Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Are Film Shoots using to Much Community Space?

That was the sign that went up on Independence Avenue from West 237th Street to West 246th Street Monday afternoon June 18th. Over 100 parking spaces were to be vacant for a film shoot (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) from Monday night at 10 PM through Wednesday when the filming was to be done. The NYPD tow trucks began towing away the first of 24 cars that were still parked on Independence Avenue starting at 11 PM.

The Riverdale section of the Bronx is often home to many film or television shows, and this same exact location with the same high number of parking spaces to be used was thrust upon the community a few months ago. The street parking was banned so extras and crew members were able to park near the set of a show that was being shot at a local temple on Independence Avenue. This time around a movie was being shot, but no where near the temple. The temple was being used as a meeting place for cast and crew, and as an eatery for the cast and crew with no filming being shot there. While we said that as the cars were being towed away Monday night we were assured that the street would be lined with trailers come Tuesday morning.

Tuesday morning arrived and there were no trailers on the street past the temple, and it appears that in order not to get any bad publicity the no parking signs were also gone. It also appears that the temple temple parking lot was large enough for the cast and crew to park in. 67 much needed parking spots were returned to the community with our help. See photos below, click on any to enlarge.

Left - 11 PM Monday night as NYPD tow trucks are towing away car from suspect film shoot area. Right - Temple parking lot seems to be large enough to accommodate all the cars.

You can see that trailers are only in front of the temple located at West 246th Street and Independence Avenue. 67 much needed parking spaces were returned to the community.

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Monday, June 18, 2012

Roger Clemens Found Innocent

Roger Clemens accused of lying to Congress, and on trial for that and other accounts including taking human growth hormones has been found "NOT GUILTY" after a grueling trial. In a press conference after the trial Clemens thanked his defense team, his wife and family, and those who believed in his innocence This finding of no wrong doing by Clemens should now open the door to the "Baseball Hall of Fame" for him.

Roger Clemens pitched in the Major Leagues for 24 seasons for teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and finishing his baseball career with the Yankees. With 354 wins, 4,672 strikeouts, Rookie of the Year, 11 All Star appearances, 7 Cy Young Awards, and a Most Valuable Player Award Roger Clemens should get into the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first year of eligibility in 2013.

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Saturday, June 16, 2012

Forensic Audit by State Comptroller DiNapoli Reveals Metro-North Employees Were No Shows

MTA Disbands Unit Following Audit;

Findings Referred to MTA Inspector General

Metro-North Railroad employees that were supposed to monitor train conditions and crew performance were not on the job when they were scheduled to work and performed poorly when they were, according to an audit released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Auditors and investigators also found that a relative of a manager was hired at an inflated salary over other more qualified employees, a possible violation of the New York State Public Officers Law.

"The public got taken for a ride," DiNapoli said. "When workers in this unit did bother to show up for their jobs, they did shoddy work or personal tasks when they should have been ensuring that trains were operating safely and smoothly. The MTA needs to do more to tighten up accountability. I am pleased that this audit brought an end to this situation."

The audit covered the period January 1, 2009 through June 20, 2011 and examined whether employees in Metro North's On-Board Services Unit fulfilled their duties and performed their assigned tasks. As of July 2011, the unit consisted of a supervisor and five employees who earned a total annual compensation of $832,676.

Auditors and investigators examined 300 rides that were expected to be taken and documented, of which 29 percent (89 rides) had no logs to support that any work was done. In 14 percent of all rides, staffers were not on the job, though they were scheduled to work and were paid for those hours. None of the 211 logs that did exist reported any significant performance or safety issue, raising serious questions about the quality of oversight provided by the unit.

Staff was supposed to take six train trips daily to work an eight-hour day, but auditors found that staff averaged only four train trips daily. Auditors and investigators estimate that four unit staff members were paid in excess of $170,000 annually for work that might not have been performed.

Supervision was also almost non-existent, with no log of time and attendance records, no observation of staffers on trains and no written schedule of trains to be monitored. Auditors and investigators also found that staffers surfed the internet during work hours, including spending 6.5 hours on firearm sites and Google and 5 hours on various commercial sites such as Chuck E. Cheese. Reviews of cell phone usage found little communication between staff members and their supervisor but did find out-of-state calls and calls home.

Auditors and investigators learned that an assistant vice president in charge of the unit had referred a relative to work under her supervision. The person was hired despite receiving a lower rating than two other applicants for this position and was paid $84,700 despite a posted starting salary of $57,226. This employee and the assistant vice president had their paychecks deposited into the same bank account.

Counsel for Metro-North investigated this issue and gave three separate reprimands to the assistant vice president. As a result, operating procedures were changed regarding the hiring of relatives. However, the Comptroller's Office has referred the matter to the Office of the MTA Inspector General (OIG) for further investigation.

Auditors recommended that:

MTA investigate time and attendance of the unit supervisor and staff, take disciplinary action and take steps to recover any funds paid for time not worked or charged to accruals and ensure that any salary overpayment is taken into account for future pension payments;
Evaluate the necessity of staffing for the unit, considering its demonstrated productivity and effectiveness to date;
Re-examine whether the assistant vice president's relative should be transferred to a different work unit.

In response to the audit, the MTA disbanded the on-board service managers unit and folded personnel into existing departments. The authority also asked the OIG to review the records of the unit to determine what additional actions should be taken. The MTA has agreed to cooperate fully with the OIG regarding the allegations of inappropriate hiring. The MTA's full response is included in the audit.

To read the full report, click here.

This report is the second in a series stemming from a forensic audit of overtime practices at the MTA announced in 2010 by DiNapoli. A forensic audit examines practices or organizations in which there is a reasonable risk of fraud or illegality. Since 2007, DiNapoli's office has completed 18 audits of MTA practices and organizational structure. In the coming months, the Comptroller will release further findings from the OSC's continuing forensic audit of overtime practices.

DiNapoli encourages the public to help fight against fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud, corruption and abuse of taxpayer money by: calling the toll-free fraud hotline at 1-888-672-4555; filing a complaint online at investigations@osc.state.ny.us; or mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller Investigations Unit, 110 State Street, 14th floor, Albany, NY 12236.

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Friday, June 15, 2012

Bronx Commercial/ Investment Forum

Today the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation hosted the first ever “Bronx Commercial Investment Forum.” at the Hutchinson Metro Center Conference Center. Mr. Lenny Caro President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce welcomed everyone as there was a video presentation of the New Bronx that was made by Bronxnet public access television.

Mr. Joseph Farkas President of Metropolitan Realty (developing the Stella Doro site), Mr. Lester Petracca President of Triangle Equities (developing the 149th Street site), Mr. Michael Berfield VP and Director of Development for Equity One (developing the 230th Street & Broadway site), Jason Ackerman President of Fresh Direct were on a panel moderated by Ms. Marlene Cintron President of BOEDC, and Ms. Kathy Zamechansky VP Commercial-Industrial Division to discuss why they have chosen the Bronx as a place to do business. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. also discussed the resurgence of the Bronx, and the ways that his office is available to assist businesses in relocating to the borough.

The main theme by each speaker was "JOBS, JOBS, and more JOBS".

The event was co-sponsored by the Bronx/Manhattan North Association of Realtors and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Below are some photos of the event.

Left - Relaters in attendance included Ms. Sandra Erickson and Mr. Mark Gjonaj. Right - Mr. Gjonaj of M.P. Realty Group Corp was a co-sponsor of the forum.

Left- Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. addresses the audience on why business should come to or expand in the Bronx. Right - the panel Ms. Kathy Zamechansky (left), Ms. Marlene Cintron, Mr. Joseph Farkas, Mr.Lester Peetracca, Mr. Michael Berfield, and Mr. Jason Ackerman.

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Thursday, June 14, 2012

Luis R. Sepulveda Candidate for the 87th Assembly District Fundraiser

You are Cordially Invited to Join

Bronx Democratic County Committee,Executive Committee Chairman
Honorable Carl E. Heastie
For a reception to support
Luis R. Sepulveda
Candidate for the 87th Assembly District
Location:
Rooftop
Pine Bar and Grill
1634 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY
Friday, June 29th, 2012
6:30pm to 8:30pm
For more information and to RSVP please contact:
Julian Sepulveda • Cell 347 582 8203 • info@Sepulveda2012.com

Wave Hill Events June 29–July 6

FRI, JUNE 29 YOGA TOGETHER

Jumping frog, twisty owl, downward dog, oh my! Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax the body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Lisa Ferraro, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Incorporate breathing and relaxation techniques into a dynamic and playful experience that you and your child can enjoy together. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat if possible. Recommended for ages 2–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Session fee includes one adult and one child, Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10‒11AM

FRI, JUNE 29 IN THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER―PERSONAL PLANT ADVISOR

Got shade? Or sun? Or deer? Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day and Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer suggest perfect plants for your garden at this special drop-in program. Free with admission to the grounds.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER. 1–3PM

SAT, JUNE 30 TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. Short and long form classes are led by Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM Beginners, 11AM Intermediates

SAT, JUNE 30 FAMILY ART PROJECT―GLOW A WILD GARDEN

Glow a Wild Garden/Ilumine su jardín

With fluorescent color to represent the season’s heightened color palette, and inspiration from Glyndor Gallery’s Wild Garden exhibition, create your own personal, glowing garden vista. Then contribute your creation to a group project and see it glow under a cool black light. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM–1PM

SAT, JUNE 30 GALLERY TOUR

Join an exhibition interpreter for one of our regularly scheduled tours of Tending toward the Untamed: Artists Respond to the Wild Garden. Wave Hill’s Wild Garden serves as inspiration for new painting, photography, animation, sculpture and installation, by artists Gary Carsley, Chris Doyle, Julie Evans, Isabella Kirkland, Janelle Lynch, Rebecca Morales, Erik Sanner and Anat Shiftan. In the Sunroom Project Space, Annie Varnot creates a serene space for contemplating life’s impermanence and the potential for growth and renewal Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM, through August 18. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JULY 1 HATHA YOGA

Release stress and find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga, surrounded by the beauty of Wave Hill. Hatha Yoga involves the use of physical postures, breath control and meditation to create a supple, strong and relaxed body-mind. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. Participants should bring a mat, dress in loosely fitting clothing and come to class with breakfast well digested. All levels welcomed. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10–11:15AM

SUN, JULY 1 FAMILY ART PROJECT— GLOW A WILD GARDEN

Glow a Wild Garden/Ilumine su jardín

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JULY 1 CREATIVE ACTIONS WORKSHOP—THE BLADE AS DRAWING TOOL

Need a place to wind down or find inspiration after a long week? These new exploratory workshops are led by thinkers and doers who engage the public in a creative dialogue and an investigation of the world around us through various media. In this second session of the summer, paper artist and educator Danielle Durchslag guides participants in creating flat collages and fragile sculptures out of paper. Use cutting blades as a drawing tool to “trace” various forms and shapes inspired by natural forms.

$20 Member/$30 Non-member each session. Registration recommended; drop-ins welcome as space allows. Register online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET IN THE ECOLOGY BUILDING, 2−5PM

SUN, JULY 1 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, JULY 2

Closed to the public

TUE, JULY 3 STORIES IN THE GARDEN

Each week, a “mystery reader” from Wave Hill’s staff shares a few of her or his favorite stories with budding young naturalists. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Ideal for ages 3 and up and their adult companions. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM

TUE, JULY 3 GALLERY TOUR

Join an exhibition interpreter for one of our regularly scheduled tours of Tending toward the Untamed: Artists Respond to the Wild Garden. Wave Hill’s Wild Garden serves as inspiration for new painting, photography, animation, sculpture and installation, by artists Gary Carsley, Chris Doyle, Julie Evans, Isabella Kirkland, Janelle Lynch, Rebecca Morales, Erik Sanner and Anat Shiftan. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM, through August 18. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY

Wave Hill is open.

WED, JULY 4 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of highlights this Independence Day. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

THU, JULY 5 ARTISTS’ CIRCLE

Capture the beauty of Wave Hill’s landscape in these drop-in, open-air studio sessions. Wave Hill provides easels and boards, and you bring art-making materials and paper or canvas. All levels welcome; new artists encouraged! Facilitated group critique at the end of each session. Weather dependent. Session fee: $10 Member/$18 Non-member. Registration day-of at Perkins Visitor Center starting at 9:30AM. Meet on the grounds for critiques. This weekly series continues through August.

FRI, July 6 YOGA TOGETHER

ON THE GROUNDS, 10‒11AM

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A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.

ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free until noon on Tuesdays in June and all day in July. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES Program s are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

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LIU CALLS FOR NYC TAX RELIEF AND REFORM

Plan Would Cut Local Income Taxes for 99% of NYC Tax Filers

City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced a plan to reform the City’s unfair Personal Income Tax. Comptroller Liu’s “NYC Tax Relief Proposal” would cut local income taxes for 99% of New Yorkers and raise an additional $250 million to $1 billion in revenue for the City’s budget.

“It makes little sense that a family with an income of $50,000 pays nearly the same tax rate as a family that makes $1,000,000,” Comptroller Liu said. “New Yorkers are willing to pay fair taxes and this proposal makes the City’s rates truly progressive, as they were always intended. Overall, it carries the added benefit of increased resources to help close budget deficits that loom in the near future.”

Currently, New York City’s local effective tax rates are relatively flat. For example, a family that earns $50,000 pays a tax rate of 3.3%, while a family that earns $1,000,000 pays a rate of 3.7%. Under Comptroller Liu’s Tax Relief Proposal all joint filers earning less than $500,000 per year and single filers earning less than $200,000 would pay a lower local NYC income tax rate than they do now.

According to the Mayor’s recently-unveiled Executive Budget forecasts, the City now faces multi-billion budget shortfalls into the foreseeable future. Specifically, the Mayor’s Office of Management & Budget is predicting gaps of $3.04 billion for FY 2014, $3.68 billion for FY 2015, and $3.15 billion for FY 2016.

The progressive local tax rates proposed by Comptroller Liu would increase revenue to the City by requiring those in the highest income brackets, joint filers earning more than $500,000, to pay their fair share. When applied to previous years, the proposed tax rates increased revenue by an average of $452 million per year.

Local income tax collections would increase by about 6 percent under Comptroller Liu’s proposal through an equitable tax structure that ensures more New Yorkers have a chance to enjoy the City’s ongoing economic recovery.

“The NYC Tax Relief Proposal is intended to promote shared prosperity so that the benefits of economic recovery are spread to the 99% more evenly than they were the last time around,” Comptroller Liu said.

A Fact Sheet on Comptroller Liu’s Tax Relief Proposal is available here: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/

Background

Last month, the Comptroller’s Office released a report that details the income disparity in New York City. The study found that the top 1% of income tax filers receive one-third of all City personal income, a share that is almost twice the national average. The income gap is further highlighted by the concentration of income among the very wealthiest. The most affluent 15,000 New York City households (the top 0.5% of filers) took in 26.7% of the City’s income. The top 2,000 households (the top 0.05% of filers) accounted for 18.9% of all income reported in the City. The report, “Income Inequality in New York City,” is available for download here:

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/cac/pdf/NYC_IncomeInequality_v17.pdf

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OLGA LUZ TIRADO NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BRONX TOURISM COUNCIL

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has announced that Olga Luz Tirado has been named the executive director of the Bronx Tourism Council, a program of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

Ms. Tirado is an award-winning marketing consultant, who currently serves as the president of her own marketing firm, LTCommunications. Founded in 1992, LTCommunications has worked with a variety of local, national and international businesses and non-profits over the past two decades, including Coca Cola, IBM, Simon & Schuster, El Museo del Barrio and Goya Foods.

“Olga Luz Tirado has built a successful track record in marketing and communications over the past 20 years, and I am thrilled to have her as part of my team. I am confident that with Ms. Tirado at the helm, the Bronx Tourism Council will grow even bigger and better in the coming years. I look forward to working with her to produce great events, highlight the amazing cultural organization of our borough and let the world know about all the great things that are happening in the Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“Ms. Tirado brings to the Bronx Tourism Council experience, a great reputation, boundless energy and a technological skill set that will help us showcase just how unique the Bronx is, both within our borders and to the entire world,” said Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

“I am delighted to have been selected to lead the Bronx Tourism Council. The Bronx is a great place, and I look forward to creating new events and programs that will offer tourists and borough residents alike new opportunities to experience the many wonderful things the Bronx has to offer,” said Olga Luz Tirado, executive director of the Bronx Tourism Council.

Ms. Tirado brings nearly 30 years of advertising, public relations, marketing and events management experience to the coveted position of executive director. She began her career as an assistant manager in pre-print production at BBDO International, one of the top ten advertising agencies in the country. Within a decade she joined Hispano Americano Advertising as a vice president, where she ventured into producing commercials and videos for broadcast. Ms. Tirado’s one-hour PBS documentary, Latinas on the Move: Hispanic Women in the Non-Traditional Workforce, earned her a “Women at Work” Broadcast Award from the National Commission on Working Women.

In 1992, Ms. Tirado founded LTCommunications, a Public Relations and Event Management firm designing Public Relations and Marketing campaigns for clients such as Goya Foods, IBM, and Simon & Schuster Audio, among others. She is also the recipient of the 2000 Governor’s Award for Excellence (NYS Division for Women); 2004 Business Woman of the Year Award (NYS Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce); and the 2005 Outstanding Achievement Award for Arts/Communications (YWCA’s Salute to Women and Racial Justice), to name a few. Ms. Tirado is also a published writer and avid photographer.

Ms. Tirado was selected after an extensive search for an individual that both understood the borough of the Bronx and had the skill sets that would complement ongoing efforts to rebrand the Bronx and enhance the tourism experience in the borough.

“I look forward to building on Borough President Diaz’s leadership in extolling Bronx Pride, and using that positive momentum to help establish this beautiful, culturally-rich and diverse borough as the ultimate tourist destination,” said Ms. Tirado.