More on SLOW ZONE Speed Bumps

     Apparently the DOT has painted street markings at two of the three speed bumps that were placed on Independence Avenue between West 232nd and West 237th Streets. However as you will see in the photos below Dot has not put up a warning sign before the speed bumps, as there is only one sign that is marked "Speed Bump 15 MPH" as you hit the speed bump (in one photo you can see that the one warning sign has either bent over due to the wind or has been backed into by a parking car). Also one has to wonder at what speed these speed bumps can be taken at. In the presentation by the DOT Bronx commissioner she said that motorists can safely take these "Speed Humps" at 20 MPH as would be the speed limit in the area of the SLOW ZONE. The signs by the new speed bumps (humps) say 15 MPH, or do all of them. I found one bump on West 239th Street with signs of 20 MPH on them, and also with a sharp left turn sign on one below the speed bump sign. Another placement of one of these speed bumps is at the top of a hill on West 237th St. the side of RKA (141) where buses park to pick up students, and block any warning sign. Lastly as you will see in one photo that the speed bump on Independence Avenue right in front of RKA has already been damaged during the last plowing a few days ago.  More to come.

Left - You can see pavement markings by DOT now in place in front of two of the speed bumps on Independence Avenue by Seton Park.

Right - However you can see the one warning sign is bent over due to either the wind or being hit by a car backing into a space.

Left - there are no road markings at the speed bump in front of RKA (141), and you can see the damage that plowing from only one snowfall has done to the speed bump.

Right - You can barley make out the one speed bump sign on the right in between the trees on West 237th Street as you come up the hill. This view is of  the side of the street where school buses for RKA  park to load and unload students which will block the sign.

Left - A close up of the damage to the speed bump in front of RKA. It now seems that emergency vehicles are turning left at West 237th Street to the HHP service road rather than going over the three speed bumps on Independence Avenue.

Right - You can see how cars are parking on the speed bumps that go to within a foot of the curb.

Left - You see that this speed bump sign says 20 MPH here.
Right - You see the other side of the street also with the 20 MPH sign, but also note there is another sign  warning  that the road turns left ahead.

Dinowitz Urges Primary Date to be Moved from September to June

  

     Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) has urged Speaker Sheldon Silver to support moving primary day throughout New York State from September to June beginning with the 2013 elections.  In a letter sent to the Speaker, Dinowitz outlined several reasons why changing the date of the primary election would be beneficial to the State--particularly financial and logistical concerns.

He pointed to this past year’s elections where local municipalities had to endure extra expenses with the separation of the Congressional primaries and the primaries for the State legislature. 

“Moving the primary to June is a much more cost-effective and sensible alternative to the September primary,” stated Mr. Dinowitz.

Having a September primary would also make it burdensome for New York City to hold a runoff, if needed, two weeks later.  There have been ongoing concerns regarding the new voting machines and it is possible that the Board of Elections would not be able to provide election results before the day the runoff is scheduled to be held or even determine whether or not a runoff would be necessary.

“Changing the primary election to a date in June would enable the Board of Elections to certify the election results in a timely manner.  This is a simple and sensible solution to this insurmountable logistical problem,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

Because the petitioning process for a June primary would commence in March Assemblyman Dinowitz further urged the Speaker to take up this matter at the beginning of the legislative session when the Assembly returns to Albany next month. 

“It is essential that any change in the election calendar be determined as soon as possible,” added Mr. Dinowitz.

 

Editor Note- What do you think of Assemblyman Dinowitz's idea?

LIU APPOINTS MARIA TAVARES DEPUTY COMPTROLLER FOR ACCOUNTANCY

   City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced the appointment of Maria Tavares as Deputy Comptroller for Accountancy.  Tavares, who currently serves as Assistant Comptroller of Accountancy, will assume her new responsibilities on January 1, 2013, succeeding Deputy Comptroller Simcha Felder, who is assuming his newly elected position as New York State Senator.

“Maria has demonstrated herself to be exceedingly capable in ensuring the soundness of the City’s financial reporting,” Comptroller Liu said. “Though Simcha has big shoes to fill, I am excited that she is joining my top leadership team as we continue to navigate through a tough time for City finances.”

As Deputy Comptroller, Tavares will oversee the operations of Comptroller Liu’s Bureau of Accountancy, which is responsible for all aspects of the City’s accounting and financial reporting. She will oversee the City’s accounting operations throughout the year, as well as the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which contains the City's official, audited financial statements.

She will also oversee the design and management of the accounting aspects of the City’s centralized accounting and budgeting system, the Financial Management System, the accounting mechanism in which New York City pays its bills and receives deposits. 

Deputy Comptroller Tavares is a 15-year veteran of the Comptroller’s Office. She is a graduate of Syracuse University. 

In addition, Comptroller Liu announced that Deputy Comptroller of Public Affairs Ari Hoffnung will assume oversight of the Comptroller’s Bureau of Fiscal and Budget Studies. Hoffnung previously served as Assistant Comptroller of Budget and will now oversee the publication of a wide range of fiscal reports on New York City’s economy and budgetary outlook.

Maria Tavares joins  Comptroller Liu’s team of Deputy Comptrollers, consisting of First Deputy Comptroller Ricardo Morales, Valerie Budzik (General Counsel / Legal Affairs), H. Tina Kim (Audit), Mark Kim (Economic Development), Carol Kostik (Public Finance), Ari Hoffnung (Public Affairs / Budget), Larry Schloss (Asset Management / Chief Investment Officer), and Geneith Turnbull (Contracts).

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Third Speed Bump on Independence Avenue

     The third speed bump has been installed on Independence Avenue between West 237th Street and West 232nd Street, but will that make traffic any safer? One can see cars go up in the air and drop back down as in previous posts I told you that there is little or even sometimes can be no warning that the speed bump is ahead as the one warning sign at the site of the speed bump can be blocked by parked or standing buses or trucks. This third speed bump was placed in front of MS/HS 141 (RKA) and you will see in the photos below how it was installed. On the day afterward one could see not only cars, but a NYC ambulance become airborne and then drop back down to the street. I hope the person inside (as the emergency lights were on) did not hit their head on the top of the ambulance as it went over the speed bump. Then again one of the DOT workers may have said it best. "Once they go over the bump fast they will slow down". 

     

    Since Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz sponsored the Riverdale Slow Zone, city council candidate Cliff Stanton wants to take credit for the Slow Zone, and city council candidate Andrew Cohen has put on his face book page a photo of him raking the asphalt for one of the three new speed bumps on Independence Ave. (nine in all in the seven block slow zone), you now know who to blame when you have to repair you car. I still can't understand why two speed bumps are being placed on Palisade Ave. (no where near the schools), and not one is being placed on the HHP service road one block from the schools where over hundreds of children walk. Then again Assemblyman Dinowitz lives on the HHP service road less than two blocks from the schools. 

Left and Right - You can see the placement of the third speed bump on Independence Avenue. On the right you can see a tow truck that moved cars that were in the way without any warning to those who parked overnight.

 Left - You can see a light pole that needs to be fixed so at night motorist can see the upcoming speed bump. Right - You can see just how high the speed bumps are.

 

Three Kings Celebration

STATE SENATOR RUBEN DIAZ TO CELEBRATE
 “THREE KINGS DAY ” FOR THE CHILDREN OF OUR COMMUNITY

     On Saturday, January 5^th, State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz along with Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr., Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization and other elected officials, will come together to provide the children of our community a Three Kings Day Celebration.  The first 500 children between the ages of  1- 9 years old, will receive  a toy and a book bag with school supplies. “There will also be live music and entertainment for the children,” stated Senator Díaz.
 
This activity will take place:  At 12:00 pm Saturday,  January 5th, 2013 in Public School #5 located at 564 Jackson Avenue (corner of 149^th St.)

Children must be present in order to receive a free toy and book bag with school supplies.

For more information, please contact Senator Diaz office at 718-991-3161. 

LIU RELEASES NEW NYC CLAIMS REPORT

   Police Claims Climbed by 35%, to Nearly $186 Million, as Total Claims 

Exceeded $550 Million in 2011; Medical-Malpractice Claims Steady

New York Comptroller John C. Liu today released his office’s Claims Report for Fiscal Year 2011, providing New Yorkers with a detailed look at data for claims filed against the City, an analysis of recent trends, and recommendations for containing costs.

For FY 2011, the City paid out $550.35 million in personal-injury and property-damage tort settlements and judgments, up 5 percent from the $522 million paid out in FY 2010. Tort claims included police actions, medical malpractice, motor-vehicle property-damage claims, and slips, trips and falls on City property.

“Settlements have once again topped a half-billion dollars, underscoring a need for better risk management by City agencies to contain costs and save taxpayers’ money, Comptroller Liu said. “My office continues to work with agencies to lower litigation costs, streamline processes, and learn from recent trends – while also dealing fairly with claimants seeking redress.

A growing concern is the surge in claims against the New York Police Department, which had the highest claim costs of any agency. In FY 2011, the City settled $185.6 million in claims involving the NYPD, a 35-percent jump from the $137.3 million settled in FY 2010.

“The surge in police-misconduct allegations and civil-rights claims against the NYPD is an alarm bell for the City. The trend can and must be stemmed and reversed with better risk management including training, clearer accountability, and the convening of a multi-disciplinary task force, Comptroller Liu said.

The top tort claim adjudicated in FY 2011 was $9.9 million, to a claimant who alleged false arrest and incarceration for 19 years as a result of the actions of a former police detective known as one of the notorious “Mafia cops.

The report for the first time includes a breakdown of claims by precinct.

By contrast, medical-malpractice claims against the Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) have dropped steadily in recent years, from a high of $195.4 million in FY 2003 to $130 million in FY2011, due to proactive steps by the HHC. Total claims against HHC cost the $131.8 million in FY 2011.

Unlike other City entities, the HHC is responsible for its own claim costs and has invested in risk management and other initiatives that have much reduced those costs. In light of HHC’s impressive results, the Comptroller’s office recommends that the City make other agencies bear some financial responsibility for their claim costs.

The Comptroller’s office also stepped up its pursuit of affirmative claims against individuals who damaged City property – bringing in a record-high $1.5 million in FY 2011.

The Claims Report has traditionally been issued every two years – the last one covered FY 2009 and FY 2010. To better support efforts to control claim costs, this new report was accelerated to analyze claim activity for one year, FY 2011. Data for FY 2012 will be released next year.

Non-Tort Claims:

In addition to tort claims, the City paid out $135.9 million in non-tort claims in FY 2011, down from the $165.1 million it paid out in FY 2010. These claims primarily comprise contract disputes between City agencies and their contractors, as well as alternative dispute-resolution claims, equitable claims, employment-related claims, Department of Education tuition-reimbursement claims, and sidewalk-assessment claims.

Additional Findings:

 ·         The Comptroller’s office early settlement of claims is estimated to have saved the City more than $20.6 million in FY 2011, by working closely with other City agencies, streamlining processes, and using technology to allow early investigation and negotiation of claims.

·         Personal-injury claims accounted for $535.12 million, or 97 percent of the $550.35 million paid for tort claims in FY 2011. The costliest category was medical malpractice, at $130 million. The second-costliest was civil-rights claims, at $84 million. The third-costliest was motor-vehicle claims, at $83.9 million. The fourth-costliest was police-action claims, at $59.6 million.

·         Property-damage claims cost the City $15.23 million in FY 2011, a 50 percent rise from the $10.1 million paid in FY 2010. One claim, settled for $2.5 million, alleged that the design of the City’s back-up generator system for the Office of Emergency Management in 7 World Trade Center resulted in the building’s collapse on 9/11.

Notes:

Data may not include all claims against the City that will ultimately be settled, due to a time lag between when a settlement occurs and when settlements and updates are entered into the claims database. For the purpose of this report, “settlement and judgment costs, “liabilities, “expenditures, or “amounts paid are used interchangeably with “recorded settlements and judgments.

Comptroller Liu credited Deputy Comptroller for Legal Affairs and General Counsel Valerie Budzik as well as Assistant Comptroller Karen S. Cohen and the Bureau of Law and Adjustment for their efforts in compiling the report.

The full report can be viewed at: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/bla/pdf/2012_Claims_Report.pdf

Visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov for the latest news, events and initiatives.
Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter, YouTube

Wave Hill Events January 11–January 18

Winter Workspace Artist Asuka Hishiki in her studio.

   

   The gallery is now transformed into studio space for a dozen artists who work in various media but are all inspired by natural settings. That translates into opportunities for visitors to work alongside the artists in free workshops open to about a dozen participants each. With space tight, we recommend registering early, though if there any openings the day of a workshop, we will accommodate drop-ins.

 

  

SAT, SUN, JANUARY 12, 13    HIBERNATORS PAJAMA POP-IN

Put on your PJs, pack up your teddy bear and head over to Wave Hill! Make an animal mask at the Family Art Project and hear tales of hibernating creatures. Musician Jon Samson shares songs about animals, winter and sleepytime. Admission to the grounds is free all weekend, thanks to the support of Target.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JANUARY 12    FAMILY ART PROJECT—HIBERNATOR’S DEN

Hibernator’s Den/La cueva de los hibernadores

Get to know your local hibernators through sleepy tales of the season. Then make your own furry bear, bat, toad or hedgehog mask, or fashion a dreamy, woodsy home. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend, thanks to the generous support of Target. Hibernators Weekend event.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JANUARY 12    WINTER WORKSPACE: WINTER BOTANICALS COME TO LIFE WITH ASUKA HISHIKI

Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Asuka Hishiki’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Using graphite and watercolor, she demonstrates botanical illustration techniques. Participants will create their own drawings and paintings of fallen leaves and twigs collected on Wave Hill’s grounds. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. This program also takes place on January 15.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 1–4PM

SUN, JANUARY 13    WINTER BIRDING

Hudson River valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species, even during the winter months. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitats. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. For weather-related updates call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM the day of the walk. Free with admission to the grounds.  (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, JANUARY 13    FAMILY ART PROJECT—HIBERNATOR’S DEN

Hibernator’s Den/La cueva de los hibernadores

Get to know your local hibernators through sleepy tales of the season. Then make your own furry bear, bat, toad or hedgehog mask, or fashion a dreamy, woodsy home. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend, thanks to the generous support of Target. Hibernators Weekend event.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JANUARY 13    GARDEN AND CONSERVATORY 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, JANUARY 14

Closed to the public.

TUE, JANUARY 15    WINTER WORKSPACE: WINTER BOTANICALS COME TO LIFE WITH ASUKA HISHIKI

Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Asuka Hishiki’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Using graphite and watercolor, she demonstrates botanical illustration techniques. Participants will create their own drawings and paintings of fallen leaves and twigs collected on Wave Hill’s grounds. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–1PM

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 all day Tuesdays in January. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs 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.

 

 

Assemblyman Elect Luis Sepulveda Swearing in Ceremony

    87^th A.D. Assemblyman-Elect Luis Sepulveda will have his swearing in ceremony and reception at St. Raymond's Auditorium located at 2380 Tremont Avenue (Purdy Ave. entrance) on Saturday January 12^th 2013 at 12 PM. 

     RSVP & for more information: LuisSepulveda2012@gmail.com or 347-560-7496