LIU CALLS ON BLOOMBERG TO CHANGE EDC’S “LAW-BREAKING” CULTURE

Urges Mayor to hold senior Administration officials accountable and open EDC’s books

City Comptroller John C. Liu today called on Mayor Bloomberg to move swiftly to identify those senior administration officials responsible for orchestrating and overseeing the illegal lobbying activities at the Economic Development Corporation. In a letter to Bloomberg, Liu also called for all of EDC’s finances to be made publicly available online through the Checkbook NYC transparency website.

Liu called on Bloomberg to change the agency’s “law-breaking” culture a day before the EDC was set to hold a public meeting to approve the agency’s restructuring as part of its recent settlement with the New York State Attorney General.

“Installing new leadership and opening the books would help change the EDC’s law-breaking culture, which, as documented in the settlement with the Attorney General, used the agency’s budget as a political slush fund for illegal lobbying,” Liu wrote.

The EDC signed an agreement with the State Attorney General last week in which it admitted to illegally lobbying City Council Members about the Mayor’s economic agenda. However, there has been no move to hold anyone at City Hall or the EDC accountable for these acknowledged illegal activities.

Background:

Comptroller Liu has been an outspoken critic of the EDC, its policies, and the failure of the agency to create jobs — one of its main objectives. Some links to past statements/audits are below:

LIU STATEMENT ON EDC ILLEGAL LOBBYING SETTLEMENT (July 3, 2012)

http://comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2012_releases/pr12-07-082.shtm

LIU: EDC SUBSIDIZES EMPTY JOB PROMISES (March 19, 2012)

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2012_releases/pr12-03-025.shtm

LIU STATEMENT ON EDC’s $100 MILLION SUBSIDY TO FRESH DIRECT (February 14, 2012)  

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2012_releases/pr12-02-015.shtm

AUDIT REPORT ON CONEY ISLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S FINANCIAL AND OPERATING PRACTICES (November 7, 2011)

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/audits_2011/11-07-11_FM11-070A.shtm

LIU: EDC KEEPS MILLIONS IDLE (Sept. 21, 2011)

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2011_releases/pr11-09-075.shtm

LIU STATEMENT ON EDC’S IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM (April 12, 2011)  

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2011_releases/pr11-04-035.shtm

LIU: CASH DISAPPEARS AT THE WATER CLUB ON EDC’S WATCH (February 9, 2011) 

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2011_releases/PR11-02-013.shtm

CITY RECAPTURES $120 MILLION FROM EDC (July 27, 2010)

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2010_releases/pr10-07-080.shtm

AUDIT: EDC HOARDS $125 MILLION OF TAXPAYER MONIES (April 28, 2010)

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2010_releases/pr10-04-046.shtm

The full letter from Comptroller Liu to Mayor Bloomberg is below:

July 9, 2012

Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg

Mayor

City Hall

New York, New York 10007

Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

Last week your Administration admitted in a settlement with the New York State Attorney General that the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) knowingly and illegally lobbied City Council members about your development agenda.

The proposed legal restructuring of the EDC, which appears to have been undertaken so that the impermissible lobbying can continue, is clearly insufficient. It amounts to nothing more than business as usual.

To this end, I urge you to move swiftly to identify those senior officials from City Hall and the EDC responsible for the flagrant and repeated law-breaking activities, and hold them accountable. I also urge you to finally open the EDC’s books to the public. The EDC’s FY 2013 budget is projected to exceed $800 million. It’s time to post all of the EDC’s spending online on a daily basis, as other City agencies now do through Checkbook NYC.

Installing new leadership and opening the books would help change the EDC’s law-breaking culture, which, as documented in the settlement with the Attorney General, used the agency’s budget as a political slush fund for illegal lobbying.

As someone who has signed into law a number of lobbying reforms and been outspoken on the need for “insulating policymakers from the sway of special and moneyed interests” and strengthening the “taxpayers’ faith in their elected and appointed representatives,” I trust you agree that accountability and transparency in government are imperative.

These actions are necessary to prevent further waste of taxpayer money. I look forward to your prompt action in these matters.

Sincerely,

John C. Liu

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Adriano Espaillat Calls for 2 PM Press Conference

  13th C.D. candidate Adriano Espaillat who finished second after all the ballots have been counted has schudeled a press conference for today at 2 PM. 

  It is being speculated that Espaillat will either admit defeat in the 13th C.D. race to run for his State Senate seat again, or will announce that he will push on with his lawsuit against the Board of Elections.

  We will have the results for you in a later post.

Exhibit at Bronx Senior Center Turns Spotlight on Elderly Artists; Portraits Draw on Favorite Memories 

Jacqueline Amonitti with her grandson Cosmo Arzeno, 7, in front of her painting called "Cosmos Dream" at SPARC (Seniors Partnering with Artists Citywide) Art Show at the JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center.

Holding her grandson close, Jacqueline Amonitti stood before a colorful drawing of a carousel horse on display at the JASA Van Cortlandt senior center.

"I call it 'Cosmo's Dream,'" she said, then looked at 7-year old Cosmo Arzeno. "It's his when the show is over."

The informal exhibit, which features drawings, paintings and collages of 23 artists, is the culmination of art classes at the senior center on Sedgwick Ave. run by the Jewish Association Serving the Aging (JASA).

Artist Michael Ferris Jr. worked with the seniors for five months as part of the city's SPARC (Seniors Partnering with Artists Citywide) program which pairs artists with senior centers.

Ferris encouraged his students to delve into their memories to create self portraits, landscapes and other imagery.

"As time went on, they became a lot freer and weren't so intimidated by the process of making art," he said. "As a result, there was a lot of creativity kicking in at the end."

Amparo Charneco's colorful drawing of two ballerinas took her back to her days studying fashion illustration as a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.

"This refreshed me," said Charneco, 73. "I haven't drawn anything in more than 35 years. This got me to be more active again and I really enjoyed it."

Amonitti, 65, who described the classes as "therapeutic," enjoyed them so much she plans to return for more sessions in the fall.

"It was great," she said. "It's a type of expression and that brings out stuff you didn't even know was there."

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BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ PROVIDES NEARLY $23 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR BRONX ORGANIZATIONS

Housing, Education & Economic Development Remain Top Priorities in FY'13 Budget

 

   Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced that his office has provided more than $22 million in capital funding to worthy Bronx organizations as part of his FY2013 budget.

In total, Borough President Diaz has provided $22,971,000 in capital funding to organizations from every corner of the Bronx, focusing on areas of economic development, housing, education and parks, among other areas.

“Each year, my office is proud to support dozens of amazing schools, community organizations and development projects across the Bronx. This critical funding will help to bring many important projects to completion, helping our borough become an even greater place to live, to work and to raise a family,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The largest portion of this year’s budget allocation—roughly 24 percent—went towards funding housing developments in the borough. This includes 110 units of mixed-use housing in West Farms as well as a solar thermal project to green existing buildings through partnerships with community organizations.

Borough President Diaz also threw a significant portion of his funding—22 percent—behind several crucial economic development projects in the Bronx. This includes $3 million towards site remediation at the Hunts Point Produce Market, $1 million towards the creation of an alternative fueling station in Hunts Point and another $1 million towards site remediation at the Harlem River Rail Yards.

“Our borough’s economy continues to grow, and these projects will ensure that we continue to see considerable job creation and retention in the Bronx,” said Borough President Diaz.

Borough President Diaz also funded a total of 29 projects related to the borough’s education institutions. This includes funding for a green roof installation at the future Highbridge Middle School, an auditorium upgrade at P.S. 91 in University Heights, gymnasium upgrades at P.S. 119 in Castle Hill and technology upgrades at a number of schools across the borough.

Borough President Diaz also funded several important higher education projects, including new handicapped entrance ramps and a renovation of Ohio Field on the campus of Bronx Community College, a roof replacement at the Savoy Building at Hostos Community College and the development of a One-Stop Student Services & Transfer Center at Lehman College.

“Education remains an important focus of my administration, and my office will continue to provide the necessary funding that Bronx students at all levels need to succeed,” said Borough President Diaz.

Borough President Diaz also provided significant funding for parks, almost 15 percent of the budget for a total of $3.4 million. This includes a new dog park at Soundview Park, as well as renovations to the hockey rink at Bufano Park in Throggs Neck and basketball courts at Orchard Beach. Borough President Diaz also funded libraries, health providers and other important institutions in this year’s capital budget, such as upgrades at the Spuyten Duyvil and Wakefield branch libraries and new dental equipment at both Lincoln Hospital and the Union Community Health Center.

The borough president’s budget also provides for security cameras at three Bronx public housing developments—Betances Houses, Mill Brook Houses and the Soundview Houses—along with funds for a renovation of BronxNet’s current studio at Lehman College and new tennis courts for the New York Junior Tennis League.

“Each of these projects, in its own way, will contribute to the continued revitalization of our borough, and I am thrilled to have played a role in so many exceptional new developments,” said Borough President Diaz.

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End in 13th Congressional District Race Could be Near

   The Board of Elections has counted all the holdover votes that being the affidavit and absentee ballots and there are preliminary numbers that show Congressman Rangel's lead increased to 990 votes. 

   The total unofficial breakdown of the 42,718 votes is as follows. Charlie Rangel - 18,940, Adriano Espaillat - 17,950, Clyde Williams - 4,227, Joyce Johnson - 1,009, and Craig Schley - 592. Since the lead between the first and second place finisher is less than 5 percent of the total vote there is no automatic recount by the Board of Elections. 

    The results for the 13th C.D. is scheduled to be made official at Tuesdays meeting of the commissioners of the board. A scheduled Wednesday court date will be the last chance for Senator Espaillat to try to over tun the election.

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13th C.D. Vote Count Continues

       Today the count of the affidavit and absentee ballots in the 13th C.D. started both in the Bronx and in Manhattan. The Bronx Board of Elections is responsible for the Assembly Districts in the Bronx, while the same is true for the Manhattan Board of Elections and the A.D.'s in that borough. We stopped by the Bronx Board of Elections this morning to see how the count was going to take place, and who would be representing each candidate. Mr. Mike Nieves was heading the Rangel team, while Ms. Coreen Roller was heading the Espaillat team. 

       We were told that 91 affidavit ballots and about 500 absentee ballots were to be tallied. The rules of the ballot counting were laid out by veteran BOE worker Kevin Fiore to each team, and the starting time as well as break, lunch, and daily ending times. The first two Bronx Assembly Districts to be tallied were the 78th and 81st as it was said those were the two largest districts to be counted of those in the Bronx. We left shortly after the first ballot was checked, as we heard that the Bronx Supreme Court Judge had put a hold on revealing the results of the ballots. We suspect that it may take a few weeks to have the complete results, and then it looks like there should be a full manual recount of all the ballots by the BOE.

     Below are a few photos of the count.

You can see the ballots to be counted in baskets on the table to the left.

BOE worker Kevin Fiore explains the process of how the ballots are to be counted to both sides.

Bronx Board of Election Republican head Anthony Robestelli going over Bronx 13th C. D. election Assembly books.

BOE workers start going over 78th A.D. affidavit and absentee ballots.

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Governor Cuomo's Small Business Outreach Initiative - REGISTER TODAY!

 

On Wednesday July 11th, the Governor's office is hosting a Small Business Outreach Initiative event at Monroe College from 6:30pm-9pm. It would be an honor if you can attend this event hosted by Deputy Secretary of Civil Rights and Workforce, Alphonso David.

  

This event will provide necessary and important information regarding the state requirements to run and operate a business in New York. There will be a presentation from several agencies and then an opportunity to ask agency representatives questions on a one on one basis.

 We believe this is a great opportunity for small business/potential business owners to get very important information and make contacts with the agencies that oversee important agency processes.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

New York Small Business Outreach Initiative

A road map to business opportunities in New York State

  

Bronx

July 11th (6:30PM)

Monroe College 2501 Jerome Avenue King Hall, Gymnasium

Bronx, New York

Parking available at Municipal Lot (190th Street & Jerome Ave.)

Register today at:

smallbusinessRSVP-Bronx@exec.ny.gov

www.NYOpenforSmallBusiness.com

-Spend an hour with small business experts from the Governor's office and six state agencies, and learn what you need to know to start, grow, or simply function efficiently as a business in New York State.

-Participants will be given the opportunity to meet with agency panelists for individual consultation following the presentation.

-NY State has $100 million available in assistance for small business and offers a range of free hiring, recruitment and training programs.

-Get answers to questions on how to: - License and expand your business. - Protect your personal assets. - Explore tax breaks and development incentives. - Access the services for businesses in

each state agency.

Presentations by:

* Empire State Development

* Department of State

* Workers' Compensation Board

* Department of Labor

* State Liquor Authority

* Department of Taxation and Finance

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WAVE HILL EVENTS JULY 20-27

FRI, JULY 20    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

SAT, JULY 21   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, JULY 21    FAMILY ART PROJECT—WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Water, Water Everywhere/Agua, agua en todas partes

Sketch the river landscape, enjoy the cool sprinklers and discover that water is everywhere! Experiment with several different techniques to create watery images and liquid landscapes to take home. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JULY 21    WAVE HILL HISTORY WALK

Discover the fascinating history of the gardens, buildings and the people who once called Wave Hill their home, with historian and Wave Hill Garden Guide Deirdre LaPorte. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, JULY 21   FAMILY GALLERY TOUR

Family Gallery Tours offer an opportunity for children and their parents or caregivers to enjoy looking at and sharing ideas about art. Tours will include discussions and activities about contemporary art that responds to Wave Hill’s Wild Garden. The tour begins promptly at 1pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. A maximum of 20 visitors can be accommodated on the tour. Children ages 4 and older are welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1PM

SAT, JULY 21    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, Wave Hill’s Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Nova Jiang and Cameron Rowland have each created installations. Jiang’s project combines art, technology and garden design to create an interactive experience for visitors; Rowland investigates the architecture and open space of public housing projects in relation to Wave Hill. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM, through August 18. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JULY 22   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 22    FAMILY ART PROJECT—WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Water, Water Everywhere/Agua, agua en todas partes

Sketch the river landscape, enjoy the cool sprinklers and discover that water is everywhere! Experiment with several different techniques to create watery images and liquid landscapes to take home. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JULY 22    DRAGONFLY WALK

Did you know that dragonflies begin their lives underwater? Join naturalist Paul Keim on this family-friendly nature walk to observe interesting aspects of dragonfly behavior and view their aerial antics in the garden. Ages 6 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 12:30PM

SUN, JULY 22   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

SUN, JULY 22    WILD GARDEN ARTISTS TALK

Join Assistant Curator Gabriel de Guzman and artists Chris Doyle and Julie Evans for an insiders’ tour of the summer exhibition Tending toward the Untamed: Artists Respond to the Wild Garden. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

MON, JULY 23

Closed to the public

TUE, JULY 24    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 24    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, Wave Hill’s Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Nova Jiang and Cameron Rowland have each created installations. Jiang’s project combines art, technology and garden design to create an interactive experience for visitors; Rowland investigates the architecture and open space of public housing projects in relation to Wave Hill. 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 25    SUNSET WEDNESDAY

Try an outdoor yoga class, join a guided garden walk or wander onto the Great Lawn to enjoy a plein air performance by local BxIndie musicians, through the Bronx Council on the Arts. Bring your own folding chair and enjoy the concert from the comfort of your own favorite seat. Gardens open until 8:30PM. Glyndor Gallery, Perkins Visitor Center, The Shop at Wave Hill and Food Service open until 8PM. Check www.wavehill.org/visit for the schedule for Sunset Wednesdays free shuttle service to and from Metro-North and the #1 subway. All events are free with admission to the grounds with the exception of yoga.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6‒8:30PM

WED, JULY 25    SUNSET YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga on the tranquil lawns at Wave Hill. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath control and meditation. Sunset Wednesday sessions are taught by Yoga for Bliss instructor Joanne Salome. Participants should bring a mat if possible, dress in loosely fitting clothing and come to class with their latest meal 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 onsite day-of.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6‒7:15PM

WED, JULY 25    SUNSET GARDEN WALK

Join us for a short guided walk through the evening gardens. Visit a different garden every Sunset Wednesday through August. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

WED, JULY 25    BxINDIE MUSIC AT SUNSET—JAZZ QUARTETEnjoy a plein air performance by local BxIndie musicians, through a collaboration with the Bronx Council on the Arts. New this year, you can bring your own folding chair and enjoy the concert from the comfort of your own favorite seat. Tonight, the Libby Richman Quartet offers a program of smooth jazz that combines original music and standards. Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 7PM

WED, JULY 25    BAT WALK

Yes, there are bats in NYC! Hunt for these mysterious creatures of the night with naturalist Paul Keim, the “Batman of Brooklyn.” Aided by the use of an electronic device called an echo locator, participants use both eyes and ears to search for bats as they skim the dusky sky looking for insects. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Space is limited. $10 Member/$18 Non-member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Rain date: August 1.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 7:30−9PM

THU, JULY 26    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.

REGISTER AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM−1PM

THU, JULY 26    GARDEN WALK—REVELING IN THE SUNSHINE

Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day leads this walk, part of a series examining strategies that plants have evolved to survive the hottest months of the year. Some plants thrive in the sunniest areas of the garden. Investigate tricky adaptations that keep plants perky as they bask in the hot sun. This walk repeats Saturday, July 28. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

FRI, JULY 27   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

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