRAND CONCOURSE

   “We stand with the tenants. After deploying numerous tools to address persistent problems at this building, we are working with housing advocates and tenants to lodge an action against the landlord to take over operations. We will not rest until we've exhausted every measure to ensure the health and safety of these residents.”

EDITOR"S NOTE:

Mayor de Blasio why is it that this type of constant problem involving the health of New Yorkers happens mainly in the Bronx?

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS LEGISLATION INCREASING FUNDING FOR THE PERCENT FOR ART PROGRAM

Also signs legislation authorizing the expansion of DUMBO BID

  Mayor de Blasio yesterday signed 12 pieces of legislation on which he previously held a hearing – Intros. 1290-A, 1295-A, 1296-A and 1297-A, in relation to the Percent for Art program; Intro. 865-B, in relation to reporting certain data regarding the Cultural Institutions Group; Intro. 1276-B, in relation to requiring the art commission to conduct an annual report; Intros. 570-A, 860-A and 861-A, in relation to commuter vans; Intro. 1052-A, in relation to agency disposal of electronics; Intro. 1281-A, in relation to the evaluation of economic development tax expenditures; and Intro. 1371, in relation to an extension of the DUMBO Business Improvement District. The Mayor also held hearings for and signed nine other pieces of legislation– Intro. 436-A, in relation to allowing supermarkets and some retail stores to correct first-time price-labeling violations before having to pay civil penalties; Intro. 1024-A, in relation to the dissemination of senior citizen rent increase exemption information; Intros. 1164-A, 1166-A, 1167-A, 1168-A and 1171-A, in relation to three quarters housing; Intro. 1294-A, in relation to requiring the fire department to report on fire-related deaths; and Intro. 1309, in relation to the extension of increases to the maximum qualifying income levels for the City’s Rent Freeze Program, SCRIE and DRIE.

“Public art plays a crucial role in capturing the extraordinary energy and diversity of this city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The improvement of the Percent for Art program strengthens the City’s ability to invest in public works of art and the local artists who create it. This package of legislation is just one of many steps we are taking to ensure the growth and display of New York City’s artistic spirit. I would like to thank the sponsors of these bills, Council Member Laurie Cumbo and Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. I would also like to thank Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the rest of the City Council for passing these bills.”

“New York City is not only home to great art – it is home to great artists,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Through implementing enhanced funding provisions and establishing detailed reporting requirements, we ensure that New Yorkers have continued access to information about our citywide public art programs and to the opportunities that allow them to participate in those same programs themselves. I commend the members of the City Council who worked so diligently on these initiatives, and I thank Mayor de Blasio for signing them into law today.”

The first bill, Intro. 1296-A, brings the Percent for Art program into the 21st century, economically speaking. This bill increases the amount the City of New York can spend on public art. The bill provides that one percent of the first $50 million appropriated for public-facing capital projects must be allocated for public art, replacing the existing rule that only one percent of the first $20 million would be allocated for public works of art. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsors, Council Member Laurie Cumbo and Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer.

The second bill, Intro. 1295-A, requires that the Department of Cultural Affairs publish demographic information on its website about the artists whose work has been commissioned by the Percent for Art program, in addition to the information currently published about each commission. This bill will help to show the breadth and diversity of the works and artists commissioned. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsors, Council Member Laurie Cumbo and Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer.

The third bill, Intro. 1290-A, clarifies who must serve on the advisory panels that recommend art for the Percent for Art program. This bill will help to ensure that diverse groups of voices decide what art best represents their communities. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsors, Council Member Laurie Cumbo and Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer.

The fourth bill, Intro. 1297-A, requires DCLA to do citywide outreach to educate the public about how to submit artwork to the Percent for Art program. This bill will help to ensure that all those who have a stake in public art will be able to have a say in public art. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsors, Council Members Laurie Cumbo and Jimmy Van Bramer.

The fifth bill, Intro. 865-B, requires DCLA to report annually on educational partnerships, programs, and visitors to City-owned cultural institutions. This bill will help to highlight the meaningful role that cultural institutions play in the City’s cultural landscape. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer.

The sixth bill, Intro. 570-A, reduces regulatory obstacles for legitimate commuter van operators. This bill makes it easier for commuter van operators to obtain and renew a license. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked Council Member Jumaane Williams.

The seventh bill, Intro. 860-A, requires that the Taxi and Limousine Commission prepare an annual review and report of the City’s commuter van industry and make recommendations for its improvement. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked Council Member I. Daneek Miller.

The eighth bill, Intro. 861-A, increases penalties for operating an unlicensed commuter van and establishes penalties related to operating a commuter van. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked Council Member I. Daneek Miller.

“Commuter vans are an increasingly important and affordable way for many New Yorkers to get where they need to be,” said Taxi and Limousine Chair Meera Joshi. “We appreciate the work of Council Members Miller and Williams in providing these tools to increase safety, and we look forward to continuing to work together to support the licensed commuter van industry in ways that will further enhance their value to passengers and industry members alike.”

The ninth bill, Intro. 1052-A, requires that City agencies erase all data and information when disposing of electronics. This bill underscores the City of New York’s commitment to protecting New Yorkers’ personal information and helps to safeguard the privacy of the City’s people while preserving the integrity of electronic infrastructure. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member James Vacca.

The tenth bill, Intro. 1276-B, requires the Public Design Commission to report annually on the previous year’s work. This bill will help make the City’s public design review process more transparent. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer.

The eleventh bill, Intro. 1281-A, relates to the evaluation of economic development tax expenditures. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

The twelfth bill, Intro. 1371, allows for an extension of the DUMBO Business Improvement District. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, Chair of the Committee on Finance.

The thirteenth bill, Intro. 436-A, allows supermarkets and some retail stores to correct first-time price-labeling violations before having to pay civil penalties. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Rafael Espinal.

The fourteenth bill, Intro. 1024-A, requires relevant agencies to distribute information to potentially eligible clients regarding enrollment for Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE). In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Fernando Cabrera.

The fifteenth bill, Intro. 1164-A, amends the administrative code of New York City in relation to information regarding unlawful evictions. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Corey Johnson.

The sixteenth bill, Intro. 1166-A, requires quarterly reports on violations issued to three-quarter housing. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Donovan Richards.

The seventeenth bill, Intro. 1167-A, amends the administrative code in relation to posting of a vacate order, re-occupancy of vacated dwellings, and the provision of relocation services. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Ritchie Torres.

“The City’s on-going affordable housing crisis and limited housing options has contributed to the existence of three-quarter houses that take advantage of extremely vulnerable individuals with nowhere to go. The enactment of this package into law will protect tenants from being taken advantage of by abusive landlords who want to make a profit off the Medicaid system and government resources. The bills I proudly sponsored will prohibit landlords from using medical treatment status as a way to discriminate against tenants, and will eliminate time limits for a person to apply for relocation services when a vacate order is in effect for the location where the person lives. These newly-enacted laws will confront the two major problems faced by three-quarter houses’ residents,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

The eighteenth bill, Intro. 1168-A, relates to improperly conditioning of residential occupancy on medical treatment. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Ritchie Torres.

The nineteenth bill, Intro. 1171-A, relates to verification of occupancy for relocation services. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Jumaane Williams.

“The point of this bill is to better protect those who live in three-quarter houses against abusive landlords who are looking to profit off of their vulnerability and moments of distress. The most troubling part in all of this is that because of the City’s affordable housing crisis, unscrupulous landlords have the opportunity to take advantage of people who cannot afford to go anywhere else. My bill expands identification documents needed for tenants to apply for relocation services. These documents include a lease, government ID, and a statement from a good-actor landlord or nonprofit. This adds certainty and trust to the process for tenants and prospective tenants. My hope is these bills go a long way to remedying this problem and disrupting this unregulated and unethical practice,” said Council Member Jumaane Williams.

The twentieth bill, Intro. 1294-A, requires that the Fire Department reports on the use and type of smoke detectors and smoke alarms in fire-related deaths. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley.

The twenty-first bill, Intro. 1309, extends increases to income eligibility limits for the City’s Rent Freeze Program, SCRIE and DRIE. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Margaret Chin.

COUNCIL MEMBER RITCHIE TORRES AND URBAN UPBOUND TO PROVIDE FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES IN THE BRONX

Council Member Torres and Urban Upbound are partnering in their third year – after providing $1.5 million dollars in tax returns last year

 Council Member Ritchie Torres is partnering with Urban Upbound to provide free tax preparation services in the Council Member’s District Office for the 2017 tax season.  On Friday, the Council Member will hold a press conference to announce how residents can request appointments, what documents to bring, and how much was returned to local residents in tax returns last year. Tax returns provide a boost to the local economy, and this free and quality service protects residents from identity fraud. Residents who do not file tax returns by April 15^th will lose their right to any funds that are three years old.

So far this year, more than 150 tax returns have been filed, refunding local residents for more than $550,000. Urban Upbound tax preparers are able to assist residents in applying for the Earned Income Tax Credit, a underutilized credit in New York City. More than 120,000 NYC residents are eligible for the EITC and do not apply for it.

New York City Council Member Ritchie Torres, CEO of Urban Upbound Bishop Taylor

Date and time: Friday, February 17^th at 10:00 AM

Where: Council Member Torres’ District Office, at 573 East Fordham Road, Bronx NY

N.Y. CITY COUNCIL PASSES COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN’S LEGISLATION IMPOSING HARSHER PENALTIES AGAINST ATV’S

Introduction 834-B Increases Penalties for Operation of Illegal ATV’s

City Hall, New York – On Wednesday, February 15 th , the New York City Council passed legislation sponsored by Council Member Andrew Cohen that increases penalties for illegal operation of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s).

Currently, state law prohibits operation of ATV’s on streets and violators may be ticketed. A large proportion of ATV deaths occur while they are being driven illegally on streets. Incidents involving death and injury caused by ATV’s on city streets have drastically increased in recent years. In 2014, there were nine deaths from ATV accidents in The Bronx. At least two police officers have also recently been injured by ATV’s.

“New York City is only one terrain, an urban terrain, and it is no place for all-terrain vehicles. Rampant and reckless ATV driving is endangering the lives of New Yorkers,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

City residents who own ATV’s often ride them in city parks, creating a serious public safety issue. The current NYPD policy is to refrain from pursuing ATV operators except when it creates a significant risk to public safety. Even when operators are ticketed, the present small financial penalties are not much of a deterrent. Council Member Cohen’s measure imposes a $500 fine for the first violation and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.

“I’m alarmed by the harm such vehicles are causing in parks and other public spaces. This new law will put everyone on notice that we will not allow ATVs on our urban terrain, and give the NYPD another tool they can employ to stop illegal operators,” added Council Member Cohen.