CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General James Issues Alert to Protect New York Homeowners From Deceptive Practices

 New York Attorney General Letitia James issued alerts in multiple languages, warning New Yorkers to be wary of scams and other deceptive practices related to the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The HAF is a federally funded program designed to assist homeowners who are experiencing financial hardship due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. New York state has since received nearly $540 million in HAF funding that is available to eligible New York homeowners.

“As New Yorkers continue to recover from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing anyone needs is additional financial burden,” said Attorney General James. “The Homeowner Assistance Fund is a critical program that provides a vital lifeline to individuals and helps remedy some of the hardship caused by this pandemic. It is unfortunate, however, that there are bad actors out there looking to potentially exploit the integrity of this crucial program just to line their own pockets. But make no mistake: My office is committed to protecting the safety and financial welfare of all New Yorkers, and anyone who seeks to cheat our communities out of their money or their homes will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I strongly urge everyone to remain vigilant and to report these deceptive practices to my office immediately.”

In her continued efforts to protect New Yorkers and their homes, Attorney General James reminds New Yorkers of the following information:

• Applying for HAF is free, and homeowners are able to apply for HAF on their own with minimum documents needed: Homeowners should be cautious of anyone charging a fee to apply for HAF or promising HAF funds. No individual or entity can guarantee you HAF funds. For information on how to apply for HAF, please visit New York state’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s (HCR) website. For free assistance with a HAF application, please visit New York state’s HomeOwner Protection Program (HOPP) website or call 855-466-3456.
• It is illegal to request upfront fees for mortgage assistance: Even attorneys cannot request an upfront fee for mortgage assistance unless it is for “retainer” services and the attorney has filed a notice of appearance on your behalf in an active court case.

Additionally, Attorney General James recommends the following tips to help homeowners avoid mortgage rescue and HAF-related scams:

• Be cautious of any online ads, telephone solicitations, or people coming to your door that promise you HAF funds or a mortgage modification, especially if they are not from a trusted government agency: Only HCR can approve you for HAF and only your bank or mortgage servicer can approve a loan modification.
• Be careful of solicitations from people or companies with out-of-state phone numbers or addresses, especially for attorneys: Only lawyers admitted to practice in New York can represent you in court.
• Do not give your personal financial information to an unrecognized caller, someone knocking on your door, or in response to an unexpected piece of mail: This includes your bank account number, Social Security number, or the name of your loan servicer. Your bank already has all of this information and will not ask you for it.
• Never pay an upfront fee for mortgage-related services: It is a violation of New York law to charge upfront fees for such services and violations should be reported to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

Any New Yorker who is aware of or believes that they have been a victim of a scam are encouraged to file a complaint with the OAG online or call 1-800-771-7755.

 

Permits Filed For 261 Bedford Park Boulevard In Jerome Park, The Bronx

 

261 Bedford Park Boulevard in Jerome Park, The Bronx. 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 261 Bedford Park Boulevard in Jerome Park, The Bronx. Located at the intersection of Briggs Avenue and Bedford Park Boulevard, the corner lot is near the Bedford Park Boulevard subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Geri Z Development LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 37-foot-tall development will yield 15,679 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 29 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 540 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

Node Architecture Engineering Consulting is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in June 2021 for a three-story building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced. 

Phipps Houses Receives $188M Financial Package To Continue Construction At Lambert Houses In The Bronx

Rendering of 2080 Boston Road at Lambert Houses - Courtesy of Dattner Architects

Phipps Houses has successfully closed on a $188 million financial package to complete the second phase of renovations at Lambert Houses. Located in the West Farms section of The Bronx, the affordable housing complex spans 12 acres of land near the Bronx Zoo.

The scope of renovations includes a complete overhaul of the 1970s complex and will create hundreds of new apartments. The property will eventually comprise 1,665 permanently affordable homes and 61,000 square feet of retail and community space. The final count of apartments will be more than double the original number of residential units.

Of the complex’s eventual 1,665 apartments, 728 will serve households that qualify for Section 8, including the current tenants of Lambert Houses.

“The redevelopment of the Lambert Houses complex is a once in a lifetime opportunity to correct the flaws of the Urban Renewal Era and create better community connections and services for our residents,” said Adam Weinstein, president and CEO of Phipps Houses. “We hope this project will be a model for other large-scale housing providers to see that when you have available land, you can transform a development to a higher aspiration: to produce even more affordable housing and to better serve the residents of the complex.”

The original Lambert Houses were exhibiting pervasive signs of age and deterioration throughout the complex. This included outdated structural and mechanical systems, poorly designed open space, and security issues created by a maze-like series of buildings, many interconnected by narrow hallways, with 14 separate addresses.

Led by Dattner Architects, the new Lambert Houses are designed to re-integrate the buildings with the streetscape and neighborhood.

Phase two specifically includes the construction of a new 16-story building at 2080 Boston Road. The building will house 279 affordable units available for existing Lambert tenants. A total of 42 apartments will be reserved for formerly homeless households. Available units will range from one- to four-bedroom layouts.

Residents will also have access to a new landscaped courtyard with play areas for children, bike storage, a fitness center, laundry rooms, and on-site parking. The new building will also feature modern security systems for tenant safety, energy efficient lighting and appliances, and low carbon emissive mechanical systems in line with the city’s goal of curbing the carbon footprint of multifamily residential buildings.

“The redevelopment of Lambert Houses exemplifies the city’s commitment to both create and preserve quality affordable housing,” said HPD commissioner Louise Carroll. “Existing residents have the peace of mind that they can remain in an affordable home that is now safer, upgraded, and more energy efficient, while hundreds of additional opportunities open up for New Yorkers looking for an affordable home.”

Construction financing was provided by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the New York City Housing Development Corporation’s ELLA Program, along with Citi and the Urban Investment Group within Goldman Sachs Asset.

The first phase of renovations was completed in August 2019.

“The Lambert Houses project is a great example of how the public and private sectors can collaborate with communities to drive transformational impact in their neighborhoods,” said Michael Lohr, managing director at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. “We are proud to partner with Phipps, HPD, and HPC to increase the quantity and quality of affordable housing in the city and usher in a new era for the Lambert Houses and the West Farms neighborhood.”

Construction for phase two is expected to begin in January with an expected completion in mid-2024. Phipps Houses has relocated all residents of the now-demolished buildings at 2080 Boston Road in anticipation of the construction of the new building. 

MAYOR ADAMS AND MAYOR’S FUND TO ADVANCE NEW YORK CITY ANNOUNCE RELIEF EFFORT FOR VICTIMS OF BRONX APARTMENT BUILDING FIRE

 

100% of donations will go directly towards supporting families impacted

 Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City today announced the launch of the Bronx Fire Relief Fund to support those affected by the recent apartment building fire in the Bronx.

“Yesterday’s fire in the Bronx is an unspeakable tragedy, but I promise New York City will be there to help our neighbors through it,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “I’m grateful to the all of the firefighters, EMS workers, and first responders who responded within minutes to save lives. The City stands ready to give impacted families all the support they need — it’s what we do. Every dollar given to the Mayor’s Fund will go directly to those affected by the fire; please give if you can and together we will get through this.”

 

“After the tragic fire in the Bronx, New Yorkers have stepped up to the plate to help their neighbors in need as they have always done,” said Daniele Baierlein and Jorge Luis Paniagua Valle, Co-Executive Directors of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “The Mayor’s Fund is proud to work with The City of New York to raise funds from grassroots donors and partnering with leaders in the business and philanthropic community to support the victims and their families.” 

 

“Our hearts and prayers are with all of the victims of this unspeakable tragedy. At times like this, residents and businesses throughout this City stand together to help our fellow New Yorkers,” said Rob Speyer, Chair, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City Board of Advisors. “Mayor Adams and the Mayor’s Fund are quickly mobilizing to provide support and services to all families impacted by yesterday’s horrific fire.”  

 

Those impacted by the fire on January 9^th face a variety of associated costs. The Bronx Fire Relief Fund will provide them with financial relief as they recover and rebuild.

 

The fund builds upon the strong initial support provided by first responders, city services and grassroots organizations. First responders from the Fire Department (FDNY), the New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), and the American Red Cross provided critical assistance during and immediately following the fire.

 

NYCEM established a service center at Monroe College open daily from 12-8pm, where individuals can receive assistance with City services including housing, COVID-19 testing, food, burial assistance, and mental health support. In addition:

• The City will ensure all families impacted by the fire have access to safe housing.
• The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has trained mental health professionals on-site at all hotels and the Monroe College service center to provide emotional support, crisis counseling, and to provide referrals.
• The Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU) has coordinated an interfaith outreach response to connect clergy with impacted families.
• NYCEM and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) are ensuring interpreters are present to help individuals access services.

 

For local updates, individuals can text ‘181STFIRE to 692692 for updates and resources for victims. For information on the status of loved ones, call 311.

 

Locally based organizations, neighbors in the community and that State are also providing additional support to those in need, including the Bronx Community Foundation, and the Gambian Youth Organization.

 

“This tragedy has devastated the entire City of New York, and the Bronx in particular. Many of the families lost everything and will struggle to piece their lives back together as they seek to recover from this nightmare. I encourage those who can give financially to donate to the Mayor’s Fund. These donations will go directly to establishing an emergency support system for the families and meet their needs. Together, as electeds at all levels of government, we will ensure the families are able to return to their homes and build back their lives,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres.

 

"In times of tragedy, Bronxites and New Yorkers always put their best foot forward and show their resiliency," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "I want to thank Mayor Adams and The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City for acting quickly to support the victims of this horrific 5-alarm fire. I continue to pray for the loved ones of the 19 Bronx residents we lost yesterday and their loved ones, and I encourage anyone who is able to help to please do so."

Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia said, “ Our heart goes out to all the families affected by the 5-alarm fire that claimed the lives of 19 residents and hospitalized 63. My office is doing everything possible to meet the needs of everyone impacted. We thank the members of the FDNY and NYPD who risked their lives during this tragic event. We appreciate Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, Borough President Gibson, Senator Schumer, Bronx DA Clark, Congressman Torres, Council Member Feliz and Senator Gustavo and look forward to continuing to work together. To the families of 333 East 181^st, we will not rest until you are all back home.”

New Yorkers interested in contributing to the fund can donate online: www.nyc.gov/fund, or by mailing a check, made payable to "The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City" indicating that donations are for the Bronx Fire Relief Fund in the memo field or in a note enclosed with the check:

 

Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City

253 Broadway 6th Floor

New York NY 10007

JASMIN SANCHEZ LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR STATE ASSEMBLY

 

Today Jasmin Sanchez – a community organizer, climate justice advocate, and housing activist – launched her campaign to represent New York’s 65th District in the NY State Assembly. Sanchez is growing a movement in her community for progressive policies that would protect small businesses with a public banking option and commercial rent control, safeguard housing as a human right for all by establishing community land trusts and passing Good Cause Eviction, nurture our educational systems by ensuring universal broadband access and modifying mayoral control to give the community more power, and fighting for our environment with a Green New Deal for Lower Manhattan.

Sanchez enters the race with a long history of progressive organizing in her native Lower East Side, and throughout the city. A lifelong NYCHA resident, Sanchez has led dozens of training seminars to educate residents on tenants rights as housing conditions deteriorated through institutional neglect, has represented Public Housing tenants in State Assembly hearings, and was part of the team that drafted federal legislation for a Green New Deal for Public Housing. Her housing justice advocacy has also included helping Section 8 residents get critical repairs from landlords to have a dignified home. Sanchez worked as a case manager with Henry Street Settlement and as a program director at Grand Street Settlement to develop after-school programs that offered college prep, leadership development, and summer youth employment opportunities.

More recently, Sanchez founded Lower East Side Mutual Aid, a network of community organizations and volunteers that provided 14,000 meals to over 5,000 residents of Chinatown, Two Bridges, the Lower East Side, and the East Village at the onset of the pandemic. At the same time, Sanchez helped lead the development of food distribution systems on Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s 2020 campaign, working alongside other organizers on the Congresswoman’s team to distribute food, masks, and nurture mutual aid network development in The Bronx and Queens.

“Until recently, politics has operated from a place of exclusion. People like us are not supposed to run for office – people from the working poor community, living paycheck to paycheck. But our district was built on the strength of immigrants and working class people coming together to fight for a just society. That work is not yet done,” Sanchez said in a statement. “We must now come together against the forces that prioritize profit over people - that push out families that have built this city from the ground up, so that a few wealthy investors can get a hefty tax break from yet another luxury high-rise. We have watched East River Park and so many community landmarks be sacrificed in the name of ‘urban renewal’ - the same ‘urban renewal’ that has turned a blind eye to the rise in violence against our Asian neighbors. I want every resident of Lower Manhattan to know that when I go to Albany, they are coming with me – and we will build our future in AD-65 together.” 

Learn more about Jasmin and what she is fighting for by following her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where event updates, volunteer opportunities, and more information will be shared by her campaign.

The 65th district  is currently represented by Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou, who will be stepping down after recently announcing her campaign bid for State Senate in the Democratic primary election on June 28. 

Official AOC Campaign - Will you Join our Call to Eliminate the Filibuster?

 

There’s been a lot of talk about reforming or eliminating the filibuster in order to pass voting rights legislation.

To catch you up, we put together this email explaining everything you need to know about the filibuster, its origins, and why it must be eliminated:

First, what is the filibuster?

The filibuster is a Senate rule that requires 60 votes (a super majority) for ‘most’ legislation to get a vote in the Senate.

We say ‘most’ because numerous exceptions to the filibuster already exist. Since 1969, 161 exceptions to the filibuster’s supermajority requirement have been created. Now civil rights advocates are asking for another exception to be created so critical voting rights legislation can pass the Senate.

What is the history of the filibuster?

The filibuster is not by design, it was actually a mistake. Like the House, the Senate used to only require a simple majority — or 51 votes. Then, in 1805, the Senate was doing a clean-up of its rule book and took out the simple majority rule because they thought it was redundant — effectively it went without saying, how else would a democratic body operate?

It took decades for obstructionists to realize the unintentional gift they’d been given and start exploiting it, often to the detriment of civil rights. The longest continuous filibuster debate in Senate history was about passing the 1964 Civil Rights Act¹ to end racial discrimination in public accomodations. During the Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction eras, senators used the filibuster to block other major civil rights legislation, including measures to prohibit lynching and end poll taxes.²

What happens if we don’t reform the filibuster?

We’re facing another era of anti-democratic reforms. The last presidential election had the highest turnout in U.S. history, and Republican elected officials responded with a wave of new voting restrictions — 19 states passed 33 laws restricting voting laws in 2021 alone, including restrictions aimed at making voting more difficult. In Georgia, you can now be charged with a crime for handing out water or snacks to voters waiting in line at the polls, and in Texas election officials could face criminal prosecution if they encourage voters to request mail ballots or regulate poll watchers’ conduct.³

There is a bill in the Senate that could address some of these restrictions — the For the People Act (H.R. 1). But the filibuster is standing in the way of progress that people are demanding.

Please add your name now if you agree that we must end or reform the filibuster in order to protect our democracy.

Add your name

We’ll keep you posted on the rule changes and how you can help.

In solidarity,

Team AOC

1 - Senate.gov
2 - Facing South
3 - Brennan Center

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JANUARY 10, 2022

 

55,321 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours     

135 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday     

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"We have the tools to fight this winter surge, and how quickly we turn the corner will depend on our actions," Governor Hochul said. "Please get your second dose if you haven't already, and get the booster if you're eligible. Parents and guardians, please get your children vaccinated. Wear a mask to help stop the spread, and stay home if you aren't feeling well. Let's learn from the lessons of the past and finally put this winter surge behind us."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported – 282,961
• Total Positive – 54,749
• Percent Positive – 19.35%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 21.30%
• Patient Hospitalization – 12,022 (+275)
• Patients Newly Admitted – 1,518
• Patients in ICU – 1,552 (+33)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation – 792 (+27)
• Total Discharges – 244,647 (+1,196)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 135
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 49,620

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only. 

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC – 62,392

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings. 

• Total vaccine doses administered – 34,440,048
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 55,321
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 646,427
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose – 89.7%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series – 80.9%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 95.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 83.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose – 78.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series – 70.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 85.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 72.5%

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz District 18, Bronx County

 

“To a man who stands for principles”   You should know that Andrew Cuomo, when he was governor of New York State, wrote a book titled, "All Things Possible.”   In his book he proudly takes credit for making same sex marriage a reality for the gay and lesbian community in New York State.   Governor Cuomo details the obstacles and struggles that (according to him) he had to go through, so that today men can marry men and women can marry women in our state of New York.    It is important for you to know that in four (4) of the pages of the Governor’s book "All Things Possible” he cites me as one of the greatest obstacles he had to face to pass this marriage bill. Interestingly although I was an obstacle for him in getting same sex marriage passed, he honors me by recognizing, what I consider noble virtues. In his book he mentions my honesty, my faith and commitment to biblical beliefs as a minister of the gospel Jesus Christ.   On page #382 of Governor Cuomo’s book, he explains the problem he faced when he needed (32) thirty-two senators to vote in favor of gay marriage. Governor Cuomo explains this problem when he writes, "We needed thirty-two (32) votes. We knew that one Democrat, Ruben Diaz, a Senator from the Bronx, was a no-go. A Pentecostal minister, he could not be moved to change his mind. That meant we had to lock in the remaining twenty-nine Democrats and sway three Republicans. Difficult? Yes.”   The governor was right.  I could not be moved. I was a “No” vote, and yes, he would have to sway Republicans.   On page #389 the governor explains the “Machiavellian” tactics that Republican Senate Leader Dean Skelos made agreeing to help the governor “sway” some Republicans. Cuomo writes the following:  "In June, Majority Leader Dean Skelos made a clever move that transferred all the pressure from his team to ours. A skillful tactician, he announced that he wouldn’t let the bill go to the floor unless we had all the Democrats with us except Ruben Diaz, the Pentecostal minister who we both knew was unshakeable.”   Explaining his final strategy for getting same-sex marriage passed in the State, Governor Cuomo writes on page #399 of his book the following:   "Republicans had asked for one concession “We don't want long speeches” Skelos told us. They didn’t want political rhetoric to inflame the already nervous Senators.  The Senate Minority Leader, John Sampson, who represented parts of Brooklyn, including Crown Heights and East Flatbush, assured us he would keep the Democrats’ comments to a minimum. The plan was: Get the legislation on the floor. Do a rolling voice vote. Go home. "   The governor continued to describe the deal between Sampson and Skelos (the Republican and Democrat leaders) on page #400.   "Sampson had previewed with both Skelos and Steve, that the only speech from one of their members would be from Senator Diaz, the sole opponent on the Democrats side, who would speak for two (2) minutes. Diaz used to speak from a pulpit, led with, "God, not Albany, has settled the definition of marriage, a long time ago. " And he kept going. When Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy cut him off, he said "Senator, Senator, I know you want to go on, but we have twenty-three people who want to speak on the bill.   The proceedings ground to a halt as Diaz and his allies complained that he had been cut off.”   In all “All Things Possible” on page #402, it’s interesting to note how Cuomo complains that when he arrived at the Senate floor, all prepped up and ready to receive accolades and applause for his efforts in getting same sex marriage passed he writes that: “Almost all the Republicans and Ruben Diaz, who voted against marriage equality, were gone. But all the pro-marriage equality Democratic senators, the advocates and the press were still there.”   What you should know my dear reader is that although I was seen as an obstacle by the Governor and fellow legislators I am recognized, as recorded in “All Things Possible” as a man who was steadfast as a minister of the Gospel. As such I faced much adversity, many doors were closed to me, and I created many enemies for believing as I do, for opposing legislation that clearly went against traditional principles and for being the only Democrat Senator who dared to vote against same-sex marriage.    Governor Andrew Cuomo gifted me a signed copy of his book. When signing the book he personally wrote on the front blank page of the book the following quote: “To A Man Who Stands for Principles.”  It is important for you to also know that the (4) people mentioned by the Governor in his book “All Things Possible” regarding the matter of same sex marriage, them being: Governor Andrew Cuomo himself, Senator Dean Skelos, Senator John Sampson, and yours truly.  Take note that all three Cuomo, Skelos, and Sampson's political careers ended in shame and disgrace.   Skelos and Sampson were convicted and imprisoned for corruption, and Governor Cuomo, as you know was forced to resign from office under allegations of sexual misconduct, etc.   It is also important that you know that the Republicans that jumped shipped and were swayed to vote against their own party, all lost their re-election bid and I, thanks be to God, have concluded my political career with my head held high, and proud to have honorably served the people of New York in both the City Council, and in the New York State Senate. I’m also proud that Governor Andrew Cuomo, in his book, took the time to acknowledge my principals, my commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and recognized me as “A Man Who Stands for Principles.”   I am Former Senator and Former Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz, and This Is What You Should Know.

Council Member Ruben Diaz