CITY LETS BIG COMPANIES OFF THE HOOK FOR MILLIONS IN UNPAID PARKING TICKETS

Audit Finds Dept. of Finance Fails To Collect Even After Giving Discounts to Commercial Fleets; FedEx, Verizon Top List of Fines Overdue

City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced that an audit of the City Department of Finance’s (DOF) collection of parking tickets discovered that the agency has failed to go after millions of dollars in fines owed by companies with delivery fleets.  The DOF gives these same companies discounts on their tickets. 

“It’s bad enough that people feel like they’re constantly blitzed with parking tickets,” Comptroller Liu said. “It’s absolutely galling to now find that the City lets big companies off the hook on millions in parking tickets. At the minimum, the City should be as efficient collecting money from big companies as it is from residents and small business owners, who apparently never get a break.”

The DOF manages two programs that offer commercial fleets discounts on parking tickets. The NYC Delivery Solutions (Stipulated Fine) program covers companies that make quick deliveries or service calls, such as private mail couriers. The DOF’s Commercial Abatement Program enrolls commercial fleets that are not engaged in time-sensitive services, such as plumbing repair companies. 

To enroll in the discount programs, companies first must pay all their outstanding tickets, waive their right to challenge future tickets, and agree to pay fines within 15 days. The DOF can remove any company that fails to abide by the agreement from the program and levy fines on them without the discount.

Comptroller Liu’s audit found many companies that did not live up to the agreement and ignored large outstanding debts on their parking tickets without any penalty from the DOF.

Private citizens, whose vehicles can be towed or booted if they fail to contest or pay $350 in tickets within 100 days, were once able to obtain discounts on parking tickets. The DOF canceled this discount program for private citizens as of January 2012.

$6,421,588 Overdue but No Enforcement

As of April 2012, the DOF was holding $9.3 million in tickets, of which two-thirds had gone unpaid for more than 30 days. In fact, of $6.4 million in overdue uncollected fines, more than half — $3.7 million — had gone unpaid for more than six months.

Companies that ignore their tickets and continue business as usual feel no repercussion, because DOF does not use its powers to strike them from the discount programs and pursue collections.

If the DOF removed delinquent companies from the discount programs, it could pursue civil judgments, deny vehicle registrations, and tow vehicles with unpaid parking tickets.  Moreover, if the DOF took companies out of the program, it could charge them the full ticket amounts — resulting in more revenue for the City. For example, auditors randomly selected 20 companies (10 from each program) from the population of 110 participants that each owed more than $10,000 in fines. These 20 participants had a total of $923,284 outstanding discounted fines. If removed from the program the firms would have to pay their original fines — $3,979,581 — resulting in $3 million more in revenue to the City.  

The audit also found that the DOF did not collect all outstanding fines before enrolling companies in the discount program, as required.  The audit examined a sample of 20 companies in the programs and found that the DOF failed to collect outstanding fines, totaling $195,886, from seven before admitting them to the discount program.

A copy of the audit is attached to this e-mail and also available for download at: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/yearlyview.asp?selaudyear=2012 

 

MAYOR BLOOMBERG, COMPTROLLER LIU AND SPEAKER QUINN ANNOUNCE PROGRAM TO ACCELERATE FUNDING FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

    In February 2012, during his State of the City Address, Comptroller Liu proposed the Capital Acceleration Plan, which was designed to create thousands of jobs, enhance the City’s aging infrastructure, and save taxpayer dollars. Details of the plan were released in May 2012.  In the months since then, the Comptroller’s office has been in discussions with the Mayor’s Office and the City Council about its implementation. The plan as announced today will:

·         Accelerate $1 billion in already approved projects from the City’s Capital Plan (school construction, road repairs, park upgrades, etc.)

·         Create 8,000 jobs

·         Save more than $200 million in debt service by taking advantage of historically low interest rates

Below is the official announcement by Mayor Bloomberg.
_____________________________________________________
 

The City of New York

Office of the Mayor

New York, NY 10007

MAYOR BLOOMBERG, COMPTROLLER LIU AND SPEAKER QUINN ANNOUNCE PROGRAM TO ACCELERATE FUNDING FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Plan Will Make more than $1 Billion Available for Necessary Infrastructure Investments, Including Repairs to Roadways, Waterfront and Schools

    Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, City Comptroller John C. Liu and City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn today announced changes to the City’s four-year Capital Commitment Plan to accelerate work on more than $1 billion of critical infrastructure projects throughout the city. The changes will accelerate capital commitments to projects that are in progress or are ready to begin and, in many cases, could be completed within the next 20 months. By accelerating key infrastructure projects, the City will add to the record amount of annual capital investment made since 2002, which have helped sustain essential services and keep New Yorkers safe. The authorized projects include road and bridge repairs, waterfront infrastructure development, and improvements to schools and libraries. Comptroller Liu first raised the idea for an accelerated capital spending plan earlier this year. The Administration and Comptroller worked to structure the finances for the changes, and the Administration and City Council worked to identify areas where accelerated investment would meet immediate needs and provide for long-term savings. The Mayor, Comptroller and Speaker made the announcement today in the Blue Room at City Hall.

    “Throughout our Administration, during good economic times and bad, one thing has remained constant: We’ve continued to invest in New York City’s future,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Working with Comptroller Liu and Speaker Quinn, we were able to move beyond our different opinions to finalize a plan that fast-tracks critical infrastructure projects. Efforts like this one are what make City government effective and are yet another example of how, in contrast to places like Washington where people from opposing parties or ideas cannot get anything accomplished, here in New York City, we can work together to what is right for our city.”

    “Tough economic times demand creative solutions like this Capital Acceleration Plan,” said Comptroller Liu. “Put simply, this plan will deliver a much-needed shot in the arm to our City’s economy. Creating good jobs, accelerating infrastructure improvements and realizing long-term cost savings are a winning trifecta for our city’s taxpayers. I applaud the Mayor and the City Council for recognizing this as a good idea and following through on it.”

    “The City Council has long recognized the importance of the City’s capital construction program, both for its value as investment in infrastructure, and for the role it plays as economic stimulus and job creation,” said Speaker Quinn. “Now is the time to take advantage of low interest rates and construction costs and accelerate sorely needed construction projects while creating close to 10,000 jobs over the next two fiscal years. I want to thank Mayor Bloomberg for working with the Council and Comptroller Liu to make this smart investment in our city’s future.”

    The accelerated investment program will fund projects that are a part of the four-year Capital Commitment Plan. An update of the plan was also released today, as required by the City Charter. The projects represent basic but critical work across several City agencies. Expediting their start and construction timetables will allow the City to take advantage of low borrowing interest rates and construction costs, saving taxpayers more than $200 million over the life of the bonds and creating an estimated 8,000 jobs.

    The City will move up capital commitments to FY 2013 and FY 2014 for certain projects that were to be done later in the capital plan. The projects set for accelerated capital funding include:

$175 million in FY 2013 and $115 million in FY 2014 for repairs and upgrades to 100 school buildings

$59.8 million to resurface additional 300 lane-miles of roadway

$37.7 million on street reconstruction

$19.1 million for vehicular and pedestrian bridge repair

$13.2 million for waterfront infrastructure

    Under Mayor Bloomberg, the city has invested $89 billion in capital commitments from FY 2002 through FY 2012 - more than any administration in city history. The City sustained record annual investment even as the economic downturn required budget gap closing measures.

 

FUNDRAISER FOR ST. BRENDAN’S CYO BASKETBALL TEAM SAT OCT 20TH

This came in after our newspaper deadline.

    The St. Brendan’s Basketball Program will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, October 20^th, from 7PM-10PM, at Beso Lounge at 320 E. 204^th St. There will be a $30 cover which includes great drink specials and a free buffet. All proceeds will go toward new authentic basketball uniforms, a showcase for the trophies that they have received, and if funds allow, other items mentioned below to assist us in continuing to have a successful program.

The St. Brendan’s Basketball Program has been in existence for over 30 years, providing an atmosphere where children have fun and learn the valuable lessons that youth sports teach them. There are 6 different teams ranging from grades 1 through 8.  In 30 years, they have won more than 20 different division titles. 

  

In order for these successes to continue to happen, children and coaches need a lot of support. Lacking children to join the program, the coordinators have had to raise rates and resorted to bake sales and concession stand sales during basketball games to offset expenses in order to keep the program running. 

The goal of this fundraiser is to raise funds that will go toward a variety of badly needed items. Other than the immediate two items mentioned above, other necessities include a new scoreboard (15 years old, bulbs are out, and it resets during games), scorer table, basketballs, banners for the last few winning seasons. A savings account is also on the wishlist, to help with recurring expenses during the year such as school and organization fees, and water and ice for all the players at each game.

With your help, the team’s goals and dreams for the children could become a realization, keeping kids motivated and having fun, enjoying positive activities with other positive goal oriented kids, in a gym instead of on the street where they can end up with the wrong crowds.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who have supported us throughout the years. Always remember that our youth, on and off the court, are what this is all about. There is a lot more at stake here than just developing great basketball skills.

If you choose to donate in any fashion be it time, equipment or money, THANK YOU.  If it is a monetary donation please make checks payable to St. Brendan’s CYO. 

EVENT INFO:

Who: St. Brendan’s Basketball Program

What: St. Brendan’s Basketball Fundraiser

When: Saturday, Oct. 20^th, 7-10PM

Where: Beso Lounge, 320 E. 204^th St., Bronx, NY 10467

FRESHDIRECT ANNOUNCES PLANS TO HIRE 200 NEW EMPLOYEES OVER NEXT 3 MONTHS

Company Encourages Bronx Residents to Apply

    Online grocer FreshDirect today announced plans to hire at least 200 new employees for various positions over the next three months in an effort to keep up with operational growth and customer demand.

With preparations underway to relocate to and expand in the South Bronx, FreshDirect expects Bronx residents will fill many of these new positions.  To that end, the company is working with local Bronx community leaders – including Steve Ritz of the Green Bronx Machine and Chris Norwood of Health People: Community Preventive Health Institute – to ensure residents of the borough are aware of the open positions and are encouraged to submit applications.

FreshDirect currently employs nearly 500 workers from the Bronx.  The company hopes to create up to 1,000 new jobs – in addition to its current 2,400-member workforce – once its new state-of-the-art facility is fully operational, with no limit to the numberthat can go to residents of the Bronx.

“As FreshDirect continues to grow as a company, we’re proud to be hiring so many new employees in such a short time frame,” said the company’s co-founder and CEO, Jason Ackerman.  “In anticipation of our move to The Bronx, we want to be sure Bronx residents fill many of these positions and look forward to working with local community leaders to help make that goal a reality.”

“FreshDirect continues to be a good neighbor to the Bronx, long before they break groundhere, and this announcement is even more evidence of that,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.  “As this company grows, FreshDirect is working to bring both job opportunities and expanded services to the people of this borough, showcasing their commitment to the continued growth of the Bronx.  My office has a partner in FreshDirect, and together we will work to bring healthy food options and new jobs to the people of the Bronx.”

The newpositions FreshDirect hopes to fill will include approximately 75 plant jobs, including sortation, shipping, and kitchen positions as well as 125 transportation jobs, including delivery associates and drivers.  Hourly plant and transportation employees who have worked at the company at least six months earn on average $12.24 per hour.  Pay varies depending on the job.  For example, new freezer workers earn between $11.25 and $12.00 per hour.

“These new jobs and aligned food access will change the lives of families and generations in the Bronx,” said Steve Ritz, founding partner of Green Bronx Machine, an organization aimed at encouraging healthy eating and living.  “This is exciting and promising for the Bronx and New York City overall.  I know of many people and families who would embrace and really appreciate these opportunities.”

“New jobs are so important to the health of the South Bronx,” said Chris Norwood, executive director of Health People: Community Preventive Health Institute, a South Bronx-based organization that helps residents in low-income communities lead the fight against chronic health problems.  “We are really pleased to work with FreshDirect to put people to work right here in the Bronx.”

MarleneCintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, said, “I am delighted to hear that FreshDirect is not only meeting but excelling the commitment through our MOU in creating jobs for Bronx residents. I am proud to continue to collaborate with a business that seeks to bring much-needed jobs to our borough, along with additional business opportunities here and across the region for companies of all types. I look forward to continuing working with FreshDirect to expand the borough’s economy for years to come.”

Prospective applicants should visit FreshDirect’s career site at www.freshdirect.jobs, where they can view current job openings, submit online applications, and check the status of existing applications.

About FreshDirect

FreshDirect is a leading online grocer in the U.S., delivering premium quality fresh-from-the-farm foods and brand-name groceries to customers in the greater New York, New Jersey, Connecticut metro area and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With a more than 2,000-member workforce that is still growing, FreshDirect places an emphasis on nutritious, delicious meals and convenient services that allow customers more time to live healthy lives. FreshDirect aspires to be a valued corporate partner in all communities in which it serves.

For more information, visit www.freshdirect.com. Follow FreshDirect on Twitter: @freshdirect and on Facebook: facebook.com/FreshDirect

 

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

Rudy Giuliani: Mayor Again?

As you may know, rumor has it that former Mayor Rudy Giuliani may once again be a candidate for New York City Mayor in the 2013 race.

If this is true and Rudy Giuliani decides to throw his hat in the ring, it will be very interesting.  I am certain that Giuliani will be getting more than 40 percent of the Hispanic vote in the City due to the fact that among all who have served as Mayor of NYC, no Mayor had ever appointed more Hispanics to serve in higher positions than Rudy Giuliani.

Among those in high positions under Giuliani, we have to remember and mention the names of Herman Badillo, who served as Educational Advisor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CUNY; Ninfa Segarra who served as Deputy Mayor for Education and Human Services;  Ruben Franco who served as Chairman for the NYC Housing Authority; Walter Alicea who served as the Housing Authority's Deputy General Manager for Operations; Manny Papier who served as Giuliani’s Deputy Chief of Staff; Yolanda Jimenez who served as the NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Community Affairs – and many others.

To that, we have to add Giuliani’s strong leadership and outstanding performance in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 - and six years prior to that, how he confronted PLO Leader Yasser Arafat having him expelled from a concert for world leaders at Lincoln Center.

We cannot forget how, despite some criticism Giuliani got for his heavy-handed way of approaching things, the City of New York got cleaner, squeegees were removed, and crime went down like never before.  It was rare to see abandoned cars in the street and motorists changing their tires because of broken bottles – and he cleaned up Time Square changing it from one of New York’s worst areas for drugs and prostitution to the worldwide attraction it is today.

You should also know that the Democratic candidates who are running for Mayor: City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Controller John Liu, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, former City Controller William Thompson – and anyone else who decides to run – will all have a hard time competing with Rudy Giuliani even though, if he runs, Giuliani would be on the Republican Line.

For me, I have to say that I am grateful to Rudy Giuliani.  During his Administration, more than 550 members of New York’s Hispanic community from many churches were placed in NYC Housing to work as caretakers.  I was appointed by Giuliani to the New York Civilian Complaint Review Board, and that was where I met my good friend and brother, Christopher Lynn.

I believe that the heart of New York is with America’s Mayor, and I believe that in these precarious times, New York City needs Rudy Giuliani.  

I also believe it would be an exciting time for the City of New York and for the population as a whole to witness an election between Rudy Giuliani as the Republican Party’s Candidate and whoever is selected as the Democratic Candidate.  The excitement would be so special and so great!  It’s certainly worthwhile at least to speculate about that kind of election … even though in the end, Giuliani might just say, “No, I’m not running.”

You should know that there are many who believe that Giuliani will not run for Mayor if Mitt Romney wins on November 6th due to the fact that he may be offered a position in his Cabinet to serve as Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, or as the US Attorney General.

In the meantime, I will continue dreaming about the excitement that New York City will see if Rudy Giuliani decides to run for Mayor.

This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

 

Comic Con 2012 -- Sunday October 14th 2012

     Comic Con 2012 was a four day event which ran from Thursday October 11th through Sunday October 14th at the Javits Center. This year each one of the four days had a different theme to it. Thursday Comic Con 2012 opened up in the afternoon to a limited audience. Friday was a general day open to all.  Saturday was bigger than Friday as it was the first day of the weekend, and Sunday was Kids Day at Comic Con 2012. On all days most of the comic booths had their artists or design people signing for free while there were booths that charged $20.00 or more for a celebrity signature or photo with the celebrity.

    I went back to Comic Con on Sunday for a second view of the event. While I thought the crowd on Friday was large, it was no comparison to the jam packed Sunday crowd. I asked people Sunday what they thought about Comic Con 2012, and got many different answers. The majority had no complaint, loved Comic Con 2012, expected the huge crowd, long lines to see what was happening at the popular booths, and were not surprised by the high prices of everything including food in the Javits Center. A few of the featured guests who were driving came in late due to the traffic gridlock around the Javits Center. Below are some of Sundays photos. Click on any to enlarge it.

Steve Wilkos was stuck in some of the traffic that surrounded the Javits Center, but made it to sign free autographs for his fans.

Left - Wonder Woman poses for photo.

Right - Another superhero poses for photo.

Left - Neu-Gen characters pose for photo.

Right - Make up artist Peter Rivera of Bullet Proof Inc. turning Ms. Charlotte Scott-Hayes into a zombie.

Left - Dark Horse Comics James Harren and Tyler Crook signing.

Right - Gregory Lamberson author of the “FRENZY WAR”, who with his Bronx partner Marc Makowski made the “SLIME CITY” cult film series of movies.   

Left - Wrestling superstars Tito Santana, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, and Brutis "The Barber" Beefcake pose with Harden, Elisia, and Jocelyn from the Parkchester  section of the Bronx.

Right - The Beautiful People from TNA wrestling "Knockouts" Angelina Love  and Velvet Sky.  No pigeons were let loose, and you must be a fan of the girls to get that.

Liberty Democratic Association 5th Annual Awards Dinner

     The Liberty Democratic Association 5th Annual Awards Dinner had some very stiff competition Thursday night. Not only were there various community meetings, a Vice Presidential Debate, but a Yankee playoff game the same night. LDA President Richard Torres said that the LDA had scheduled the award dinner way in advance of the vice presidential debate, and added he hoped that the Yankees win the final game against the Baltimore Orioles. 

    On hand were Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie (who brought his 3 year old daughter Taylor with him), BDCC Chairman Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz who brought with him the new BDCC Vice-Chair Mr. Andrew Cohen (who is rumored to be a candidate for the soon to be term limited11th City Council seat), current 80th A.D. Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, Soon to be the new 87th A.D. Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, State Senator Jeff Klein, New York City Comptroller John Liu, Councilman Jimmy Vacca, Bronx DA Robert Johnson, and Brooklyn Councilwoman (and candidate for Public Advocate in 2013) Leticca James. 

     The Honorees of the award dinner included Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., Ms. Angela Doyle-Ramfti of SEIU Local 1199, Mr. Joseph Kelleher President of the Hutchinson Metro Center, Ms. Elizabeth White Community School District 11 Superintendent, Mr. Michael Bernard of Villa Maria Academy, and Mr. David Edelstein the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway. Below are a few photos of the event. The lighting was low, but you can click on any photo to enlarge it.

Left - Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie with his 3 year old daughter Taylor.

Right - BP Diaz with Kenny Agosto, Richard Torres and Joe McManus of LDA.

Left - BDCC Chairman Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is flanked by SEIU Local 1199 board member Eddie Diaz, and New BDCC Vice-Char Andrew Cohen.

Right Councilman Jimmy Vacca of the 13th CD with rumored 11th CD candidate Andrew Cohen.

Comic Con 2012 Friday Oct. 12th

     Today I visited Comic Con 2012. The Javits Center was wall to wall with people as Comic Con 2012 was a sold out event. There were countless booths set up for the enjoyment of those who attended. New companies that are making traditional comics, story books, and even new interactive reading material for the new Apple products. One new item I saw that could be a boon to education was such a reading book that can tell when the reader becomes disassociated with what is being read. This would be a great tool for teachers to know what reading levels students are on, and their areas of reading interest. 

   Of course there was the autograph signings, people dressed up like their favorite characters, and of course the beautiful babes that came for one reason or another. Below are a few of the photos I took. Click on any photo to enlarge it.

  Here are two artists that were signing material for Comic Con 2012 goers. Scott Neitlich and Tim Saley at the Matell Booth #1306.

Five young Bronxites from the Concourse area were among those attending Comic Con 2012.  One coming in costume.

Of course the babes were in attendance as you can see.

Left - The beautiful Bella Twins of the WWE were signing photos.

Right - They even were taking pictures with some of the attendees, such as WWE rival Kelly Kelly (also signing at the next table), and others. Nikki Bella said that she was still the WWE Diva's Champ, because her sister Brie was the one pinned in a championship match that Brie lost.