HALF OF PARK PROJECTS FINISH BEHIND SCHEDULE

Audit Finds Months-Long Delays, Millions in Cost Overruns In Park Construction Projects

   City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced that the Parks Department’s failure to monitor its capital construction projects had allowed almost half of those projects to finish late and 10% to go significantly over budget in Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.

“New Yorkers and visitors alike love our parks.  Repairs and upgrades must be better managed not only to reduce wasteful spending, but also to minimize the duration of park closures,” Comptroller Liu said. “The Parks Department can do better.”

In FY2010-FY2011, the Parks Department completed 315 capital construction projects, at a cost of $496.3 million.   Comptroller Liu’s audit found that:

·         149 (47%) of those projects finished late.  The projects were 218 days late on average. These late projects were supposed to have been complete within 284 days on average, so the delays resulted in almost doubling the length of time planned for completion.

·         30 projects combined to rack up $10 million in cost overruns, over and above the additional $8.6 million in contingency allowances for overruns that they burned through.  The projects had been budgeted at a combined cost of $69.6 million.

·         Despite spending $4 million to correct consultants’ design errors and omissions on various projects, the Parks Department did not use its right to try and recoup the money.

 

Comptroller Liu’s Audit Bureau launched the audit in response to numerous complaints from New Yorkers, including calls to the Comptroller’s 212-NO-WASTE hotline, and after independently assessing that an examination of the agency’s capital projects was warranted.

 

The audit recommended several steps that the Parks Department should take to better ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.  For example, the audit recommended that the Parks Department flag projects for priority completion so that delayed work can be expedited.

Today’s audit is available for download here: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/yearlyview.asp?selaudyear=2013

The complete list of projects that were delayed or overbudget is available in the audit’s appendix. 

Parks Projects That Were Significantly Overbudget And Delayed

POE PARK VISITORS CENTER	Bronx
SOUNDVIEW PARK - CONSTR OF	Bronx
EDENWALD PLAYGROUND	Bronx
CHARLTON GARDEN PLGD	Bronx
SCHOOLYARDS @ PS105K, PS 112, PS 205, PS  247	Brooklyn
KAISER PARK - REC BLDG	Brooklyn
ROBERT E. VENABLE PARK	Brooklyn
ROBERT E. VENABLE PARK	Brooklyn
RIVERSIDE PARK	Manhattan
PAVEMENTS, SIDEWALKS	Manhattan
UNION SQUARE PK - CONSTR OF	Manhattan
SCHOOLYARDS @ PS 129Q, PS 79, JHS 25, PS 159	Queens
SCHOOLYARDS @ PS 116Q & IS 238	Queens
CONSTR OF TUSCAN GARDEN & LEMON HOUSE, SNUG HARBOR	Staten Island

Visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov for the latest news, events, and initiatives.
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Wave Hill Events January 25–February 1

SAT, JANUARY 26   FAMILY ART PROJECT―GIVE A WINTER BIRD A HOME OR A FEEDER

Give a Winter Bird a Home or a Feeder/Casitas y comederos para los pajáros del invierno

Using recycled materials like plastic bottles and juice cartons, learn how to make a bird home or feeder. Decorate it with natural materials to welcome in your new feathery friends. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JANUARY 26    BEGINNING BEEKEEPING WORKSHOP

Thriving beehives exist in community gardens, backyards and on rooftops throughout New York City. Share the joys and challenges of urban beekeeping with Bronx beekeeper Sara Katz. Learn what you need in order to start a hive ––including equipment, start-up costs and where to obtain bees––and to decide if urban beekeeping is for you. $25 Member/$30 Non-member. Registration required, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center when you next visit.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1:30−4:30PM

SUN, JANUARY 27   FAMILY ART PROJECT―GIVE A WINTER BIRD A HOME OR A FEEDER

Give a Winter Bird a Home or a Feeder/Casitas y comederos para los pajáros del invierno

Using recycled materials like plastic bottles and juice cartons, learn how to make a bird home or feeder. Decorate it with natural materials to welcome in your new feathery friends. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JANUARY 27    WINTER WORKSPACE: THE BODY AS INSTRUMENT—URBAN AND NATURAL SPACE

Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Zachary Fabri’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Fabri guides participants through exercises that utilize the body as a tool for creativity. Each participant will develop and present a movement to the group. 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 February 3.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 1–4PM

SUN, JANUARY 27    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 28

Closed to the public.

MON, JANUARY 28    MEMBERS DAY TRIP: DIA: BEACON−A HAVEN FOR ART IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

Exclusive offer for Wave Hill Members!

It’s that time of year again to venture forth on an art excursion along the Hudson River to visit DIA: Beacon, a remarkable museum occupying a former Nabisco box printing facility. Within 240,000 square feet of naturally-lit exhibition space resides large scale works by some of the most significant artists of the 1960s and 1970s such as Sol LeWitt, Joseph Beuys, Louise Bourgeois, Richard Serra and Agnes Martin. Throughout the day, learn about the diverse artistic processes involved in creating two and three dimensional works of art. After an artist-led tour of the permanent collection and lunch, visit local artists’ studios and engage in intimate discussions about their artwork, from its concept to production. This special member’s trip is led by artist and Wave Hill staff member Gisela Insuaste. $50 Member. Includes transportation and tour fee; lunch additional. Registration required; call 718.549.3200 x305. Space is limited.

MEET AT VISITOR PARKING LOT, 9AM−5PM

TUE, JANUARY 29    WINTER WORKSPACE: NATURE THROUGH GLASS—SNOW-GLOBE JARS

Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Maria Hupfield’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. After exploring the gardens with the artist, participants create a snow globe as a personal souvenir inspired by the winter landscape.

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, and admission to the grounds is free all day. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

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

TUE, JANUARY 29    WINTER WORKSPACE: PRESERVING FLOWERS THROUGH ART

Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Linda Stillman’s creative process. Stillman introduces various methods for preserving the fleeting beauty of nature. Participants create their own collages and drawings using techniques such as rubbings, flower pressing and using petals as pigment. 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, and admission to the grounds is free all day. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. This program also takes place on February 5.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 1–4PM

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 and February. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

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

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

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

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

SEN KLEIN ELECTED PRESIDENT PRO TEM OF NY STATE SENATE AND LEADER OF IDC

 

As President Pro Tempore and Leader of the Independent Democratic Conference, Klein Will Exercise Joint Authority Over the Flow of All Legislation and Senate Business

ALBANY – On the floor of the New York State Senate Wednesday, senators overwhelmingly elected Senator Jeffrey D. Klein (34^th – Bronx/Westchester) as Senate President Pro Tempore, the legislative chamber’s top post. Under a new bipartisan power sharing agreement enacted by the chamber, Senator Klein will share the title with Senator Dean Skelos of Long Island (R). During the chamber’s Wednesday session, Senator Klein was also elected Leader of the Senate’s Independent Democratic Conference (IDC). Under the bipartisan agreement enacted by the Senate yesterday, Senator Klein, as IDC Leader, will exercise joint and equal control over the chamber with his Republican counterpart, Republican Conference Leader Skelos.  

"I’m deeply humbled that my Senate colleagues have entrusted me with these tremendously important duties during this critical time for our state. We face challenges that require immediate action, such as rebuilding New York in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, raising the minimum wage, reforming stop-and-frisk, and enacting a comprehensive DREAM Act that will, for the first time, provide the same tuition assistance opportunities to all New York students, regardless of their immigration status.  

“For the first time in this chamber, a Democrat and a Republican will be equal partners in governing the Senate - a dynamic that will foster the bipartisanship, compromise and pragmatism that our country’s political process sorely needs. I look forward to working with Senators from both sides of the aisle to pass meaningful and necessary legislation in the weeks and months ahead."

 

 

2013 Baseball Hall of Fame Voting

Below are the results of the 2013 Baseball Hall of Fame Voting taken from the baseball-reference.com web site. As you will see no player has meet the 75% required vote for induction. The last time this occurred was in 1996. The Veterans Committee did select Jacob Ruppert, Deacon White, and Hank O'Day.
You can click on any name to see their stats courtesy of baseball-reference,com.

2013 Voting
75% required for induction

Player	Votes	2013%	2012%
Less than 75% of vote, but still on ballot.
Craig Biggio	388	68.2%	1st Yr
Jack Morris	385	67.7%	66.7%
Jeff Bagwell	339	59.6%	56.0%
Mike Piazza	329	57.8%	1st Yr
Tim Raines	297	52.2%	48.7%
Lee Smith	272	47.8%	50.6%
Curt Schilling	221	38.8%	1st Yr
Roger Clemens	214	37.6%	1st Yr
Barry Bonds	206	36.2%	1st Yr
Edgar Martinez	204	35.9%	36.5%
Alan Trammell	191	33.6%	36.8%
Larry Walker	123	21.6%	22.9%
Fred McGriff	118	20.7%	23.9%
Dale Murphy**	106	18.6%	14.5%
Mark McGwire	96	16.9%	19.5%
Don Mattingly	75	13.2%	17.8%
Sammy Sosa	71	12.5%	1st Yr
Rafael Palmeiro	50	8.8%	12.6%
Less than 5%, will not be on next year's ballot
Bernie Williams	19	3.3%	9.6%
Kenny Lofton	18	3.2%	1st Yr
Sandy Alomar	16	2.8%	1st Yr
Julio Franco	6	1.1%	1st Yr
David Wells	5	0.9%	1st Yr
Steve Finley	4	0.7%	1st Yr
Shawn Green	2	0.4%	1st Yr
Aaron Sele	1	0.2%	1st Yr
Reggie Sanders	0	0.0%	1st Yr
Jeff Cirillo	0	0.0%	1st Yr
Woody Williams	0	0.0%	1st Yr
Rondell White	0	0.0%	1st Yr
Ryan Klesko	0	0.0%	1st Yr
Roberto Hernandez	0	0.0%	1st Yr
Royce Clayton	0	0.0%	1st Yr
Jeff Conine	0	0.0%	1st Yr
Mike Stanton	0	0.0%	1st Yr
Jose Mesa	0	0.0%	1st Yr
Todd Walker	0	0.0%	1st Yr
**15 yrs on ballot, will not be on next year's ballot

SEABROOK GETS FIVE YEARS

 

   Former Bronx Councilman Larry Seabrook who was found guilty on nine counts of fraud and conspiracy was given his sentence of five years in jail by Federal Justice Deborah Batts. The U.S. Attorney  had requested that Seabrook get at least a seven year sentence. The judge also ordered Seabrook to repay just over $619,000.00 in restitution, and Seabrook has until March 8th to report to prison. 

 

   It was then Councilman Seabrook who said during the debate on changing the term limit law that he needed ten years in office to be able to get his full pension. It is our understanding that his pension will now be forfeited with this conviction.

*********************************************************

BP DIAZ'S CONSTITUENT SERVICES UNIT HELPED MORE THAN 3,400 BRONXITES IN 2012

   Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has announced his office’s final tally of constituent service’s cases from 2012.

In total, Borough President Diaz’s Constituent Services Unit handled 3,428 different cases last year on a wide variety of issues, including housing, employment, traffic, transportation and other concerns.

“Constituent service has been a top priority of mine for as long as I’ve been an elected official. Each of these cases represents an individual, a family or even a community that came to us for help, and each of them received the full attention of my office. The most basic service of any elected official is helping their constituents with everyday problems, and I am proud that my wonderful constituent service unit was able to help so many Bronxites,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Housing, by far, was the largest area of service in Borough President Diaz’s office, as the Constituent Services Unit handled 1,970 total housing cases in 2012. Cases included rental disputes, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) issues and applications for new developments, among others.

For the most part, Bronxites who were assisted by the Constituent Services Unit were extremely grateful for the help they received.

“Words cannot begin to express the gratitude that I have for you and your wonderful employees,” said one letter from a constituent who was helped with a Section 8 housing voucher issue. “Your office is the ray of light that the Bronx has been yearning for; to have a political leader that truly cares about his community.”

Borough President Diaz added that while such praise was welcome, his office was not in it for the accolades, but to help everyday Bronx residents improve their lives.

“My office will continue to all those who need our help. Those in need of assistance should feel free to contact my Constituent Services Unit to see what we can do for you,” said Borough President Diaz.

The Borough President’s Constituent Services Unit can be reached at (718) 590-3554.

Proposed Agenda for CFMC Meeting on January 17th

                       

Agenda

Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting

Thursday, January 17, 2013 – 7:00 PM

DEP Office – 3660 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10467 - (718) 231-8470

I  Welcome & Set 2013 CFMC Objectives  --       Bob Fanuzzi, Chair
   

II Consider & Adopt January CFMC Agenda  --    CFMC Representatives


III Consider, Adopt 12/6/12 Meeting Minutes  --   CFMC Representatives

IV Update on Coordination of JPR Jogging Path  --   DEP, DPR

 Design & Construction

V Update on Current and Future Croton-Funded  Parks Projects  --  Steve Des Noyer, DPR

VI Croton Construction Update, Including - Sedgwick Ave, Traffic Stipulations - Status of VCP Green Roof - Check out & Test Plant Equipment -- Vincent Moorehead, P.E., DEP

   
VII Construction Schedule & Costs Report  --  Vincent Moorehead, P.E., DEP

VIII Correspondence Concerning Backup Generator at Croton Filter Plant   --  CFMC Representatives 
                   

IX Croton Jobs and Bronx Purchases  --  Shane Ojar, DEP

Tom Farrell, Construction Mgmt

X   CFMC Discussion & Set Date for Next Meeting  --   CFMC Representatives
 
XI  Adjourn

LIU STATEMENT ON STOP-AND-FRISK RULING

      Comptroller John C. Liu hailed federal Judge Shira Scheindlin’s ruling today, stating the following:

“Judge Scheindlin today ruled what many of us already felt in our hearts — that police subjecting so many people to ‘stop and frisk,’ almost all of whom did nothing wrong, is unbecoming of the free and democratic society that New York City represents.  On this basis alone, even without addressing the racial profiling nature of NYPD stop and frisk, the practice must be abolished.  It’s time to restore trust between the community and police so that New York’s Finest can best keep our City safe, while maintaining the public’s interest in liberty and dignity, as described by Judge Scheindlin.”

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

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Federal Court Ruling on Stop & Frisk

“The NYPD needs to reassess and revisit their training methods in order to implement programs that residents find helpful, such as ‘Trespassing Affidavit Program,’ in a manner that does not impinge upon state and federal constitutional rights

“I am opposed to the NYPD’s ‘stop & frisk’ program as it is currently constituted.  Yet I know that my constituents have expressed to my office in our 2011 quality of life survey that greater police presence was a high priority to them. In addition, I hear from constituents all the time that they value the ‘Trespassing Affidavit Program,” which could be greatly affected by today’s ruling.

“Not all stops are misused, but many are. I prefer a return to a ‘stop, question & frisk’ program as we had in the past, as it would provide for greater investigation by our police prior to physical contact. The NYPD needs to address policies that will reconcile the desire for greater police presence without the fear of harassment, and I am prepared to work with our police department on such a plan,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.