LIU STATEMENT ON US ATTORNEY’S MORTGAGE FRAUD LAWSUIT AGAINST BANK OF AMERICA

     City Comptroller John C. Liu released the following statement on the $1 billion lawsuit filed by the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan against Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) for fraudulent mortgage practices:

“We support the U.S. Attorney’s efforts to hold Bank of America accountable for its questionable mortgage practices.  It is truly unfortunate and damaging for homeowners, investors, and the general public that it has come to this,” Comptroller Liu said.  “Every foreclosure is not only a family losing a home, but also a dent in our City’s economy.  Moreover, as investors, my office and our City Pension Funds have repeatedly requested since 2010 that the bank correct systemic flaws in its mortgage and foreclosure procedures.  At each turn, the bank has rebuffed shareowners.  Bank of America and others are required to enact reforms under their settlement with the state Attorneys General, but as shareowners we remain concerned that Bank of America’s board has yet to correct the flaws in its mortgage pipeline.”

Background:

The City Comptroller serves as the investment advisor to, custodian, and trustee of the $122 billion New York City Pension Funds.  The NYC Pension Funds own 27,412,938 shares of Bank of America valued at $256,585,099.68.

Links to shareowner proposal efforts:

May 2, 2011: www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2011_releases/pr11-05-040.shtm

March 23, 2011: www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2011_releases/PR11-03-027.shtm

March 14, 2011, SEC ruling against bank’s attempt to block shareowners’ proposal: http://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/cf-noaction/14a-8/2011/aflcioreserve031411-14a8.pdf

November 18, 2010: www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2010_releases/pr10-11-104.shtm

November 16, 2010: www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2010_releases/pr10-11-103.shtm

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RE: New York Islanders Moving to Brooklyn

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: New York Islanders Moving to Brooklyn

“This is great news for our City, and shows that ice sports have tremendous room for growth in the five boroughs—demonstrating yet again that the right choice for the Kingsbridge Armory is the Kingsbridge National Ice Center.

“The KNIC proposal will bring nine rinks and a 5,000 seat arena to the Northwest Bronx, dramatically increasing the amount of available ice in our City while providing ‘living wage’ jobs and education opportunities for the people of the Bronx. Today’s announcement that the New York Islanders are coming to Brooklyn shows us the great potential for success KNIC will have at the Kingsbridge Armory, and I continue to be proud to support that project.

“I congratulate Mayor Bloomberg, Borough President Markowitz, the Islanders and the Barclays Center management on today’s announcement, and I look forward to working with our partners to expand ice sports to the Northwest Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

News From Assemblymember Marcos A. Crespo

Latino College Fair / Feria De Estudios Universitarios Para Latinos

$500 Scholarship Drawing for High School Seniors*

WHAT: The fifth annual Latino College Fair for high school students and their families, organized by the Albany, NY-based Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU). Students and parents/guardians will be able to meet and talk with more than 50+ independent college and university admission and financial aid representatives. The purpose of the workshop and fair is to assist students and families in preparing for the college admissions process. The fair is free and open to the public.

WHO: Nearly 1,000 high school students and their families; admissions representatives from more than 50 independent colleges and universities in New York State.

WHEN: Date/ Fecha: Saturday, October 27, 2012 / 27 de Octubre, 2012
Time/Hora: 11:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

WHERE: Location/ Lugar: Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus; 441 East Fordham Road; Bronx, NY 10458
(If driving, use GPS directions: 2853 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458)
Directions: http://www.fordham.edu/discover_fordham/where_is_fordham/maps__directions/rose_hill_directions

SCHEDULE:

11:30 a.m. Registration opens (Keating Hall)

12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Welcome Remarks; Planning and Paying for College Workshop (simultaneous Spanish translation available)

*Note: The $500 Scholarship drawing for high school seniors will be held during the workshop. The Sallie Mae Fund Scholarship drawing is for high school seniors only. Parents may enter for their students but the student or parent must be present to win.

1:00 – 3:45 p.m. Financial Aid “Ask the Expert” tables (McGinley Center)

2:00 – 3:45 p.m. College Fair featuring campus information tables and discussions with admissions and financial aid representatives from 50+private, not-for-profit colleges and universities (McGinley Center)

Participating Colleges and Universities (as of October 9):
Adelphi University, Bard College, Barnard College, Boricua College, Bramson ORT College, Canisius College, Clarkson University, Colgate University, College of Mount Saint Vincent, The College of New Rochelle, College of Saint Rose, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dominican College, Dorothea Hopfer School of Nursing, Elmira College, Eugene Lang The New School for Liberal Arts, Fordham University, Iona College, Ithaca College, Le Moyne College, Long Island University Brooklyn HEOP, Long Island University C.W. Post, Manhattan College, Manhattanville College, Marist College, Marymount Manhattan College, Mercy College, Metropolitan College of New York, Molloy College, Nazareth College, The New School, New York Institute of Technology, New York Institute of Technology – NYCOM, New York University, Niagara University, Nyack College, Pace University, Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, The Sage Colleges, Sarah Lawrence, Siena College, Skidmore College, St. Bonaventure University, St. John Fisher College, St. John's University, St. Joseph's College, St. Lawrence University, St. Thomas Aquinas College, Syracuse University, Touro College – New York School of Career and Applied Studies, Union College, University of Rochester, Utica College, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, and Wells College.

Twitter hashtag: #LatinoFair12

REGISTER: http://www.nycolleges.org/

Bedford Mosholu Community Association Clean Up

     This past Saturday Ms. Barbara Stronzer and her troops from the Bedford Mosholu Community Association took on the fallen leaves in the park and on the nearby sidewalk. The flaking paint on the fence posts around the the park was taken care of by new 80th Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj (as you will see in the photos below), and his team of helpers from the family. Ms. Stronzer even was able to plant some flowers in the base of a huge tree that was knocked down during the last hurricane. 

Left - You can see part of the huge tree stump that dwarfs the people in the photo. It was the bed of this tree stump that flowers were planted.

Right - Youngsters Eleeyah Marroro & Ganimete Mujaj flank Ms. Stronzer and Ejlo Zagreda (Mark Gjonaj's 87 year old grandfather).

Left - New Assemblyman Mark Gjaonaj painting part of the wall on Mosholu Parkway. 

Right - Assemblyman Gjonaj is surrounded by family.

Left - Four generations of the Gjonal family were on hand to help. Assemblyman Gjonaj has his arms around his wife Roberta & mother Rosa, who are flanked by Marks grandfather and sons Nicholas & Joseph whose  cousins round out the group.

Right - Ms. Stronzer and others join in for this photo.

Cirque Chinois - U.S. Premiere - Nov. 4

 Direct from Beijing! Inaugural U.S. Tour!
The National Circus of
The People's Republic Of China Performing

CIRQUE CHINOIS

 AT LEHMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 4pm

Bronx, NY – Lehman Center for the Performing Arts proudly presents one of China’s most acclaimed and influential circus troupes introducing Cirque Chinois, a spectacular new production for its inaugural North American tour. For nearly six decades, The National Circus of the People’s Republic of China has been performing its unique style of circus, making it one of the longest running and most distinguished circus troupes in China. They offer a one-of-a-kind experience that has mesmerized and astounded audiences of all ages. The company’s New York City debut is on Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 4pm at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY.

The National Circus of the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1953, making it one of the longest running and most distinguished circus troupes in China which has travelled the world. It’s especially acclaimed because of its unique acts such as Grand Flying Trapeze, Group Contortion, and many other outstanding acts. The artists in the troupe have won international awards and the company has won over twenty gold and silver medals and awards at international circus festivals including the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, Cirque de Demain, and China National Acrobatic Competition. During the 1980’s, the company changed the concept of the “animal circus” to a new style of “non-animal circus” which influenced the pioneers of “Cirque du Soleil” who invited many coaches from the company to teach them the acts. The company’s Flying Trapeze troupe was invited to perform in the U.S. with the “Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus” in 1999 and with the “UniverSoul Circus” in 2007.  

Special ticket price for children 12 and under, $10 any seat

The performance of THE NATIONAL CIRCUS OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA takes place on Sunday, November 4 at 4pm.  Lehman Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall is located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd. W. on the campus of Lehman College in the Bronx.  Tickets cost $45, $40 and $25, and for children 12 and under, $10 any seat.  Tickets can be purchased through 24 hour online access at www.LehmanCenter.org or by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718-960-8833 open Monday & Wednesday-Friday 10am-5pm (closed on Tuesdays) and beginning at 12 noon on the day of the concert.  Lehman Center is accessible by #4 or D train to Bedford Park Blvd., and is right off several major highways, including the Henry Hudson Parkway, the Saw Mill River Parkway and Major Deegan Expressway.  Low-cost on-site parking available for $5.

Lehman Center is supported, in part, with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.  The 2012-2013 season is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, JPMorgan Chase, and through corporations, foundations and private donations.  Special $10 tickets for children are underwritten by Con Edison.

 

Vote of No Confidence For CB 8 Chairman

(This was taken from my column "Riverdale Report" in the "Bronx News this past week)

   It appears that current Community Board # 8 Chairman Robert Fanuzzi has lost not only control of CB 8, but also the support of a majority of the boards members. During the Economic Development Committee report an issue came up about the proposed street festival on Riverdale Avenue for the date of December 2^nd. In discussing the festival the head of the committee made a motion for the approval and support of the full board of the street festival. An issue of an amendment to the motion came up where as the chairman of the board Mr. Fanuzzi ruled that the amendment was out of order. The ruling was then challenged by the Chair of the Law and Ethics Committee and put to a vote of the full board. The result of the full board vote was that the members voted to overrule Chairman Fanuzzi on his ruling, and things went downhill again for the second straight month. CB 8 Chairman Fanuzzi refused to recognize several board members and ruled them out of order when they tried to speak. Fanuzzi however did recognize one member who then made a motion to table the whole matter, which passed. Chairman Fanuzzi also allowed that same member to continue on with a tirade on another member without attempting to stop it or rule it out of order until the tirade was over. 

 

   In doing some research the Street Activity Permit process has changed as of December 2011, and apparently Fanuzzi was trying to push something through that he knew or should have known was wrong. In the past 125 signatures from the neighborhood had to be collected to show support for an event, and then the community board chair or District Manager could just sign off on these street permits. The permit process now needs review by the full community board. One would have to assume that since over 125 signatures were collected and presented at the Economic Development Committee meeting. CB 8 Chairman Fanuzzi must have wanted to keep this quiet since the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation was involved in the application process, and announced 11^th City Council candidate Cliff Stanton is the Treasurer of KRVDC. Since Riverdale Avenue is a major street and emergency route this should have been taken up in the Traffic and Transportation Committee. 

 

   This was the case last month when CB 8 Chairman Fanuzzi had appointed a Youth Committee Chair over the summer that was struck down when it finally became known that the agreement between Community Board 8 and the Department of Youth Services became voided in 1996 (over 12 years ago) when the Department of Youth Services was merged into the Department of Youth and Community Development that also deals with matters other than just youth issues. Fanuzzi had the board appoint a special committee of four members of his choosing (which included himself) to come up with an interim youth committee and by-law change. 

 

   Also made know by the Treasurer of Community Board 8 was the fact that Mayor Bloombergs proposed first round of budget cuts would leave CB 8 in a defect of several thousands of dollars over the allocations of two of the three council members who cover CB 8. With the budget cuts to other areas in their districts these two council members may also have to stop their generosity to CB 8.. Several years ago CB 8 had to let go of one of its excellent staffers in a budget cut since the current District Manager of CB 8 was hired at one of (if not the) highest pay scales in the city. The previous DM worked part time hours with additional staff members, and CB 8 may be forced to let go or cut back on the two remaining staff members or the District Manager of the board. 

 

   If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

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

  

Governor Cuomo’s not only working against the Democratic Party but also against Black and Hispanics in New York State

    You should know that recently, Governor Andrew Cuomo publicly endorsed Republican Senator Stephen Saland against his Democratic opponent.  Governor Cuomo claims that he did so because Senator Saland voted to legalize gay marriage in New York State.

How many Democrats in New York State are stepping up to criticize our fearless leader as he breaks rank to endorse a Republican opponent for State Senate?

I’ll do the honors and be the first.

You should know that each time I endorse a candidate who is not a Democrat but who shares my moral principles of traditional marriage and respect for the unborn, I am publicly mocked in news articles, in blogs and oh yes, in tweets.  I receive phone calls from fellow Democrats, some who are too afraid to speak to me themselves and shoulder their complaint to my son, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., telling me to stop because my support for any Republican is not good for the Democratic Party.

But wait just a minute.  I am not the leader of the Democratic Party setting an example; I’m only a soldier.  Whether or not the criticism and complaints against me continue, I think everyone knows that I will stand by my beliefs.

So about Governor Cuomo – "The Big Cheese" – who is New York State’s Democratic Party leader?  Doesn’t he have a responsibility to be true to the Democratic Party in New York State?  Doesn’t he have a responsibility to support Democrats?

You should know that the control of the New York State Senate will be determined by the outcome of the November 6th General Election for the State Senate races.  Governor Cuomo’s endorsement of a Republican for Senate makes our victory as Democrats a real challenge.
I didn’t want to bring the race card into this, but you should know that every position of high level in New York State, from Governor to Comptroller, to Attorney General – is all White.  There are no Blacks or Hispanics in high positions in New York State.  In 2012 in New York State, the only chance we have, not only as Democrats who want to and have the ability to get back control of the Senate, but also to get a minority in a statewide leadership position, is to get Democrats in control of the State Senate.

I believe that Governor Cuomo is not only working against the Democratic Party as the leader – who as the leader should be protecting and defending the party and its candidates – but I also believe that he is working against racial equality and minority opportunities by preventing Black and Hispanics from gaining positions of leadership in New York State.

If Democrats are unable to take back control of the Senate, I wonder who will be out there shaking Governor Cuomo’s hand? Due to the fact that by refusing to endorse members of his own party, (which he is the top leader) and doing everything possible to stop the Democrats from getting elected to New York State Senate, he will be completely responsible for his own party’s defeat and preventing a Black or Hispanic from becoming the leader of the New York State Senate.

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

 

KOPPELL INFORMS TENANTS OF HEAT AND HOT WATER RIGHTS

Says District Office Available to Help
With Complaints

Now that the “heat season” has commenced, Council Member Oliver Koppell said it is important for tenants to know their rights with respect to heat and hot water and the means at their disposal to remedy the situation if they are receiving inadequate services.

The law requires building owners to provide heat and hot water to all tenants under the following conditions: 

Hot water must be provided 365 days a year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

From October 1^st to May 31^st, a period designated as “Heat Season”, building owners must provide heat as follows:

.Between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. if the outside temperature falls  below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at       least 68 degrees Fahrenheit and,

.Between the hours of 10: 00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., if the temperature outside falls below 40 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tenants who are cold in their apartments should;

            . First notify the building owner, managing agent or superintendent.

. If services are not restored, call the City’s Customer Service Center at 311.

 The law requires HPD to notify the landlord of the complaint and, if heat is not restored, an inspector is sent to issue a violation. If the landlord does not respond to the violation, HPD can arrange for the restoration of essential services and bill the owner for the cost.  

“The city takes very seriously the landlord’s responsibility to provide adequate heat and hot water as evidenced by the fact that recently the penalties for landlords who fail to these services were increased,” Koppell said.

The penalty for failing to provide heat and hot water is $250-$500 per day for each initial violation and $500-$1,000 per day for each subsequent violation in the same building during the same and/ or next calendar year or during the same and/or next heat season.

“Everyone is entitled to be comfortable in their apartment,” Koppell said.  “No one should have to do without the basic necessities. If tenants do not receive relief through regular channels, my district office staff is available to help,” Koppell said.  “Call ((718) 549-7300”.