GOVERNOR CUOMO, MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ ANNOUNCE FRESHDIRECT TO OPEN NEW HEADQUARTERS IN THE BRONX CREATING NEARLY 1,000 NEW JOBS

Company to invest $112 million to build a state-of-the-art facility at the Harlem River Yards that will employ nearly 3,000 workers and serve as its center of regional 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., today announced that FreshDirect, a leading fresh food internet grocer, will invest $112.6 million to build its new headquarters and operations center at Harlem River Yards, retaining nearly 2,000 existing jobs and creating almost 1,000 new jobs. The construction of the new facility will also result in the creation of approximately 684 construction jobs in the City.

“FreshDirect is a home-grown success that will now continue to grow and create jobs in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “Creating almost a thousand new jobs is a real victory for the Bronx and a clear sign that leading New York companies see this state as the place to start, stay and strengthen their businesses.”

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, “Making sure that companies like FreshDirect can grow and invest in New York City is a key part of our strategy to rebuild and diversify our economy. A thousand new jobs at the Harlem River Yards is great news for the Bronx and a welcome boost to our City’s economy.”

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, “I welcome FreshDirect to the Bronx with open arms. This iconic company will not only stay in New York where it belongs thanks to this deal, they will bring 1,000 new jobs with them to our borough. More and more companies are discovering that the Bronx is a great place to do business, and FreshDirect’s move to our borough is a major positive step forward for our economy.”

FreshDirect Chief Executive Officer Jason Ackerman said, “From day one, New York has been our home, and we are grateful for the support of Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg in making New York a place FreshDirect wants to stay and grow in, and for Bronx Borough President Diaz welcoming us. With significant growth in our customer base, we need to expand our operations. A new state-of-the-art facility at the Harlem River Yard in the Bronx would allow us to operate more efficiently, maintain our relationships with NYS vendors, local farmers and purveyors and continue our long track record of growth and job creation in New York.”

FreshDirect, founded in 1999 and currently based in Long Island City, New York, purchases produce, meat and dairy from over 60 New York State-based farms and serves a customer base of over 100,000 people with 97 percent of their employees coming from New York State. To meet the needs of its rapidly growing customer base, FreshDirect will invest $112.6 million to construct a state-of-the-art 500,000 square foot facility on a 16 acre parcel at Harlem River Rail Yards in the Bronx. From its new headquarters and operations, the company will dramatically expand its service area to regions surrounding New York City, as well as New Jersey, Connecticut, and Philadelphia.

To encourage FreshDirect to retain and expand their operations in New York City, a package of state and city incentives valued at over $100 million is being provided to augment the company’s private investment including:

New York State:

· $18.9 million in Excelsior tax credits (ESD)
· $9 million capital grant (ESD)
· $4 million in energy grants and incentives (NYPA/NYSERDA)
· $1 million loan (ESD)
· Up to $1 million in vouchers for the purchase of electric vehicles (NYSERDA)

New York City:

· Approximately $74 million in sales tax exemptions, mortgage recording tax deferral, and real estate tax exemption spending approval (NYCIDA)
· $9.5 million to acquire assets to be used at the new facility at Harlem River Rail Yards pending approval (NYCIDA)
· $4.9 million in energy benefits (NYCEDC)
· $1 million loan (NYCEDC)

Bronx Borough President:

· $1 million capital grant

Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation:

· $3 million loan
· $500,000 capital grant

FreshDirect plans to purchase 10 electric refrigerated electric trucks from Smith Electric Vehicles, and five additional electric refrigeration units that can be placed on existing trucks. Smith Electric is a leader in zero-emission, all-electric commercial vehicles, which – through a federally-funded program and with assistance provided by New York City and State - recently announced plans to establish a clean technology manufacturing facility in the South Bronx that will create more than 100 new direct jobs.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership, a true New York success story is staying in New York. This is another strong signal of how the Governor’s efforts to create a better business environment are paying off in the form of more jobs for New Yorkers."

New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky said, “While New York City is the home to some of the most innovative companies in the world, there are few that have impacted the daily habits of New Yorkers like FreshDirect. Over the next decade, this project will lead to significant investment in the South Bronx, creating thousands of jobs for New Yorkers, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in overall economic activity, and ensuring that this hometown success story is able to continue its tremendous growth right here in the five boroughs where it belongs.”

NYC Deputy Mayor Robert K. Steel said, “FreshDirect’s decision to expand in the Bronx is a strong statement of confidence in New York City's future. Today’s announcement is the latest sign that more and more businesses want to be in New York City.”

Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation President Marlene Cintron said, “FreshDirect's move to the Bronx will bring much needed jobs to the borough, along with additional business opportunities here and across the region for companies of all types. I look forward to working with them to expand the borough’s economy for years to come.”

Klein Legislation to Protect Domestic Violence Victims Passes Senate

Important legislation by Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), that would protect victims of domestic violence from their abusers passed unanimously today in the State Senate.

The measure, (S.1031B), requires insurance companies to give domestic violence victims the option of registering an alternative address, phone number, or any other contact information needed to receive bills and claims. In many cases, when a victim seeks medical attention, their insurance policy is under their abuser’s name.

“Divulging details of a domestic violence victim’s whereabouts and sending it straight to their abuser’s mailbox is an unacceptable and avoidable recipe for tragedy,” Senator Klein said. “My legislation closes this dangerous loophole and helps these victims escape the cycle of abuse.”

Senator Klein’s bill would prevent claims and bills from being mailed to an abuser's address and instead be mailed directly to the victim. The bill would allow victims to provide an address where they feel safe such as a family member or friend’s home, a post office box or shelter.

The bill is pending in the Assembly. 

HDC, HPD & NYCHA JOIN MACQUESTEN DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERS TO CELEBRATE REV. DR. FLETCHER C. CRAWFORD APARTMENTS

An 84-unit Multi-family Development Opens in the Crotona Park East Neighborhood of the Bronx 

 

 The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), The NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC), The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), and NYS Department of Homes & Community Renewal (DHCR) were recently joined by MacQuesten Development and the Union Grove Baptist Church to celebrate the grand opening of the Reverend Dr. Fletcher C. Crawford Apartments, an 84-unit low-income development in the Crotona Park East neighborhood of The Bronx, located at 1468 Hoe Avenue.

The completion of this development is a positive step for quality permanent rental housing for working families in the Bronx," said Rella Fogliano, President of MacQuesten Development, LLC. "During this project, we provided much needed construction jobs and vital skill development to local residents for future employment opportunities.

  

The Rev. Dr. Fletcher C. Crawford Apartments were created under the Bloomberg Administration’s New Housing Marketplace Plan.  The plan, launched by Mayor Bloomberg in 2003, is a multibillion dollar initiative to finance 165,000 units of affordable housing for half a million New Yorkers by the close of the 2014 fiscal year.

The development is an 82,891 square-foot, eight-story masonry elevator building, constructed on formerly City-owned land that was conveyed by NYCHA to the developer. The building includes seven studio units, 29 one-bedroom units, 40 two-bedroom units, seven three-bedroom units and one superintendent unit.  Seven of the apartments have been set aside for people with impaired mobility, hearing and vision. Additionally, 20% of the units were set aside for formerly homeless households.  Another 25% of the units have been reserved for households referred to by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) from its waitlist.  The 84 units are affordable to tenants who earn less than 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) or what is equivalent to not more than$46,080 (for a family of four).

You can call Cornell Pace at 914-380-8220 for more information.

This came to us from from MacQuesten Development.

 

What You Should Know by Senator Ruben Diaz
32nd Senatorial District Bronx County, New York

 

The government is cutting social services for the poor, to the elderly they are reducing their meals and closing their senior centers, they are cutting our children’s education and turning their backs on the needy… all of this to balance the state’s budget.

My dear reader, you should know that all these aberrations are happening to the poor in our communities and the governor continues to cut their services. At the same time there are certain institutions that receive billions of dollars at the expense of the suffering poor.

Our hospitals and medical centers receive billions of dollars of public funds through Medicaid and Medicare in order to improve the health of the poor and the needy throughout the State. They pay the CEOs of these hospitals an exorbitant amount of money, while at the same time they cut important programs and offer terrible services to the poor.

You, dear reader, should take a little walk around the emergency room, that is if you have not done so already, and you should ask the patients the following questions: how long have you been waiting here? Do you think the hospital is clean? What do you think about the services that are being provided? And above all else, you have to ask them about the treatment they receive from the staff.

Meanwhile these abuses get worse each day and medical centers are more abusive towards the poor population. Medicaid funds, as well as public funds, are paying administrative salaries, in order to supposedly alleviate patients’ pain and suffering. Instead, what they are doing is inflicting pain by providing poor services.

You should know that according to the New York Times, Bronx Lebanon Hospital paid the chief executive an annual salary of 4.8 million dollars in 2007 and 3.6 million in 2008. At New York Presbyterian Hospital, the chief executive was paid 9.8 million dollars in 2007 and 2.8 million dollars in 2008.  Mount Sinai Hospital paid its chief executive 2.7 million in 2008 and North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System paid its chief executive 2.4 million dollars in 2008.

These hospitals serve the State’s poor communities and they receive billions of dollars to take care of them. How is it possible to cut service and criticize our people for receiving Medicaid and Medicare, while at the same time they are paying the chief executives these exorbitant salaries?

For example, Bronx Lebanon Hospital mainly serves Hispanics and  African-Americans of the South Bronx, who stand in lines and wait all day to be treated; meanwhile the CEOs have tremendous offices with air conditioners, secretaries, and limousine services at their disposal.

My advice for these hospitals and medical centers is that instead of paying huge salaries to these CEOs, they should use the money to hire more nurses, personal care assistants, primary care doctors, and janitors in order to help the patients. Then the patients won’t have to wait so long to be
served and their waiting rooms would look and smell more decent.

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.  

Do Our State Legislators Know The State Boundaries?
Or: When Did  Secaucus New Jersey Become Part Of New York State?

   Here is a resolution to be voted on Tuesday February 7th in both houses of the state legislature. Please note that the state legislators have the name the state of the football team named the Giants who play their home games in the state of New Jersey as a New York team. Is it any wonder why our school children get answers wrong when their elected officials don't even know their own state boundaries.
   New York City School Children must think That the mayor of New York City is Corey Booker, who just happens to be the mayor of Newark, which is in the same state as the Giants. New York State School children must think that the governor of New York is then Chris Christie. I wonder how many school children even know the names of their state assembly member or state senator?
   It was a great win for the New Jersey Giants!

Heastie Holds Closed Door Public Meeting
Re: Ramarley Graham Shooting

 On Saturday February 4^th local elected officials and the Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson held a closed public meeting at Community Board 12 on White Plains Road one block from the shooting of Ramarley Graham in his home. The meeting was open to the public, but members of the press were bared from the meeting in what Assemblyman Carl Heastie would say later that he did not want to create a media circus. I was able to get in for a brief while to see Assemblyman Heastie, Bronx DA Johnson, and the Bronx Borough Police Commander on the stage set up, with other local elected officials in the front row. Once I was recognized by Assemblyman Heastie, he said that he would end the meeting unless I left. Since I left the meeting willingly I can not tell you what went on inside, only what I was told afterward by Assemblyman Heastie. 

  After the meeting Assemblyman Heastie came outside to take questions from the reporters that were assembled. I was able to ask DA Johnson how his office is going to handle the case, but he answered that he would not comment about the case leaving after my question. Assemblyman Heastie answered questions by saying that the police were forthcoming with their answers to the questions from the people, there is an investigation by the DA and police Department, and Heastie added that maybe more sensitivity training is needed not going into any details on what the police department might do. Heastie added that there are many concerns by residents that this could happen again in the community.

  

  Assemblyman Carl Heastie with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz who is in front of Councilman Larry Seabrook and State Senator Ruth Hassal-Thompson speaking to reporters after the meeting that was held inside of Community Board 12. Also in the picture is Father Richard Gorman, Chairman of Community Board #12 with other Community Board 12 members. 

 

BOROUGH PRESIDENT RUBEN DIAZ INVITES YOU....

"State of the Borough Address".

 

The Honorable Ruben Diaz Jr. President, Borough of the Bronx

cordially invites you to

The State of the Borough Address

Thursday, February 23, 2012

11:30 a.m.

Harry S. Truman High School Auditorium

750 Baychester Avenue

The Bronx 

RSVP

sotb@bronxbp.nyc.gov or 718-590-3547

 NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANK

Customer Appreciation Day Feb. 14

 

NorthEast Community Bank’s Arthur Avenue Branch at 590East 187^th Street (@ Arthur Avenue) will hold its annual customer appreciation day this February 14, Valentine’s Day.

Light refreshments will be served from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to come in, have a snack, and chat with their local bankers. 

“We’ll have hot drinks and eats for our customers and look forward to speaking with them individually. This gives us a chance to say thank you to our customers and ask what more we can be doing to serve their needs,” said Betty Giordani, Branch Manager.

The website for NorthEast Community Bank which include branch hours is www.necommunitybank.com

 

Black History Month Celebration

 

 

Celebrating African-American Culture

Black History Month Celebration

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

5:30 pm 

at

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

1040 Grand Concourse at East 165th Street

Keynote Speaker

Carolyn Carter-Kennedy

Author of "The Lucille Armstrong Story"  

2012 Honorees

 Leroy "Archie" Archible

Korean War Veteran & Community Leader

Reverend Frederick Crawford

Pastor Union Grove Baptist Church

Bernel Arthur Richardson

Chairman United Leadership of the Bronx

Hon. Elizabeth Taylor

Justice. Bronx County Supreme Court

Enjoy an evening with  

musical entertainment provided by the Karl Browne's Smooth Improvisation Band,

a special performance of the "The Creation" by JASA's Drama Bunch Co-op City Seniors and delicious dishes provided by Chef Paul of Z'Novia 

Seating Limited. RSVP required.  Please call 718-590-3522

or email lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov 

 

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Police Shooting in the East Bronx

 

“We have a problem, not just in the Bronx but across the City. In the past week we have seen a well-publicized video documenting apparent police brutality, the attempted murder of a police officer in Brooklyn, and, this afternoon, a young, unarmed man saw his life end by a police officer’s bullet.

“I’ve had enough, on all sides. I cannot and will not tolerate incidents of police misconduct. It is especially disturbing that a young man, who did not have a gun and was in his own home, could see his life end in such a sudden manner at the hands of those charged with his protection. This is especially disturbing given that we are approaching the anniversary of the unfortunate death of Amadou Diallo. A great deal of work has been done since that time to improve police-community relations, and tragic incidents like this have the potential to undo years of good work. A full investigation into this incident must occur, and immediately. 

“Our police officers must be better trained to deal with the communities they work in, to better respect the lives of those they are charged with protecting and serving. We can no longer tolerate our young men and women falling victim to excessive violence at the hands of our police, or worse yet, lose their lives unjustly.

“At the same time, Police Officer Kevin Brennan lays in a hospital after a gun-toting thug attempted to take his life. The violence on our streets must come to an end. We must respect the hard work of our police department, those men and women who put their lives on the line to protect law-abiding citizens each and every day, and continue to fight to curb illegal gun violence in our streets. I myself have been harassed by the police. I am also the brother of an NYPD sergeant. I understand both sides of this issue, and I know that something must be done to put an end to this violence,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

COMPTROLLER LIU STATEMENT ON MAYOR’S PRELIMINARYY BUDGET

 

City Comptroller John C. Liu statement on the Mayor’s FY 2013 Preliminary Budget:

“We commend the Mayor on a balanced budget that avoids layoffs in this difficult environment.  However, the use of short-term financial maneuvers doesn’t reduce real cost but simply defers costs to future administrations. My office will issue our full analysis in the coming weeks.”

 

Next Croton FMC Meeting will be Thursday, February 16 at 7 PM at the DEP Community Office

 

The next Croton Facility Monitoring Committee meeting will be on Thursday evening, February 16th at 7pm at the DEP office, 3660 Jerome Avenue.

The Agenda will be released shortly.

 

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RE: Vidalia Park Basketball Court Shooting

 

“I am very disappointed by last night’s quadruple shooting at the Vidalia Park Basketball court in West Farms. It is unacceptable that, despite the efforts of my office the police department and our district attorney to take as many illegal guns off our streets as possible, these senseless acts of gun violence continue to plague our borough.

“I am deeply saddened that our kids cannot play a friendly game of basketball without looking over their shoulder because of gun violence. I know I speak for all Bronxites in condemning this despicable, cowardly act. My office will continue to work with the police, our district attorney, elected officials, and other community organizations to take as many illegal guns off of our streets as we possibly can.

“I urge all Bronxites with knowledge of illegal guns in their community to call 866-GUN-STOP to anonymously report those guns to the police, a program that my office continues to promote through our ‘Peace in our Streets’ campaign,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

More information on the 866-GUN-STOP program can be found at the following link:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/home/rewards.shtml

 

Senate Passes Klein Bill to Crack Down on Auto Insurance Fraud

Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeffrey D. Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) that would impose tougher penalties on those who commit auto insurance fraud passed the State Senate today.

 

The measure (S.578) would make it a felony to forge an auto insurance card, or certificate of insurance. In New York State, these documents are necessary to obtain government issued documents --  such as a vehicle registration -- that are required to legally operate a motor vehicle.

“It's law-abiding New Yorkers who ultimately have to pay the price of auto insurance fraud,” Senator Klein said. “With this commonsense legislation, we will help punish those who seek to game the system, lower auto insurance premiums, and make New York's roads safer.”

Forged insurance cards and documents are often used to fraudulently register cars so that owners may operate them without paying auto insurance premiums. Klein’s bill also makes the selling of 10 or more false insurance cards or documents a felony.

The bill is pending in the Assembly.

What You Should Know 

by Senator Rev. Ruben DIaz

 

   Assemblyman Denny Farrell shows no respect for Bronx residents, for Bronx elected officials, and especially no respect for the Bronx’s growing Hispanic population.
“You must understand, for the last 40 years, whatever district Charlie Rangel wants, we give it to him. I say, ‘Charlie, we can’t draw anything else in the state till we draw you.’ That’s always been our position — we do you and then everything. He’s the dean. He’s the No. 1.”

These words expressed today in a Daily News column by Bill Hammond titled ‘Albany's Gift to Charlie Rangel’ practically confirmed to the world what I have been asking all along about our representatives in Albany: Are they are all a bunch of sell-outs or do they have the best interest for our community as their top priority?
Today, my dear reader, Harlem is a very different community. Charles Rangel and Keith Wright may have brought “progress” to Harlem with great business proposals, 125th Street is thriving with stores and businesses, and people now go to Harlem to shop, but there is one big problem. They pushed their residents out – especially the African American community. They did not protect Harlem residents.

There are not enough African American residents in Harlem to keep Charles Rangel in his position, and there is no one to blame but Charles Rangel himself – and his colleagues. They allowed African Americans to lose Harlem to others communities. In other words, today Harlem is owned by others – not by African Americans as it used to be.

We cannot deny, and you should know, that Charlie Rangel is a legendary figure in the African American community and that whatever he wants for Harlem he has always gotten.
We also have to note that the historical beauty of Harlem has been their residents, their struggle for survival and their history. Harlem was a strong political power for the African American community in the eyes of the nation, until their leadership, led by Charles Rangel, sold them out to former President Bill Clinton and his business associates.

Now Charles Rangel, Denny Farrell and Keith Wright – after losing Harlem – want to come to the Bronx and without respect or consideration to the leadership, to the people of the Bronx, and to all of us who have fought to keep our community intact, contrary to what they did in Harlem. Remember Denny Farrell’s words, “Charlie, we can’t draw anything else in the state till we draw you … we do you and then everything.”

What a joke! What a farce! What a lack of respect to Sheldon Silver, to the rest of the Assembly members and to the people of the Bronx!
We in the Bronx have built housing to protect the Black and Hispanic community from leaving us. The census verified that the Bronx did not lose people – the Bronx gained residents because the Bronx leadership has been responding to the needs of its community and has not allowed others to come and push our people out.
We do not need Charles Rangel to come to the Bronx. We have enough people to get two congressional districts independent and apart from everything else, to take over our struggles and our fight.

When I hear Denny Farrell practically say that the Assembly will not do anything until “we do” Charles Rangel. I must wonder who is the real Speaker, Sheldon Silver or Denny Farrell. I also wonder how my Bronx colleagues will respond to this insult. I’d like to know how they can allow themselves to be disrespected like that.

I am Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.

 

 Comments on The Proposed Minimum Wage Bill

From the RSDSU

Why a Higher Minimum Wage is Needed in New York

 

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) President Stuart Appelbaum made the following statement at a press conference in Albany today to announce minimum wage legislation:

 

I’m Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). I’m proud to be here today with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and members of the Assembly.

 

The minimum wage in New York has not been raised in several years, but minimum wage workers are paying more for food, shelter, and other basic necessities. When wages don’t keep pace with rising costs and prices, survival becomes more and more difficult. That’s the predicament countless New Yorkers find themselves in today.

 

It’s all but impossible to get by on $7.25 per hour, the current minimum wage. Too many low-wage workers, particularly in retail, one of the fastest-growing sectors of our economy, are struggling to survive.

 

This is unfair and unacceptable. We’re here to say something significant needs to be done about it during this legislative session.

 

A broad coalition of labor unions, community organizations and the Working Families Party is supporting the Assembly to raise the minimum wage this year. The RWDSU is an active member of this coalition. We see this effort as the logical and necessary extension of the living wage movement we built in New York City-a movement that led recently to a landmark victory for low-wage workers.

 

The legislation being introduced today is a small but important step that will help forge a path out of poverty toward the middle class.

 

Raising the minimum wage in New York is morally right and economically smart: when workers earn more, they spend more, generating demand for new goods and services that will create more jobs and strengthen our economy. When workers are stronger, so are businesses and so are the communities in which we live and work.

 

New Yorkers need a wage-led recovery from the recession. It’s time to transform economic vulnerability into economic security. This legislation tells low-wage New Yorkers they are not invisible or forgotten, and that government can improve their lives.

 

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

“I strongly support Speaker Sheldon Silver, Assembly Member Keith Wright and the entire New York State Assembly in their proposal to raise the State’s minimum wage to $ 8.50 an hour.  If passed, this bill will represent a positive step towards changing the life of working families in our City.

“Both the Assembly bill and the ‘Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act,’ our bill that would mandate employers pay a living wage when their projects receive heavy taxpayer subsidies, work together toward the common goal of  improving the quality of life of New York City residents. A little extra money in the pocket of these struggling families will help keep them afloat by putting food on the table, keeping the heat on through the winter, and paying the rent. Our State Legislature has not voted to raise the minimum wage since 2004.  As a result, New York's minimum wage is stagnant at just $7.25 an hour, around $15,000 a year for those who work full-time.  

“In a high-cost state like ours, trying to support a family on such a low salary is nearly impossible. That is why I believe it is time to for New York to raise the minimum wage,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

Senator Rivera Testifies at Albany Redistricting Hearing, Continues to Push for an Independent Redistricting Process

State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D,WF-Bronx) testified today, Monday, January 30, 2012 in front of the Legislative Reapportionment Taskforce (LATFOR) in a redistricting hearing in Albany. Senator Rivera is unable to attend the Bronx Redistricting hearing, which is occurring Tuesday at 3:00pm at the Bronx Museum of the Arts (1040 Grand Concourse) and is open for members of the community to express their opinion.  Below is Senator Rivera’s testimony:

“I am State Senator Gustavo Rivera and I represent the 33^rd Senate District contained in the Northwest Bronx. The district includes the neighborhoods of Fordham, Kingsbridge, University Heights, Riverdale, Van Cortlandt Park, Bedford Park and East Tremont. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the Bronx Redistricting Hearing tomorrow, Tuesday, January 31^st at the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

I am here to testify about the continued need for an independent redistricting process. I am disappointed that there was not an independent redistricting commission established last year, especially given that so many of my colleagues are on the record supporting independent redistricting. I continue to believe that voters should pick their representatives, not the other way around. In order to have fair district lines, without partisan gerrymandering, we need to take legislators out of the process.

Over the last week, we have seen that a bad process results in a bad product. Today’s hearing is suppose to garner reactions to a proposal that shows a willingness to disenfranchise voters, especially Black and Latino voters, throughout New York to protect the interests of certain individuals or one conference over another.

There are two issues that stuck out to me as unconstitutional and unfair after having looked at the Republican redistricting proposal for the State Senate. The first is the proposed increase from 62 to 63 State Senate districts, which not only defies the New York State Constitution, but also defies all logic, as it comes at a time when New York’s population has decreased and we are losing two Congressional districts. The second is the issue of “packing,” or seeing to it that minority communities are packed into a few districts through gerrymandering instead of being able to figure significantly in the election of representatives in a much larger number of districts. I believe this proposal does just that and moreover could lead to a potential violation of the Voting Rights Act.

While it may be too late for an independent commission to draw districts, it is not too late to demand an independent process this year. That is why I stand united with Governor Cuomo in calling for an independent process and am ready to uphold a veto from the Governor. I will continue to push to make independent redistricting a reality in New York.”

Protecting Houses of Worship:

Sen. Klein Proposes Tougher Penalties for Thefts in Religious Institutions

Following a rash of break-ins and burglaries targeting houses of worship in the Northern Bronx, State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) today announced legislation to stiffen criminal penalties for those who steal, or damage items and property in churches, synagogues and other religious institutions.

 

He was joined by religious and community leaders who have been stung by these crimes.

“An assaults on a house of worship is an assault on an entire community,” Senator Klein said. “These vandals need to know there will be heavy consequences for their reckless and despicable crimes. This legislation will send that message and protect these sacred institutions.”

This recent crime spree includes:

• In the Waterbury-LaSalle Community, Our Lady of Assumption Roman Catholic Church parishioners noticed a laptop and approximately $400 were stolen from their school. Additionally, a door leading to the chapel was broken.
• In Pelham Bay, Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church was victim to about $50 being taken from donation box and the destruction of an intricate wood carving in the Church.  Additionally, two months prior at St. Theresa Catholic Church their gift shop was broken into and cash was stolen from the register.
• On City Island, Police found windows and doors smashed and broken at Temple Beth El Synagogue and silver Torah crowns and Kiddush cups missing. They estimate $5,000 to $10,000 worth of items were stolen.

Senator Klein’s legislation would:

• Increase the penalty for theft, or the intentional damage to a scroll, religious vestment, vessel, any other item used in connection with religious worship, in any building of worship punishable, to a maximum of seven years in prison. These crimes would be classified as third-degree grand larceny and second-degree criminal mischief, both Class D Felonies. Currently, these charges would only apply in cases where items worth more than $3,000 have been stolen, or where items have sustained more than $1,500 in damages.
• Expand the definition of second-degree grand larceny to include the theft of any scroll, religious vestment, vessel, any other item used in connection with religious worship, in any building of worship, that are worth more than $250. This would be a Class C felony punishable by up to five to 15 years in prison.   
• Strengthen the penalty for any intentional damage to house of worship-owned property to up to four years in prison, making it a Class E felony. Currently, this applies to damage worth more than $250. 

If passed, this legislation would build upon Senator Klein’s past legislative accomplishment of increased criminal penalties for those who desecrate and vandalize church property.  That bill was signed into law by Governor Paterson in 2010 and was strongly championed by a wide range of religious leaders, including Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan.

 “A crime against a religious institution is a crime against a community at large,” said Monsignor Anthony Marchitelli of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church.

“It is urgent that all people of good will stand together against violence that target our houses of worship. We thank Senator Klein and his colleagues for their leadership in helping lift us up, so that all of our brothers and sisters of faith can congregate and worship in safety and peace,” said Rabbi Shohama Wiener of Temple Beth El Synagogue.

Those who have any information on these recent burglaries against religious institutions are urged to contact the 45^th Precinct Detective Squad at (718) 822-5414 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-8447. 

Dates for Hearings on New Proposed District Lines

 

Standing Committee Public Hearing Calendar

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Dean G. Skelos
Majority Leader and Temporary President
New York State Senate

New York State Legislature
Public Hearing Calendar

For Immediate Release

January 26, 2012

Sheldon Silver
Speaker
New York State Assembly

Jan. 30	New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment Chairs: Senator Michael F. Nozzolio and Assembly Member John J. McEneny
	Public Meeting:	Congressional and state legislative redistricting
	Place:	Hearing Room A, Legislative Office Building, 2nd Floor, Albany, New York
	Time:	10:30 A.M.
	Contact:	NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (212) 618-1100; E-mail: info@latfor.state.ny.us

Jan. 31	New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment Chairs: Senator Michael F. Nozzolio and Assembly Member John J. McEneny
	Public Meeting:	Congressional and state legislative redistricting
	Place:	Bronx Museum of the Arts, Lower Gallery, 1040 Grand Concourse @ 165th Street, Bronx, New York
	Time:	3:00 P.M.
	Contact:	NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (212) 618-1100; E-mail: info@latfor.state.ny.us

Feb. 1	New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment Chairs: Senator Michael F. Nozzolio and Assembly Member John J. McEneny
	Public Meeting:	Congressional and state legislative redistricting
	Place:	St. Francis College, Founders Hall Auditorium, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, New York
	Time:	10:30 A.M.
	Contact:	NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (212) 618-1100; E-mail: info@latfor.state.ny.us

Feb. 2	New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment Chairs: Senator Michael F. Nozzolio and Assembly Member John J. McEneny
	Public Meeting:	Congressional and state legislative redistricting
	Place:	Assembly Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, Room 1923, 19th Floor, New York, New York
	Time:	10:30 A.M.
	Contact:	NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (212) 618-1100; E-mail: info@latfor.state.ny.us

Feb. 6	Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations Chair: Senator Carl L. Marcellino
	Public Hearing:	To examine executive compensation at not-for-profit organizations receiving State funding and the actions needed to prevent State tax dollars from being wasted on excessive salaries
	Place:	Van Buren Hearing Room A, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY
	Time:	11:00 A.M.
	Contact:	Debbie Peck Kelleher (518) 455-2390
	Media Contact:	Kathy Wilson (516) 922-1811
	ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY

Feb. 13	Senate Standing Committee on Transportation Chair: Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.
	Public Hearing:	To examine what steps New York State can take to make roads safer and protect people from distracted driving crashes
	Place:	Van Buren Hearing Room A, Legislative Office Building, 2nd Floor, Albany, New York
	Time:	10:00 A.M.
	Contact:	Melissa Kehoe (518) 455-3341
	Media Contact:	Chris Schneider (516) 882-0630
	ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY

Feb. 29	Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation Chair: Senator Mark J. Grisanti
	Public Hearing:	To gather input from stakeholders with regard to theft, fraud and other issues as related to bottle redemption
	Place:	Van Buren Hearing Room A, Legislative Office Building, 2nd Floor, Albany, New York
	Time:	9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
	Contact:	Laura Manley (518) 455-3240
	Media Contact:	Doug Curella (716) 854-8705
	ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY

OTHER MEETINGS OF INTEREST:

Feb. 9	Senate Standing Committee on Social Services Chair: Senator Patrick M. Gallivan and Senate Standing Committee on Children and Families Chair: Senator Diane J. Savino
	Forum:	Human Services Forum on the current and future issues and concerns of human services administrators, advocates and clients
	Place:	Monroe County Administration Building, 4th Floor, Legislative Chamber, Rochester, New York
	Time:	1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
	Contact:	Roxanne Irwin (518) 455-3471

Borough President Diaz Jr. Invites you to Dominican Heritage 2012

 

Dominican Heritage Month Celebration 2012   Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. & La Gran Parada Dominicana de El Bronx, Inc.  Cordially Invite You To The 2012 Dominican Heritage Month  Celebration Thursday, February 9, 2012 5:30 pm Bronx County Building Veterans Memorial Hall 851 Grand Concourse, The Bronx RSVP  718-590-3989 smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov

In Partnership With