COMPTROLLER LIU REMARKS ON CONTINUING CITY TIME CONTRACT

Below are remarks by New York City Comptroller John C. Liu at a news conference on Wednesday, May 25, 4:30 p.m. regarding the CityTime project:
“Earlier this afternoon, my office was provided with a letter written  to the Executive Director of the Financial Information Services Agency (FISA) by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), the prime contractor on the CityTime project. We were informed that SAIC had terminated their senior project manager who led the CityTime project.
“The name of that employee is Gerard Denault.
“SAIC has determined that Mr. Denault violated SAIC’s policies and standards with respect to timekeeping practices while working on CityTime. He routinely billed hours to the CityTime project that he did not in fact work.
“By their own admission, this latest development now implicates, for  the first time in this scandal, SAIC. The very company entrusted by our City to build a timekeeping system for NYC employees has grossly mismanaged their own time keeping, and in the process over charged the city for sums of money – still to be determined.
“SAIC now says they will now refund $2,470,522 to the city coffers for the time Mr. Denault billed to hard working NYC taxpayers.
“A few moments ago I sent a letter to the Mayor because I believe we need to work together.
“I am asking him to join me in calling on the Department of  Investigation along with all other relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of other possible violations by SAIC, and I am proposing that the City withhold any future payments to SAIC pending the outcome of the investigations.
“This is a sad day for the New York City taxpayer.
“With the proposed budget cuts looming, we at least need to tightly manage expensive outside consultants.
“The public’s trust in government must be bolstered, and I am committed to working with the Mayor to do just that.”
Below is the full text of the letter sent to Mayor Bloomberg on May 25, 2011.

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May 25, 2011

Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor
City Hall
New York, NY  10007

Re:  Science Application International Corporation (SAIC)

Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

Today, we were informed by SAIC that they have terminated theirproject manager for CityTime.  SAIC cited the project manager’s violation of SAIC’s policies and standards, specifically with regard to his time billed to the City of New York.  Because SAIC cannot accurately calculate the amount that should have been billed to the City, SAIC will reimburse the City for this individual’s billed services.  This repayment amounts to $2,470,522.
To date, the alleged fraud relating to CityTime has only involvedsubcontractors.  This latest development now implicates the prime contractor and compels a comprehensive review of SAIC’s billings to the City, in particular, SAIC employees whose time was billed to the CityTime project.
I am directing my representative on the OPA board to introduce aresolution on the points below, and ask that your representative support the resolution:
§  The Department of Investigation, along with all other relevantauthorities, conduct a comprehensive review of other possible timekeeping violations; and
§  The City withholds any outstanding payments to SAIC pending the outcome of the investigations.
I believe the above actions are necessary and as always, I amavailable to discuss any of these issues with you.  Thank you.
Sincerely,
John C. Liu

 

 

HEARING ON THE FUTURE OF THE MULLER ARMY RESERVE CENTER SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 22nd

Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced that a hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, to solicit community input on the future of the Sgt. Joseph E. Muller Army Reserve Center (MARC), which is located at 555 East 238^th Street in Wakefield.

The hearing will take place at P.S. 21, 715 East 225^th Street, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“The future reuse of the Muller Army Reserve Center has been hotly debated in the Bronx for years, and it is my hope that individuals on all sides of this debate take advantage of this opportunity to make their voices heard,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

In addition, individuals and organizations wishing to review and comment on the draft redevelopment plan for the MARC may do so through the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s website, nycedc.com/MullerARCDraft, or by visiting Community Board #12, located at 4101 White Plains Road.

The draft redevelopment plan will be available for comment at these two locations from May 26 to June 25, 2011, after which public comment will be closed.

To submit comment, either email MullerLRA@nycedc.com or send them through regular mail to Muller Local Redevelopment Authority, c/o NYCEDC, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038. Comments must be received no later than June 25, 2011.

Independent Democratic Conference

Senate Passes Klein Bill to Help Increase Distribution of NY-Grown Products

The State Senate today unanimously passed legislation sponsored by the Independent Democratic Conference that will help further expand the sale of New York State -grown agricultural products.

The measure, (S.614B), would allow the New York State Urban Development Corp./ Empire State Development Corp. to be able to extend grants and loans that will help create, or upgrade, distribution networks between New York farmers and food distributors, processors, and purchasers such as supermarkets and farmer's markets.

“We grow many great products in New York State, but there are too many roadblocks – particularly in communities like those I represent – that prevent what is grown on the farm from ending up on our kitchen table,” the bill's main sponsor, Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), said. “This legislation will help give farmers more opportunities to move their products, as well as provide more healthy, locally grown, options to underserved neighborhoods.”

The lack of solid transportation networks is one of the main barriers preventing New York produce, which is primarily grown upstate, from having greater distribution in downstate markets. For instance, only half of the produce sold at the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market in the Bronx, which is the highest volume wholesale produce market in the U.S., is grown in New York.

This is companion legislation to S.627, which passed the Senate earlier this session. That bill allowed the UDC/ ESDC to be able to provide loans and grants that can be used to build, expand and refurbish green markets that encourage the sale of New York-grown produce.

Both bills were part of the IDC's “Preserve, Promote & Grow” plan to improve New York's agriculture economy.

“Our New York grown products are some of the state's greatest assets,” said Senator David J. Valesky, (D-Oneida). “This legislation provides greater opportunities to get those products from our farms to our dinner tables across the state.”

“I am committed to supporting the efforts of our farmers and this bill provides another avenue for produce grown locally to be transported to restaurants, supermarkets and schools who wish to purchase and serve New York grown fresh produce,” Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange) said.  “This is an opportunity for us to do something that not only is healthy for New York State’s economy, but our residents as well.”  

This legislation will improve the economic health of our farms, as well as the physical health of our residents,” said Senator Diane Savino, (Staten Island/ Brooklyn). “Its a win-win that I hope will become law before the end of this legislative session.” 

The legislation is pending in the Assembly.

Bronx Week 2011 Ends With a Parade and Festival on Mosholu Parkway

On Sunday, May 22, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. celebrated the grand finale of Bronx Week 2011 hosting a parade for which hundreds of students from dozens of Bronx schools and youth organizations marched down Mosholu Parkway.  The new members of the Bronx Walk of Fame, Chazz Palminteri, Irene Cara, Joy Bryant, and Charles Latibeaudiere, paraded along Mosholu Parkway after the unveiling of the plaques that now carry their names on the Grand Concourse.

After the parade, hundreds of residents enjoyed the Bronx Week Food, Art & Music Festival, which featured popular restaurants, arts & crafts, the Bronx Arm Wrestling Championship, and games and activities for kids.  At the main stage, Bronxites danced with the great performances of the hip hop legends Big Daddy Kane and Force MD’s, the bachata group Xtreme, and the salsa band Conjunto Imagen, among many other local artists. 

The students and parents of PS 76 showing their pride during  the Bronx Week Parade

 

 

 

 

 Check out Thursday's Bronx News or Parkchester News for more pictures, and what schools were a part of the parade.

 

Borough President Diaz Honored the Best of the Bronx at the 2011 Bronx Ball

On Saturday, May 21, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr hosted the Annual Bronx Ball, a party honoring this year's inductees into the Bronx Walk of Fame. This black-tie awards gala brings together the Bronx’s business, arts and civic leaders to welcome home Bronx-born celebrities.

The Bronx Ball pays tribute to those proud Bronx natives who Borough President Diaz will induct into the Bronx Walk of Fame the following morning.  The Class of 2011 inductees were: Chazz Palminteri, who wrote and starred in “A Bronx Tale” and then turned it into an award-winning stage production; Irene Cara, Grammy and Golden Globe winner, Joy Bryant,  actress and former fashion model who currently stars in Parenthood; and Charles Latibeaudiere, Co-Executive Producer of TMZ.

The honorees were inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame on Sunday, May 22, on the Grand Concourse. Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. unveiled permanent street signs bearing their names. 

From left: Marlene Cintron, President of BOEDC, Charles Latibeaudiere, Co-Executive Producer of TMZ, Irene Cara, Grammy and Golden Globe winner, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., actress Joy Bryant, and actor and writer Chazz Palminteri.

SEN. KLEIN BRINGS FREE VISION SCREENINGS TO WESTCHESTER SQUARE

     State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), the Bronx Lion’s Club, Sacred Heart School, and the Westchester Square Merchants have collaborated to bring free vision screening to four-year-old children in the Westchester Square community on Friday, June 3. Registration is mandatory for a screening.

“I am extremely pleased to partner with the Bronx Lions Clubs to offer these essential vision screenings,” Senator Klein said. “Identifying potential vision problems in children now will allow for early treatment to help prevent the development of serious health issues later.” The screenings will be performed by trained volunteers from the Lion's Club. Screenings for Sacred Heart students will be held earlier in the day.

The vision screenings are used to alert parents to any vision issues discovered in their children that may lead to serious eye conditions such as Ambyopia. The information obtained in the vision screenings will sent to the Ross Eye Institute in Buffalo, NY for analysis. The results will then be sent to the child's parents or guardians.

In an effort to utilize the early detection screenings in the neighborhoods that he represents, Senator Klein reached out to the Westchester Square Merchants and Sacred Heart School in order to introduce the Lions Club vision screenings to four-year-old children in the Westchester Square community.

To make an appointment, contact Senator Klein’s office at 718-822-2049. 

     Screenings, which will be open to all 4-year-olds in the Bronx, will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart School, 1651 Zerega Ave.

Diaz Jr. celebrates the 40^th Annual Bronx Week Parade marching with hundreds of Bronx students

After getting inducted the new members of the Bronx Walk of Fame will be part of the parade

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will celebrate the grand finale of Bronx Week 2011 Parade marching down Mosholu Parkway with hundreds of students from more than 90 Bronx schools and youth organizations.  The new members of the Bronx Walk of Fame, Chazz Palminteri, Irene Cara, Joy Bryant, and Charles Latibeaudiere, will also parade along Mosholu Parkway after the unveiling of the plaques that will carry their names on the Grand Concourse

After the parade, residents will enjoy the Bronx Week Food, Art & Music Festival, which features popular restaurants, arts & crafts; the Bronx Arm Wrestling Championships; and games and activities for kids, including the Arbitron Enchanted Forest with authors reading aloud to kids and giveaways for all.  Also, the Bronx Health Pavilion will offer free health screenings and information on services, health insurance; and the stage will offer live music all-day, showcasing the great cultural diversity of the Bronx.  This year’s main performers are: the hip hop legends Big Daddy Kane and Force MD’s

It all happens on Sunday, May 22 starting with:

Bronx Week Volunteers Breakfast:  9:30 AM

Court Building- 161 Street & Grand Concourse.

Bronx Week Walk of Fame Induction: 11:00 AM    

Court Building- 161 Street & Grand Concourse.

40^th Annual Bronx Week Parade:   12:00 pm 

Mosholu Parkway North.

Bronx Week 2011 Food & Arts Festival: 12:00 pm 

Mosholu Parkway North & Van Cortlandt Avenue.

 Bronx Week 2011 Concert:   2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Mosholu Parkway North & Bainbridge Avenue.

       

 

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ, ELECTED OFFICIALS & COMMUNITY LEADERS CALL FOR GREATER PUBLIC ACCESS TO JEROME PARK RESERVOIR

BP Diaz will host a hearing on June 2nd to solicit public input on access plans

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined together with a coalition of elected officials to call for greater public access to the Jerome Park Reservoir. Borough President Diaz also announced that he would host a public hearing in June to solicit greater input from Bronxites on the future of public access to Jerome Park Reservoir.

Standing across from an empty Jerome Park Reservoir are (From left)- Father Gorman, Chariman, CB 12; Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz; Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; State Senator Gustavo Rivera; Assemblyman Jose Rivera; and Councilman Oliver Koppell. The picture at the bottom shows a one full and beautiful reservoir. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

“This community treasure has been left unused for far too long,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “It is time for the collective voice of the northwest Bronx to be heard, and for the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a plan for real community access to the Jerome Park Reservoir.”

In March, the Department of Environmental Protection released a disappointing report, two years in the making, that calls for a three-day pilot program for pedestrian access to the Jerome Park Reservoir in 2013. Borough President Diaz said that while he understood the security concerns put forward by the DEP regarding public use of the Jerome Park Reservoir, he felt that those concerns could be addressed well enough to allow for greater public access to the reservoir.

To that end, the borough president’s office will host a public hearing to allow Bronxites a chance to voice their own opinions on greater public access to the Jerome Park Reservoir. That hearing will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2011, at Vladeck Hall in the Amalgamated Houses located at 74 Van Cortlandt Park South (on the corner of Hillman Avenue and Van Cortlandt Park South). The hearing will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“I urge everyone who is interested in seeing the Jerome Park Reservoir opened to the public to come to this hearing and make their voice heard. The reservoir was designed, built and opened as a park, and access should be returned to the community,” said Borough President Diaz.

"We are very concerned over the extremely limited proposals for access by the DEP. We need to explore ways in which we can provide substantially more access without sacrificing public safety,” said Council Member G. Oliver Koppell.

“The residents of the northwest Bronx have a right to enjoy the area around the Jerome Park Reservoir in the same way that the residents of Manhattan have the right to enjoy Central Park,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “The Department of Environment Protection and Parks should be held to their commitment to make this area more accessible to Bronxites and should have to address the concerns of the community regarding their most recent plans. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in calling for greater access to the area around the Jerome Park Reservoir as well as greater community involvement in determining the future of one of our community’s most precious resources.”

“The time has come for greater community access to the Jerome Park Reservoir.  We've waited too long.  I grew up across the street from the reservoir.  While I was able to enjoy its beauty by looking outside from my living room window or by standing outside the fence, there is no rational reason why the fences are so far from the water.  We have an incredible resource in the northwest Bronx.  Why is the public denied the ability to enjoy it?  DEP's ridiculous proposal to give the public very limited access for a few days in the year 2013 is an insult to our community.  The time for greater public access to the Jerome Park Reservoir is now!” said Assembly Member Jeff Dinowitz.