NEW YORK CITY FILES A LAWSUIT AGAINST BROOKLYN LANDLORDS ACCUSED OF EGREGIOUS AND ILLEGAL EVICTION, HARASSMENT OF TENANTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

 

The City of New York filed a lawsuit today against landlords Gennaro Brooks-Church and Loretta Gendville, joint owners of 1214 Dean Street, a residential property in Brooklyn, as it takes steps to help tenants facing unlawful eviction. The lawsuit represents the Administration’s emphasis on enforcing the laws that protect tenants and is an example of how the City will not tolerate harassment during this unprecedented crisis.    

  

“This Administration will not tolerate landlords who illegally evict and harass tenants out of their homes, and we will take forceful action like today’s lawsuit to make that very clear,” said Ricardo Martínez Campos, Deputy Director for the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.  “For landlords who think they can rely on these tactics and make them part of their business model, know that you are on notice, and we will not hesitate to bring you to Court.”   

 

“Our Office would like to thank the City’s Law Department for working closely with us to bring this case, as well as the tenants of 1214 Dean Street who recounted their difficult stories for us time and again. It is our hope that this case will have implications that reach beyond 1214 Dean Street and will make clear that tenants should be treated with dignity and respect, and that their rights under the law must be observed,” said Greta Aiken, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants. 

 

"Ensuring New Yorkers have a safe, quality home and protecting renters from harassment and illegal eviction is more important now than ever," said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. “This action serves as a warning: If you violate tenants' rights, we will take action.”  

 

“Home should be where you feel you can put your head on your pillow and rest easy. In a time of pandemic, it should be the place you feel most safe”, said NYC Corporation Counsel James E. Johnson. “Today, we’re filing suit to ensure that safety and hold landlords accountable for their illegal and heartless acts. We have the tools to dismantle these egregious schemes and we will aggressively use them.”   

 

“Inflicting additional trauma onto those struggling to stay afloat during a pandemic by threatening eviction without process is not only immoral, but illegal," New York State Attorney General Letitia James said. "No one should fear having their home taken away at a time when their very life depends on social distancing and staying home; and no one should live in fear of reprisal from their landlord for asserting their lawful rights. Our investigation, working in tandem with the City’s lawsuit, will hold these landlords accountable for any illegal actions and will place other landlords on notice that they will be held accountable for unlawful eviction. "    

 

In July of this year, Brooks-Church and Gendville blatantly harassed the tenants of 1214 Dean Street, illegally evicting at least four tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City’s Law Department responded with a Cease and Desist letter sent to the landlords on July 10^th.     

 

Today, the Law Department, working with the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT), sued Gendville and Brooks-Church. The City seeks civil penalties for violations of the NYC Unlawful Eviction Law, a finding of Tenant Harassment against defendants, correction of construction code violations that include unpermitted construction and illegal conversion, and civil penalties for those violations.   

 

By seeking civil penalties, the City seeks to reverse any windfall that landlords may receive from their bad acts, and to broadcast a message that other landlords think twice before illegally displacing tenants.     

The City is also working with the New York State Office of the Attorney General, who also have an active investigation into the actions of the Brooks-Church and Gendville. 

 

“In this time of extreme hardship, we’re going to be there for tenants and we’ve made it clear that tenant harassment will not fly under the radar of this Administration,” said HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll. “I thank all of our city and state partners for working together to hold landlords accountable and to protect New York City tenants in the middle of the pandemic, and every other day.” 

 

"Tenants deserve safe, legal housing, and should not be forced from their homes - not now, not ever, and certainly not during a pandemic," said DOB Commissioner Melanie La Rocca. "New Yorkers look out for their neighbors, and that's what we're doing here. We are proud to work alongside our partner agencies to protect the rights of tenants and help to build a fairer city for all." 

 

The City Unlawful Eviction Law affords the City the ability to advance tenants’ rights even where tenants themselves are unable or too intimidated to bring their own action before a Court. This lawsuit reaffirms City policy and values that no one should be removed from their home without required legal process.   

The 1214 Dean Street litigation is the result of sustained efforts by the current administration to strengthen tenant protection work across its agencies.   

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio created the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT) in 2019 to coordinate the City’s range of tenant protection efforts. HPD expanded its tenant protection work with the establishment of its Anti-Harassment Unit in 2019, and the Law Department’s Affirmative Litigation Division assembled a special tenant protection team also in 2019.    

 

The Office of the Tenant Advocate was established at the Department of Buildings in 2017. DOB and HPD ensure buildings are safe and living conditions habitable, and together with the Law Department and MOPT, they work to counter illegal landlord harassment.    

Food Giveaway at Parkside Houses and Senior Center

People lined up to receive a large bag of canned goods and fresh produce Monday afternoon at the Parkside Houses located on Adee Avenue in the Bronx Park East section of the Bronx. On hand were Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez and State Senator Jamaal Bailey, with several helpers to bring the bags of food from the delivery truck to the people, and the Senior Center at the Parkside Houses.

On Monday November 23rd from 1 - 4 PM Senator Jamaal Bailey will be hosting his annual Turkey Giveaway for Thanksgiving at his district office located at 959 East 233rd Street, between Paulding and Edenwald Avenues. You must RSVP to Senator Bailey's office at 718-547-8854, or SENATORJBAILEY@NYSTATE.GOV 

Above - The truck loaded with bags of groceries and produce 

Below - The bags of food were brought to the people waiting on line from the delivery truck.

Above - Assemblywoman Fernandez directed traffic by lining people up for those who were bringing the bags of food.

Below - State Senator Jamaal Bailey arrived at the food giveaway speaking with Assemblywoman Fernandez and some of the helpers.

After all the people received their bags of food the extra bags were placed in the senior center for anyone who may not have gotten a bag.  

Joint Statement from Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Education Committee Chair Mark Treyger

 

“In this time of great uncertainty, there is one thing we do know: many students, including our youngest and most vulnerable school populations, are in desperate need of in-person learning and support services. We know this from hours and hours of testimony from educators, experts, parents and teachers at Council oversight hearings held in September and October.

“We also know that there is credible scientific evidence that young students are less likely to transmit COVID-19, and leading health experts have expressed confidence that schools can operate safely if safety measures are resourced and followed.

“Our City is in a dangerous position right now with rising COVID rates. But we owe it to students and families – and all New Yorkers who care about the future of this city – to try everything we can to keep schools open to provide in-person services while also prioritizing safety and equity. This is especially important for families who rely on our government to be the great equalizer. 

“One option that should be under serious consideration right now is the phased-in schools proposal crafted in July by Education Chair Mark Treyger. It would begin by initially offering in-person learning five days a week for early childhood and elementary students, as well as for our most vulnerable student populations: students with learning disabilities, multi-lingual learners, families experiencing homelessness, and others who are not being adequately served. Remote learning would also be offered for those families who do not want to participate in person and the Department of Education (DOE) must ensure that every child from every zip code receives the appropriate technology and internet they need.

“Prioritizing in-person learning for younger students and our most vulnerable student populations is important because we know that their academic and developmental progress is the most dependent on the social environment and consistency of in-person education. We also know they benefit the most from the resources and individualized attention that are in many cases impossible to get remotely, due to staffing constraints. In March, as our city shifted to full remote, we also opened up regional enrichment centers (REC) to provide emergency childcare services to children of essential workers. This proposal builds on the REC model by adding education services and expanding the pool of eligibility to include our city’s vulnerable kids. 

“These are difficult times for our city and tough decisions must be made. Let’s follow the science, think creatively and be guided by our mutual goals of safety and equity for all New Yorkers – including the children whose continued progress and success should be our ultimate concern.”

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - NOVEMBER 16, 2020

 

Positive Testing Rate in All Focus Zone Areas is 4.19 Percent; New York State Positivity Outside All Focus Zone Areas is 2.50 Percent

Statewide Positivity Rate is 2.80 Percent

25 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"COVID-19 is spreading in New York, and the increased number of cases is taking place throughout the state. This is not an Upstate or downstate issue—all New Yorkers, regardless of where they live, have cause for concern," Governor Cuomo said. "We are continuing to use a comprehensive micro-cluster strategy and increase our testing capacity to new heights. However, our success also depends on the vigilance and smart behavior of New Yorkers. Wash your hands, stay socially distanced and wear a mask. Local governments, do the enforcement. We're going to get through this pandemic, but only if we do it together and stay New York Tough."

The Governor noted that the positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's Micro-Cluster strategy is 4.19 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 2.50 percent. Within the focus areas, 22,117 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 927 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 102,448 test results were reported, yielding 2,563 positives.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 1,968 (+123)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 265
• Hospital Counties - 50
• Number ICU - 391 (+13)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 158 (+0)
• Total Discharges - 81,908 (+120)
• Deaths - 25
• Total Deaths - 26,159

 

Join Fellow Progressives for our November Meeting!   When: Tuesday, November 24, 7pm Where: Join Zoom Meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85249639889 Meeting ID: 852 4963 9889 Greetings Bronx Progressives Members!   Hope this email finds you and your loved ones healthy and in great spirits. As I write this, breathing a sigh of relief after Biden's win. It was close. Too close. But finally looking ahead into next year cautiously optimistic with a Biden-Harris presidency. The real work now begins at putting pressure on this new administration to address wealth inequality and improving the lives of working people.   Nonetheless, pleased to invite you all on behalf of Bronx Progressives, to our November general meeting, taking place Tuesday, November 24 at 7pm. Although we normally hold our meetings the last Wednesday of every month, we have pushed our meeting a day earlier given the close proximity to Thanksgiving. We are excited to bring you more updates on the reactivation of Bronx Progressives. As we reported on our last meeting, we are diligently meeting every Wednesday to review the bylaws, and making steady headway. A crucial responsibility that will help us build a more stronger and resilient Bronx Progressives.    We will also be joined by special guest Chantel Jackson, who officially just won the 79th Assembly seat previously held by Michael Blake (who ran for the 15 congressional seat). She will discuss her journey as a candidate, the issues her district faces, and her priorities for the 79th district.  We will also discuss the results of the general election, what does a Biden/Harris win mean to our progressive movement, and what are we going to need to do as a movement to make sure our progressive priorities are met. Agenda: Greetings and Welcomes (2 Mins.) Overview of the agenda (3 Mins.) House Rules (5 Mins.) Introducing Chantel Jackson (2 Mins)  Chantel Jackson speaks (20 Mins.) Q&A (10 Mins.) Reflections on the General Election/Around the room discussion. What does a Biden/Harris win mean to our progressive movement? What are we going to need to do as a movement to make sure our progressive priorities are met? (20 Mins.) Report on work Committee on Reactivating Bronx Progressives is doing (10 Mins.) Recruitment of reliable members to serve in a steering committee to reactivate Bronx Progressives Adjourn   When:  Time: Nov. 24, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Where: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85249639889 Meeting ID: 852 4963 9889 ***This meeting is ADA accessible and is a safe space for all races, religions, sexes, gender identities, ages and beliefs***

NEW YORK STATE ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE APPLICATION FOR VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE TO HELP SAVE LIVES

 

 Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Offenses, Stalking, and Human Trafficking Can Now Apply Here

The Application Facilitates a Swift and Secure Enrollment to Get an Undisclosed Address to Individuals in Need of a Safe Domicile 

Marks One Year Anniversary of Legislation Allowing Victims of Stalking, Sexual Offenses and Human Trafficking to Participate in Program

The New York State Department of State today announced a new online application for the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) in which victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual offenses and human trafficking can protect themselves from their perpetrators by getting a new undisclosed address. This online application will facilitate a swift and secure enrollment into the program for individuals who previously could only apply for the program via mail or fax.

The ACP is available to assist individuals who are trying to rebuild their lives after experiencing a violent situation that put them in harm’s way. ACP is a free state program that allows victims to keep their physical address hidden from their perpetrators by using a substitute mailing address provided by the Department of State in lieu of their actual home, school or work address. The program currently serves approximately 3,200 people.  

“In New York, we help protect our most vulnerable from violent situations that can endanger them and their families,” said Secretary of State Rossana Rosado who oversees this program. “The online application for the Address Confidentiality Program will make it faster and easier for thousands of New Yorkers in threatening situations to get protection from their perpetrators and help save lives.”

OTDA Commissioner Mike Hein said, “Survivors of human trafficking should never have to live with the fear that their perpetrator may one day identify where they reside. The Address Confidentiality Program gives victims added confidence that they won’t put themselves at risk when providing their mailing address. This added layer of security will help more survivors step out of the shadow of fear cast by their traffickers and onto the path toward lasting stability.”

New York State Office for Victim Services Director Elizabeth Cronin said, “New York State’s Address Confidentiality Program is an important tool for crime victims who are seeking a sense of safety and peace. I want to thank the Department of State for streamlining the application process and making this tool more accessible to victims, and the advocates helping them, as they work to secure safe housing. It is especially critical that we eliminate the requirement that these forms be printed and mailed or faxed, so applications for this program can be processed electronically during the global COVID-19 pandemic. “

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, “New York State’s Address Confidentiality Program is key to enabling survivors to break free from abusers, many of whom become most dangerous when survivors leave. The addition of online enrollment streamlines the process and assists survivors working to stay safe and rebuild their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional challenges for survivors seeking services, and this welcomed change removes a hurdle to access and helps domestic violence services in New York State become even more survivor-centered.”

NYS Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Sheila J. Poole said, “We are proud to partner with our sister agencies to support protecting vulnerable victims from abuse. Remaining in an abusive relationship or being subjected or exposed to abuse can have far-reaching effects for both the victim and any involved children. The ACP provides an additional assurance that those involved will be safe.”

The ACP helps victims by:

• Using an ACP substitute address. Once certified, the ACP participant, will receive an ID card containing his/her name, unique ID number and the substitute address, which is a Post Office box in Albany, New York. The card will also indicate the expiration date for the program participant and includes ACP contact information.
• Accepting service of process. Participants in the ACP have designated the Secretary of State to accept any legal notices on their behalf. The Secretary of State’s office will not reveal any identifying information to the process server. The program will only verify whether the person being served is an ACP participant. A copy of any process will be mailed to the participant via certified mail.
• Handling their mail. Any first class, registered, or certified mail sent to the substitute address will be re-packaged and forwarded to the participant’s actual mailing address. This is done daily, Monday through Friday (except holidays). Participants should expect a five to seven-day delay in receiving their mail. ACP will not forward packages, periodicals and catalogs, unless clearly identified as pharmaceuticals (prescription drugs) or they were sent by a government agency.

According to the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV), in 2018 there were 341,909 phone calls in its domestic violence and sexual assault hotlines. Moreover, the National Conference on Domestic Violence indicates that, on a regular day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. The numbers also show that in New York State in 2019, about 65 women died in the hands of an intimate partner.

New York State's Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline can be reached by phone: 1-800-942-6906, text: 844-997-2121 or chat: @opdv.ny.gov. For a list of domestic violence hotlines by county, visit the New York State Domestic Violence Directory. The Office of Victim Services also funds a network of more than 200 community-based programs that support victims of crime and their families.  

The New York State Response to Human Trafficking Program, which provides case management services and is funded by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, has confirmed more than 250 cases of human trafficking in New York through October. Victims in confirmed human trafficking cases can now participate in ACP. 

Applications for ACP will still be accepted via mail and fax and through Application Assistance Providers located throughout the state. For more information and assistance with the application process, please visit the ACP webpage at www.dos.ny.gov/acp or call toll free at (855) 350-4595.

Governor Cuomo Announces New Tool to Help New Yorkers Access Critical Benefits Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Public-Private Partnership with Google.org Streamlines Process for Identifying Potential Benefits for New Yorkers Unfamiliar with Social Programs

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new web application that will help struggling New Yorkers locate benefits to assist them during their time of need. Developed through a public-private partnership with Google.org, the user-friendly social services discovery application will help individuals who are either new to or unfamiliar with the state's social programs network. 

"COVID-19 has caused unprecedented demand for social services in New York, including families and individuals who have never relied on social programs before," Governor Cuomo said. "This new web application, the result of a public-private partnership, will provide New Yorkers with a user-friendly, stigma-free resource to get the assistance and relief they need." 

The "Find Services" web application provides an easy-to-use starting point for first-time users of social programs. The web application prompts each user with a series of simple questions aimed at narrowing the field of possible services to those that are best designed to serve their needs. After answering the questions, the user is provided with a ranked list of potential services along with a description to help residents judge if the service is right for them and provide them with more information about how to apply. 

The web application was developed at no cost to taxpayers during a six-month collaboration between the state Office of Information Technology Services and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which oversees many of New York's social services programs, and a team of 10 full-time pro bono Google.org fellows supporting the Governor's COVID-19 Tech SWAT Team initiative. This unique public-private partnership has enlisted the assistance of leading technology companies and has assisted roughly four million New Yorkers since its inception. The web application's code has been open sourced to allow other government entities the opportunity to build on this project to meet the needs of their residents.

During a three-week pilot of the application, more than 100,000 New Yorkers accessed the web application. The State will use analytics data to understand where residents need help getting connected with vital government services and refine the application over time to best serve the needs of New Yorkers.  

ITS Interim Chief Information Officer and Director Jeremy Goldberg said, "Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York State has moved with urgency and resilience to tackle the coronavirus head-on. We have received unprecedented support from civic-minded technologists across the state to support our response efforts. We welcomed that support and worked hand-in-glove with this team to assist those who needed it most." 

New York's social services programs have seen increased caseloads since the start of the global pandemic.  More low-income New Yorkers are availing themselves of critical benefits, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and temporary cash assistance.

OTDA Commissioner Mike Hein said, "Now more than ever, it is critical for eligible New Yorkers to have easy access to programs designed to help them and their families in their time of need. This new web application expands our ongoing efforts to provide a stigma-free platform for individuals and families to explore and familiarize themselves with social programs that can make an enormous difference in their lives." 

President of Google.org Jacquelline Fuller said, "Seeking social services can be difficult, especially if you don't know where to start. The Google.org Fellows wanted to make it easy for New York residents to find and access essential programs, especially in times of crisis. In under six months and 10,000 pro bono work hours donated, the team was able to build a web application from the ground up by combining the technical expertise of Googlers with the unwavering leadership of New York State. Google has called New York home for the last 20 years and we're proud to stand alongside Governor Cuomo and the members of the Tech SWAT Team to help ensure the health and safety of our community." 

In March, Governor Cuomo directed ITS to solicit volunteers from the technology community to help develop competent technological solutions to meet the unprecedented challenges posed by the unprecedented coronavirus outbreak, to help facilitate New York State's coordinated, decisive, and rapidly evolving response. ITS worked with the Governor's Office and the state Department of Financial Services to establish a team of highly trained civic-minded professionals in the technology field to assist the state's response over 90-day periods.

The New York State COVID-19 Tech 'SWAT' Team  has since assisted state agencies with operations, analytics, communications, and other critical needs during the ongoing response. The team completed 21 large projects managed and led entirely by internal government teams at ITS, the New York State Digital Service Team, and state Office of General Services. An additional 19 projects were completed pro bono, involving a combined 25,000 hours of volunteer hours and saving taxpayers roughly $14 million.

FOLLOWING AGREEMENT WITH UNITED SANITATIONMEN’S ASSOCIATION, CITY REACHES $722 MILLION IN LABOR SAVINGS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that the City has reached $722 million in labor savings in fiscal year 2021, following an agreement with Teamsters Local 831, the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association, that saves approximately $27 million in fiscal year 2021 and is consistent with deals with the United Federation of Teachers, Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, District Council 37 and the Communication Workers of America Local 1180. The City still needs a minimum of $5 billion in federal or state relief in order to avoid drastic action such as layoffs for fiscal year 2022.     

“As chances for a robust federal stimulus rise with the incoming Biden administration, New York City has still gotten to work making tough choices to balance the budget,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I thank Harry Nespoli for coming to the table to find savings and avoid layoffs, and his members for always keeping our city clean and safe.”

 

The agreement with Teamsters Local 831, the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association includes:  

   

Deferred payment: Payment of retroactive pay, which had been scheduled for October 2020, is deferred to Fiscal Year 2022. There is also an agreement to defer four months of retiree welfare fund contributions until November 2021 and the deferral of a lump sum payment to the annuity fund until December 2021.

 

Commitment on layoffs: No layoffs through June 30, 2021. If the City receives State and Federal assistance of $5 billion or more, the no-layoff pledge is extended to June 30, 2022.