Monday, March 19, 2012

***New York State Democratic Committe Designates Gillibrand As Democratic Nomintee For US Senate***

 Chairman Jacobs: “Gillibrand Has Proven Herself To Be A Force in the U.S. Senate As An Effective Fighter for New York Families”


New York State Democratic Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs issued the following statement today after the Committee voted unanimously to officially designate Kirsten Gillibrand as the party’s nominee for re-election to the U.S. Senate:


"Senator Gillibrand has proven herself to be a force in the U.S. Senate as an extraordinarily effective fighter for all of New York's families. Whether passing the 9/11 Health Bill, strengthening our national security by repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', reforming Washington, giving our first responders the tools needed to save lives, or standing up for women's rights - Kirsten has been a true champion for New Yorkers.

“Senator Gillibrand has the right vision for how to grow our economy and strengthen the middle class rather than extend tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas. With her leadership, I know we will see more ‘Made in America’ products from our outstanding manufacturers all across New York State.

“I am proud to call Kirsten Gillibrand the Democratic nominee and look forward to six more years of her outstanding leadership in the U.S. Senate."


Freeze Dried Food

Senator Klein to MPAA: Let Teens See Teen Cyberbullying Documentary

Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), called upon the Motion Picture Association of America to reverse its decision to give a “R” rating to teen cyberbullying documentary, “Bully.”

The film follows three teens who have been the victims of cyberbullying and two families of children who have taken their own lives after being bullied. It had received a “R”, or “Restricted,” rating due to profanity that had been used during these attacks.
In a letter to the MPAA's Chairman and CEO, former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd, Senator Klein urged a PG-13 rating for the documentary, pointing out that its accounts of cyberbullying match those he has heard from children, parents and educators, across New York.

“The subject matter of this documentary matches the horror stories that have been coming out of virtually every corner of this state,” Senator Klein said. “Tragically, modern technology is being used as a weapon with potentially deadly consequences, and we need to do everything we can to raise awareness of this destructive behavior. I believe it is critically important that the MPAA reverse course, lower the rating, and allow this very important film to reach a wider audience.”

“Bully”  Director Lee Hirsch, said:  "I applaud Senator Klein for standing up for victims who have been bullied by lobbying the MPAA to reverse its decision of an "R" rating to "Bully". We need to make sure as many affected teens are able to see this film in its entirety to ensure the message of the film is not lost."

Senator Klein is also sponsoring legislation, (S.6132), that would update New York’s stalking, aggravated harassment and criminal impersonation laws to include cyberbullying. The legislation has bi-partisan support and 17 cosponsors.

He is also sponsoring the New York Cyberbullying Census, a first-ever study on cyberbullying in New York State. Children in Grades 3 to 12 are urged to participate by filling out an anonymous 12-question survey at www.nycyberbullycensus.com.

"Bully" is slated to be released on March 30.

 

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COUNCIL PASSES BILL SPONSORED BY KOPPELL EXTENDING RENT STABILIZATION 

At its Stated Meeting on March 14, 2012, the Council passed a bill, co-sponsored by Council Member Oliver Koppell, that extends the rent stabilization laws from April 1, 2012 to April 1, 2015.  The rent stabilization laws regulate multiple dwellings containing six or more units built after February 1, 1947. 
The law was originally enacted in 1969 and set to expire in April 1, 1974.  However, the Council has extended it for three year periods from 1979 to 2009 on the basis that a “housing emergency continues to exist in New York City.”   A housing emergency is determined on the basis of the supply of housing accommodations, the condition of such accommodations and the need for continued regulation and control of residential rents.  A declaration of emergency may be made if the vacancy rate for all housing accommodations is not in excess of five percent. 
According to a survey conducted by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development    (HPD) for the period between February and May of 2011, the citywide rental vacancy rate is 3.12%  This  finding made it possible for the Council to declare that a “serious public emergency continues to exist in the housing of  a considerable number of persons within the City of New York and will continue to exist on and after April 1, 2012,” thereby providing legal justification for the extension of the rent stabilization Laws.
Without rent regulation, many New Yorkers would be priced out of their apartments, leading to a crisis in homelessness and a large exodus from the city.  By enabling these individuals to remain in their homes, rent stabilization prevents this kind of mass dislocation,” Koppell said.          

KOPPELL NAMED LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR BY MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY
Council Member Oliver Koppell was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Multiple Sclerosis Society New York City-Southern New York Chapter at its annual meeting on March 14, 2012, which took place during National MS Awareness Week, March 10th-18th.
 The New York City-Southern New York Chapter serves the 10,000 people living with MS in the five boroughs, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan Counties.  
The Annual Meeting provides an opportunity for the New York City-Southern New York Chapter to recognize supporters and volunteers for their outstanding achievements. Koppell, who is  Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services, was honored for  his advocacy  on behalf of the disabled community and, most particularly, for his  steadfast efforts, including the introduction of legislation, requiring that all future  New York City yellow cabs be wheelchair accessible. 
“I am gratified to receive this honor, Koppell said, and pleased that my efforts, as well as those  of the disability community, has played a part in the inclusion of wheelchair accessibility in the  new state taxi legislation468x60 - NEW Banner

LIU: EDC SUBSIDIZES EMPTY JOB PROMISES

 Audit finds agency responsible for economic growth doles out a half-billion in tax breaks and benefits each year, but gave $318 million to companies that didn’t deliver the promised jobs.

 

City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced that an audit of the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) found striking deficiencies, which caused the agency to waste millions of taxpayer dollars on companies that did not live up to their agreements to create and retain jobs in the City.


The city’s Economic Development Corporation is responsible for the management, reporting, and oversight of the IDA’s tax breaks, tax-exempt bond sales, and other benefits for companies.  In return for these public benefits, most companies must agree to keep their existing jobs in New York City and/or create a specific number of new jobs.  The audit found that the EDC not only failed to properly evaluate the companies selected to receive public assistance, but also neglected to monitor them and terminate their benefits after they clearly couldn’t deliver the promised local economic boost.

Of the $497 million in tax breaks that 576 companies received under the IDA’s supervision, more than half — $318 million — went to 334 companies that failed to meet their job retention and creation obligations.  The IDA also failed to recover $16 million in benefits it handed out to companies that defaulted on their agreements. The audit, which was launched in July 2010, surveyed Fiscal Year 2009 — the most complete recent information available from the agency — and followed projects from their request for benefits to the current fiscal year.

“The EDC has enormous power to create and protect jobs, and yet it has handed out huge taxpayer subsidies with alarmingly spotty results,” Comptroller Liu said. “Jobs are needed more than ever, but we cannot afford to leave economic development to an EDC roll of the dice that throws around hundreds of millions and hopes for the best. Corporate subsidies must be used more sparingly and only be granted after careful and thorough assessment that the job creation and retention will be real.”

Flaws in Selection and Monitoring of Projects
The EDC selected projects for IDA benefits based on shaky promises of job creation.  The EDC not only failed to examine applicants’ financial plans to see if they were realistic, but also neglected to determine whether the promised jobs were, in fact, ultimately created. A close look at three projects, which received $250 million subsidies and tax-free bond issuances over the years, illustrated the flaws in the IDA’s project selection and oversight:

1) Bronx Parking Development Company, LLC, Bronx
The EDC did not see gaping holes in Bronx Parking’s financial plan before it approved $225 million in bond financing for the project.  Currently, Bronx Parking is at risk of defaulting on its bond payments and contrary to its agreement under the IDA benefits package to create 55 new jobs, Bronx Parking has lost six full-time jobs.  
Bronx Parking built 2,184 parking high-cost spaces adjacent to Yankee Stadium in the misguided belief parking demand would rise. 
The EDC relied on a questionable parking study commissioned by the applicant.  Furthermore, the EDC gave IDA benefits to Bronx Parking despite its parent company’s defaults on tax-exempt economic development bonds.

2) Wartburg Lutheran Nursing Home for the Aging and Wartburg Nursing Home, Inc., Brooklyn
The EDC approved $19 million in IDA tax-exempt bonds to finance this nursing home’s renovation in 2006 despite the fact that it had operating losses of $4.4 million. Wartburg completed millions in renovations and promptly notified the EDC that it was selling the facility in February 2008. 

3) Hollow Metal Factory Outlet Corp., Brooklyn
The EDC gave the company approximately $300,000 in IDA benefits to create 10 jobs over three years.  Nearly a decade later the company had hired just two people and ended its agreement in February 2009.  As a result, taxpayers subsidized the company for $148,000 per job.  The subsidies were approved even thought the company showed very low expectations for annual profits.

Failure to Stop and Recapture Benefits From Projects in Default:
When companies defaulted on their agreements, the EDC rarely used its power to swiftly terminate the contracts and recapture their taxpayer-funded benefits.  The EDC let five companies take more than $16 million in public benefits after they defaulted on their agreements in FY 2009.
·         EDC surrendered its right to recapture $14 million in tax and energy benefits from Bear Stearns and its successor company, JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Manhattan.
·         The EDC waived its right to collect $1.16 million from Baldor Specialty Foods in the Bronx.
·         EDC failed to retake more than $520,000 in Mortgage Recording Tax benefits given to Wartburg Nursing Home in Brooklyn after the facility had been sold.
Recommendations
The audit made seven recommendations to the EDC to strengthen the agency’s analysis of companies requesting IDA benefits, its monitoring of their progress, and its recapture of benefits from those that violate their agreements.  While the EDC disagreed with many of the recommendations, the agency deserves credit for its new five-year self-audit plan that it promises will annually examine 20% of the companies receiving benefits to determine if they are providing the jobs they promised and otherwise following their agreements.

Background
The city’s Economic Development Corporation is responsible for the management, reporting and oversight of the IDA’s tax breaks, tax-exempt bond sales, and other benefits for companies.  The IDA is governed by a 15-member board.  Nine members report to the Mayor and six members represent the Borough Presidents and the Comptroller.  Approval of public benefits requires approval from eight board members. In FY 2009, the EDC oversaw $497 million in IDA tax breaks for 576 projects.

Audit Scope
The audit surveyed the 576 projects under IDA supervision in FY 2009 and conducted further examinations into major projects from that list, including seven that defaulted, from their year of origination into the current fiscal year. 
Comptroller Liu credited Deputy Comptroller for Audit Tina Kim and the Audit Bureau for presenting the findings.  The latest audit report is available at: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/audits

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Friday, March 16, 2012

New Retro Burger/Yogurt Joint Comes to Riverdale

  Yo-Burger is the name of the newest store on the block of Riverdale Avenue between West 235th and West 238th Streets. Yo-Burger is a throw back to a 1960's drive in burger joint, but without the drive in and with the option of having yogurt if you want to watch the calories. Below is what you will see as you enter Yo-Burger, the option of six different flavors of soft serve yogurt and instructions on how to proceed.


  After you choose what flavor of yogurt you may want, you can proceed ahead to the fixings bar as pictured below. or to the register where you can order food.


  You can choose from over 24 different item from fresh fruit to M&M's or Reese's Pieces, and many other different items to have with your yogurt. You can then top it off with one of three different gourmet flavors of chocolate (that can be seen in the far right of the first picture)



  Pictures above is owner Mr. Arrian Curanat (who is also co-owner of the Salvatore's of Soho Italian restaurant a few stores up on Riverdale Avenue) by one of the registers where if you are not in the mood for yogurt you can order a fresh (made to order) Angus burger, Veggie burgers, hot dog with either regular or Sweet Potato fries, and either a drink or great tasting Thick Shake. Owner Curanat is holding one of the new Coaster Caller that you are given when you order food which lights up and vibrates when your food is ready. 
  We ordered a burger with a few of the 13 free toppings offered (bacon, cheese, or a side sauce is extra), and a had delicious Vanilla shake that took me back to my days when I use to visit the local Ice Cream Parlor as a kid. While you enjoy your food and drink there is a large screen T.V. to watch, and you might  think that you see Laverne and Shirley sitting at Yo-Burger, as I thought I did.
  Yo-Burger is located at 3726 Riverdale Avenue (between W.235th and W.238th Streets), and is open from 11AM to 11PM seven days a week. If you have any questions, you can call Yo-Burger at 718-708-6828 or email them at yoburgerny@gmail.com.

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Youth Speaks 2012 & Youth Speaks Organizing Meeting

 

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$10 off George Foreman 103 Grill $29.99 on sale 3/18-3/24

Thursday, March 15, 2012

2012 SPRING GALA - AUCTION OPEN!

 


1040 Grand Concourse at 165th St Bronx NY 10463  718-681-6000   |   www.BronxMuseum.org

 


The Bronx Museum of the Arts
40th Anniversary
SPRING GALA & AUCTION 2012
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012
6:30 - 7:30pm
Cocktails and Silent Auction


7:30 - 9:30pm
Dinner, Silent and Live Auction
Online sale supported by Paddle8
with Special Performance by
The Dave Valentin Quintet

 
THREE SIXTY°
10 Debrosses Street
btw Greenwich & Hudson Streets
New York City
Festive Attire
 

HONORING

Gallerist
BONNI BENRUBI

Artist
WILLIE COLE

Choreographer, Actor and Writer
DARRIN HENSON

Architect
DANIEL LIBESKIND

Vice President of Development and External Affairs at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center
ROBERT SANCHO

Construction Management Firm
SCIAME CONSTRUCTION COMPANY


BONNI BENRUBI
Bronx-born gallerist Bonni Benrubi is a leader in 20th Century and contemporary photography. Benrubi has worked alongside some of the most important pioneering figures in the contemporary and vintage photography market and maintains a strong commitment to establishing and expanding the careers of her artists.
WILLIE COLE
Visual artist Willie Cole’s work has long been known for its use of discarded materials to transform and transcend everyday domestic objects or reference historical events and people. Cole’s work is held in the permanent collections of such notable museums as The Bronx Museum of the Arts; Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Museum of Modern Art, New York; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; and The National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, among others.
DARRIN HENSON
Bronx-born Darrin Henson is an actor, dancer, choreographer, philanthropist and producer. He is well known for his choreography, collaborating with major players in the music industry. Henson has also starred as an actor in film and television and recently published his semibiographical book of poetry, titled Intimate Thoughts.
DANIEL LIBESKIND
Daniel Libeskind is an international architect and designer with a worldwide practice spanning museums and concert halls to convention centers, universities, hotels, shopping centers, and residential projects. Libeskind’s commitment to expanding the scope of architecture reflects his profound interest and involvement in philosophy, art, literature and music. Libeskind teaches and lectures at universities across the world and resides in New York City.
ROBERT SANCHO
Robert Sancho is the Vice President of Development and External Affairs at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center. Born and raised in the South Bronx, Sancho has dedicated nearly 30 years of service at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, the largest not-for-profit care system for South and Central Bronx. During his tenure, Sancho has been an important catalyst in fundraising and working to empower the people of his community.
SCIAME CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
Construction management firm Sciame Construction Co., founded by Frank Sciame, has become the builder of choice for highly designed and technically sophisticated projects including the Bronx Public Library; the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Restoration, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art among others. Priding itself on its commitment to cost effectively and creatively preserve design intent and to deliver the highest standards of workmanship, the phrase "Where Building is an Art" has become the trademark of the Sciame.

For information contact Liz Gilchrist   E: liz@livetreichard.com /

 P: 212.868.8450

AUCTION FEATURING WORKS BY
Joshua Abelow, After Andy Warhol, Charlie Ahearn, Gema Álava, Grimanesa Amoros, Ida Applebroog, Kenseth Armstead, Alexandre Arrechea, Sebastiaan Bremer, Henry Chalfant, Christo, Amanda Church, Lisa Corinne Davis, Jane L. Dickson, Rochelle Feinstein, Gardener Andre Feliciano, Maureen Gallace, Maria Elena González, Sara Greenberger Rafferty, Hampton Briggs Antiques, The Keith Haring Foundation, Skowman Hastanan, Thomas Hirschhorn, Sabin Howard, Tehching Hsieh, Alfredo Jaar, Jayson Keeling, Byron Kim, Whitfield Lovell, Sofia Maldonado, Armando Mariño, Carrie Moyer, Jim Napierala, Paul Pfeiffer, Liliana Porter, Wilfredo Prieto, Jon D. Rappleye, Judy Ross, Emilio Sanchez, Joseph Scanlan, Jamel Shabazz, Xaviera Simmons, Coreen Simpson, Billy Sullivan, Jorge Tacla, Lawrence Weiner, Madeline Weinrib, Saya Woodfalk.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Bronx Week 2012

   

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
and

The Bronx Tourism Council 
Announce 
Bronx Week 2012 
May 10 - May 20
An 11 day celebration highlighting the Best of the Bronx in the Arts, Health, Youth, and much more!

Bronx Week's festivities will culminate with a Festival and celebrity inductions to the

Bronx Walk of Fame. 

Check your e-mail as well as our website
www.ILoveTheBronx.com for additional information including applications to list your Bronx Week event in the calendar of events.

For Sponsorship Opportunities, contact:
Jennifer Blatus
Tourism & Administration Coordinator
The Bronx Tourism Council
851 Grand Concourse, Suite 123
Bronx, NY 10451
E-mail: Jblatus@boedc.org

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