Thursday, May 16, 2013
New York State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Announces $198,500 for Hyde Leadership Charter School
New York State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz is proud to announce that he has assigned $198,500 to the Hyde Leadership Charter School, located in his South Bronx district.
Senator Rev. Diaz stated: "I am delighted to announce that I have assigned $198,500 to the Hyde Leadership Charter School which is located in my district. This money is a godsend - it is a blessing for our children! It will be used for technology equipment to continue to develop the accomplishments of the Hyde Leadership Charter School and expand the achievements of their students. These resources should be seen as a hopeful forecast of continued support for the Hyde Leadership Charter School as they graduate their first high school class this year and establish themselves more firmly in the education community."
Senator Rev. Diaz continued: "We have all read the disappointing news this week that 50,000 children were turned away from city charter schools, and we all realize that there is still a lot of work to be done. Parents are entitled to have their children receive quality education. The option of charter school programs is one that I fully support and encourage – and I will continue to do so, as schools like the Hyde Leadership Charter School continue to demonstrate success."
The Hyde Leadership Charter School is the only K-12 college preparatory school located in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx.
Senator Rev. Diaz stated: "I am delighted to announce that I have assigned $198,500 to the Hyde Leadership Charter School which is located in my district. This money is a godsend - it is a blessing for our children! It will be used for technology equipment to continue to develop the accomplishments of the Hyde Leadership Charter School and expand the achievements of their students. These resources should be seen as a hopeful forecast of continued support for the Hyde Leadership Charter School as they graduate their first high school class this year and establish themselves more firmly in the education community."
Senator Rev. Diaz continued: "We have all read the disappointing news this week that 50,000 children were turned away from city charter schools, and we all realize that there is still a lot of work to be done. Parents are entitled to have their children receive quality education. The option of charter school programs is one that I fully support and encourage – and I will continue to do so, as schools like the Hyde Leadership Charter School continue to demonstrate success."
The Hyde Leadership Charter School is the only K-12 college preparatory school located in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx.
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Senators Klein and Savino Detail Hidden Dangers at NYC Day Care Centers
Even When DOH Violations Pile-up, Many Centers Do Nothing, Putting Children at Risk
Today, New
York State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx) and Senator Diane
Savino (D-Staten Island) announced findings of a citywide investigation
into the safety of New York City day care centers. The report found that
not only are an alarming number of day care centers repeatedly cited by
the NYC Department of Health for “serious” and “critical” health code
violations, but due to a lack of accountability, few of these centers
take meaningful corrective action. Instead, many centers simply allow
violations to roll over from year to year—without any meaningful
repercussions. In fact, since 2008, not a single New York City day care
center has had their operating license suspended or revoked.
Senator Jeff Klein said,
“When New York City parents read these findings, they’ll have every
right to be outraged. Everyday, hardworking parents trust these
daycares to look after their children. But after today, we need to ask
ourselves, who is looking after the day care centers? Since city
agencies are not holding these day care centers accountable, we need to
give parents the ability to easily identify the worst offenders. That’s
why we’re introducing legislation that will require every daycare to
post their most recent inspection report on-site and online. We know
that will serve as a tremendous wake-up call to the industry.”
Some
of the most common violations include (1) persistent failure to screen
new hires for a history of child abuse, criminal convictions, or sex
offender status, (2) deterioration of facility infrastructure, (3)
failure to properly clean facilities, (4) failure certify all staff
members as physically and mentally healthy, and (5) failure to install
and maintain window guards in rooms, hallways, and stairwells.
According
to the report, New York City’s Department of Health has recorded over
11,000 health code violations in Brooklyn’s 809 registered day care
centers since 2010. Over the past two and a half years, Brooklyn’s day
care centers averaged 14.5 violations per facility. Facilities in the
Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan are not far behind, averaging 13,
12, and 11 violations, respectively.
Violations for Group Day Care by Borough
|
Borough
|
#
of Providers
|
#
of Violations Since 2010
|
Avg.
# of Violations Per Provider Since 2010
|
|
Bronx
|
295
|
3,854
|
13.06
|
|
Staten
Island
|
112
|
1,388
|
12.39
|
|
Brooklyn
|
809
|
11,743
|
14.49
|
|
Manhattan
|
482
|
5,575
|
11.57
|
|
Queens
|
465
|
3,287
|
7.07
|
Senator Diane Savino said, “As
someone who started her career as a child advocate, I know how tough it
can be for parents to find a reliable daycare provider. We want every
parent to have access to high quality day care. But in order to do that,
we can’t allow repeat offenders to get away without so much as a slap
on the wrist. Posting the latest inspection report at the entrance of
every day care center will get these operators to clean-up their
act—after all, advertising a laundry list of threats to children’s
safety isn’t a great way of attracting new families.”
Hidden Camera Footage
At
the press conference, hidden camera footage shot by Sen. Klein’s staff
at NYC day care centers illustrated clear lapses in security. At one day
care center in Queens, an undercover member of Senator Klein’s staff
posing as a prospective parent toured most of the facility without being
noticed. During the undercover staffer’s tour, video footage revealed
an exit door wide open and two security desks unattended.
At
another day care center in the Bronx, when the prospective parent asked
if the facility had any outstanding health violations, the center’s
tour guide answered “no”--even though the day care has some of the most
DOH violations in the borough. At a day care center in Staten Island, a
closet full of toxic cleaning supplies was left open and unattended only
a few feet away from nearby children.
Legislation
Senators
Klein and Savino introduced legislation today that will require day
care centers to post their most recent Department of Health inspection
report on-site, at the entrance of the facility, and online. By making
these inspections readily accessible to prospective families, Senators
Klein and Savino believe that parents can make a more informed decision
about where to enroll their child. Senators Klein and Savino also
believe that posting inspection results will spur day care operators
into action and put an end to persistent violations.
**********************************************************
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Sen. Klein Attends Earth Day Celebration at PS 24 in Riverdale
State Senator Jeff Klein joined with PS 24 students, school administrators,
and Project BOOST coordinators in commemorating Earth Day with arts,
crafts, community service programs and the painting of the mural. This
event was made possible in part by funds Senator Klein secured through
Project BOOST.
The PS 24 Earth Day celebration is based on the old "Science Fair" idea said PS 24 Principal Dr. Donna Connelly. She added that science fairs no longer exist in public schools. Tables were set up to show the different areas of interest of the school children. There was a table with three ducklings that were hatched at PS 24, a table with different healthy foods to eat, one with reusable items, one with different information for the children, videos set up, and even a mural on one small wall that the children painted for Earth Day.
Left - the three ducks that were hatched and now being cared for by the children of PS 24.
Right - The teacher holds one duck up for a close up view.
Left - Senator Klein sitting at one table with several children.
Right - Senator Klein visited the PS 24 library. Here he is pictured with the two PS 24 Co-presidents on his left, PS 24 Principal Dr. Donna Connelly next to him on his right, and the incoming PA President on the end next to Principal Connelly.
Senator
Klein plans to visit all 12 schools receiving funds from the Project
Boost program in the district to see their programs in action and hear
how the program has impacted the participating students.
Project BOOST (Building
Options and Opportunities for Students) is a program designed for
elementary and middle school students who have demonstrated a commitment
to academic success and who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The
chief objective of Project BOOST is to ensure admission to a quality
high school by providing academic and cultural enrichment opportunities,
ranging from enhancing arts, reading and music programs to offering new
experiences such as attending musicals, walking tours and museums.
*************************************************************
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Sen. Klein and Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. Release Analysis Showing Economic Benefits to the Bronx from Metro North's Proposed Expansion
Metro North expansion is predicted
to create 5,400 new jobs, increase home values by up to $142,400 and add
over a billion dollars in added business sales in the Bronx
Today,
New York State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein and
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined union leaders, Bronx
business owners, employers, homeowners and community leaders to announce
economic benefit projections of the MTA Metro North transportation
expansion into the Bronx.
The
MTA Metro North proposal includes building four new Metro North
stations in the East Bronx on current Amtrak lines, in Co-op City, Hunts
Point, Morris Park and Parkchester.
In
an economic white paper released today, experts project that the Metro
North expansion plan will create 5,400 new jobs, increase home vales by
more than $140,000, and increase business activity in the Bronx by more
than $1 billion. The economic analysis was conducted at the behest of
Senator Klein and Bronx Borough President Diaz.
Senator Jeff Klein said, “As
Bronx Week kicks off, I am happy to announce that the MTA Metro North
expansion is something the Bronx can really celebrate. This expansion
will not only give over 160,000 Bronx residents a better way to commute
into Manhattan, but it will also help drive new business and economic
growth into the East Bronx. These stations will open up a fast, easy and
direct link to the suburbs and Manhattan – which means an added boost
of over $1.1 billion to local businesses both large and small. The
expansion is also good news for area homeowners, who will see home
values rise by more than $140,000. Finally, with one of the highest
unemployment rates in the state, all Bronxites stand to benefit from the
creation of over 5,400 new jobs.
“The benefits are clear and will be critical to launching the Bronx into the 21st
century and beyond. Working with the Bronx Borough President and
community stakeholders, I am committed to doing whatever I can to
support this expansion for the benefit of the Bronx at large.”
“The
expansion of Metro North service to the East Bronx has the potential to
transform not just the Bronx, but the entire region. This project has
been a priority of mine since I first became borough president, and I
continue to push the MTA to include these four stations in their
five-year capital plan. This analysis shows just how great an impact
this project will have in our borough, and we cannot afford to miss out
on new jobs and new economic activity. It is time to make this project
happen, and I will continue to work with State Senator Jeff Klein, our
elected officials, businesses, institutions and all Bronxites to bring
Metro North service to the East Bronx. It is time for this long-held
dream to become a reality,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
In
an analysis of the MTA Metro-North Expansion into the East Bronx
released today by Senator Klein and Borough President Diaz, highlights
included:
Economic Indicator
|
Economic Benefit
|
Potential Job Creation
|
5400 jobs
|
Increase in Business Sales
|
$1.151 billion
|
Residential Property Values Potential Increases
|
Up to $142,400
|
Condominium Value Potential Increases
|
Up to $70,848
|
Commercial Property Values Potential Increases
|
Up to $450.00 increase per square foot
|
Retail Rental Increases
|
An increase of almost $4, 175 of rental income a month
|
General Chairman of Association of Community Rail Employees Anthony Bottalico
said: “Expanding transportation options is a win-win for not just the
Bronx, but New York at large. With these four new stations in the Bronx,
we’re giving Bronx business owners and residents easy access all over
New York. But we’re also creating high-quality jobs for those who build
and maintain these stations right here in the Bronx. Investing in rail
expansion now, will have economic benefits – including quality job
creation – for years to come and I thank Senator Klein and Borough
President Diaz for championing this incredible boost for the Bronx.”
“Metro
North service on the Amtrak line, including a Morris Park stop, will
help transform Einstein as well as our local community,” said Gordon Earle, Associate Dean of Public Affairs and Communications at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
“It will provide major benefits for our faculty, researchers, students
and the entire East Bronx medical community, providing easy access to
Manhattan, as well as to Washington DC and points north. We are
extremely enthusiastic about the plan.”
Left - Senator Jeff Klein speaks about how the four new Metro North East Bronx Stations would benefit the entire Bronx. He adds that as Senate Co-President that he has to sign off on the new five year Metro North Capital Plan which better include these four new East Bronx stations.
Right Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. holds up the report that he and Senator Klein have come out with as to the economic impact that the four new Metro North stations will have on the Bronx.
Others in the photos are Community Board 10 District
Manager Ken Kearns, Community Board 11 District Manager Jeremy Warneke,
Community Board 11 Chair Tony Vitaliano and Community Board 2 Chair Ian
Armit, Morris Park property owner Patrick O'Connell, Pelham Bay Community Leader Joseph Oddo, in addition to Gordon Earle, Associate Dean of Public Affairs and Communications at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and a few others.
MTA's plan for building would establish four new East Bronx Metro North Stations would by 2019.
*************************************************************
Wave Hill Events May 31–June 7
After
such a spectacular, cool spring, it’s a challenge picturing June and
the true start of summer. After watching our gardeners plan, discuss,
order bulbs and plant beginning this past winter and into spring, we’re
looking forward intensely to seeing the fruits of their inspired labor
across the landscape. Oh, the gardeners will still be very much in
evidence, weeding, dead-heading, thinning, watering—actively interacting
with the gardens as they mature under the warm summer sun. And we’ll
all sit back and enjoy the show.
Isn’t
it wonderful that so much that you can enjoy here – yoga, tai chi,
walks, cooking demos – takes place outdoors, enhanced by the beauty of
the setting?
SAT, JUNE 1 FAMILY ART PROJECT—A TREE LIVES HERE
A Tree Lives Here/Un árbol vive aquí
Explore
the qualities of some of Wave Hill’s special trees with visiting artist
Richard Lewis and the Touchstone Center Theatre Ensemble and create a
tree of your own imagining with oil pastels on black paper. Enjoy a
performance by the ensemble at 11AM, followed by a parade with your tree at 12:30PM. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM
SAT, JUNE 1 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. In this beginner-level class,
Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School,
will introduce students to the internal martial arts and promote an
awareness of their health benefits. Sessions are held outdoors only and
are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM
SAT, JUNE 1 GALLERY TOUR
Join
a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s spring exhibition, Drawn
to Nature, which features the work of seven artists who use drawing to
convey a deep connection to the natural world. In the Sunroom Project
Space, Lynn Koble’s multi-media, sculptural installation explores her
idea of classification systems as a point of intersection between people
and nature. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM
SUN, JUNE 2 FAMILY ART PROJECT—A TREE LIVES HERE
A Tree Lives Here/Un árbol vive aquí
Explore
the qualities of some of Wave Hill’s special trees with visiting artist
Richard Lewis and the Touchstone Center Theatre Ensemble and create a
tree of your own imagining with oil pastels on black paper. Enjoy a
performance by the ensemble at 11AM, followed by a parade with your tree at 12:30PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM
SUN, JUNE 2 HATHA YOGA
Find
refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and
increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath control and
meditation. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and
Therapeutic Yoga by The Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire,
England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. All levels welcome.
Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM
SUN, JUNE 2 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, JUNE 2 HERBAL PICNIC SERIES―SAVORY HERBAL SALADS COOKING DEMO
Join
us for a summer-long garden party—free with admission to the grounds—as
chefs from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances prepare
delicious recipes for casual al fresco meals. Taste memorable salads
with pasta, greens and fresh herbs. After the program, explore the Herb
Garden with a garden interpreter then purchase herb plants in The Shop
at Wave Hill. Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 3PM
MON, JUNE 3
Closed to the public.
TUE, JUNE 4 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM
TUE, JUNE 4 GLYNDOR GALLERY OPENS AT 11AM
Glyndor Gallery opens at 11AM today, following a private function. The Tuesday afternoon tour takes place as scheduled.
TUE, JUNE 4 GALLERY TOUR
Join
a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s spring exhibition, Drawn
to Nature, which features the work of seven artists who use drawing to
convey a deep connection to the natural world. In the Sunroom Project
Space, Lynn Koble’s multi-media, sculptural installation explores her
idea of classification systems as a point of intersection between people
and nature. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
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—5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1—March 14.
ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free until noon Tuesdays in May and June. 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/
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 242nd
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.
***********************************************************
LIU OFFERS SOLUTIONS TO LOOMING CRISIS IN HOUSING FOR NEW YORK CITY’S SENIORS
Report Finds Two-Thirds of NYC Seniors 70+ Pay Unaffordable Rents, Presents Policy Prescriptions to Help Them Stay Independent Longer
City
Comptroller John C. Liu today warned that New York faces a looming
crisis as the elderly population rises and rents skyrocket,
and offered a comprehensive strategy to alleviate the shortage of
affordable housing options.
“We
cannot let our seniors fall into poverty – we need to do more to help
them afford to stay in their homes,” Comptroller Liu said.
“Unfortunately,
the current administration’s measures are falling short. Increasing
affordable-housing options for seniors is not only the right thing to
do, it also makes financial sense. Helping seniors live independently
saves the City money in the long run by reducing
their reliance on costly social services.”
A
new report by the Comptroller’s office, “Senior Housing in New York
City: The Coming Crisis,” released today, examines the effects of
escalating
housing costs and offers recommendations that would not only help
lessen the burden on City seniors but also defray the need for more
intensive and expensive care. The City’s senior population is growing
fast: The number of New Yorkers over age 60 rose 12.4
percent from 2000 to 2010, as compared to a 2.1 percent increase in the
City population overall during that period, according to Census
figures.
And
those seniors are literally pushed to the wall. The report found that
53 percent of households headed by those between ages 60 and 69 pay
more than 30 percent of their income on rent – a level considered
unaffordable by federal standards – and fully 66 percent of households
headed by those 70 and over pay unaffordable rents by the same measure.
The report also found nearly 20 percent of the
City’s 60+ population lives below the poverty line compared to 9
percent nationally, and evictions of seniors account for 15 percent of
all evictions in the City.
While
the Mayor’s New Housing Marketplace Plan has worked to build or
preserve 125,000 affordable-housing units since 2004, more than 32,000
Mitchell-Lama units are no longer subject to affordability
requirements, and housing costs remain unaffordable for many segments of
the population – especially seniors. The Mayor’s plan also relies
extensively on federal funding support, which is increasingly
at risk.
The report recommends a number of measures, including:
·
Revise
rules on the City’s Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) to
take into account household size and inflation, plus increase outreach
efforts;
·
Create a property tax credit for families that take in elderly dependents;
·
Increase aid to programs that help seniors stay in their homes longer.
The full report is available at:
http://www.comptroller.nyc.
Visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov
Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter. To receive Twitter updates via text message,
text “follow johncliu” to 40404.
View the latest Comptroller’s office videos on YouTube.
Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter. To receive Twitter updates via text message,
text “follow johncliu” to 40404.
View the latest Comptroller’s office videos on YouTube.
******************************************************
Monday, May 13, 2013
Bronx Chamber Upcoming Events!! MUST RSVP!!
|
|
Join us at the following upcoming events!!
Wednesday, May 22nd / 5:30 PM
Networking with Hudson Valley Bank
Tosca Cafe / 4038 East Tremont Avenue
***Complimentary Admission***
For more information, call 718-828-3900 or Click Here to register.
Thursday, May 30th / 11:00 AM
Annual Celebrity Golf Outing & Dinner
Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Course / 870 Shore Road
The biggest golf event of the year!!
For more information, call 718-828-3900 or Click Here to register.
Wednesday, June 12th / 2:00 PM
2013 Business Expo
The New York Botanical Garden / Abigail Kirsch
***Complimentary Admission for all attendees***
For more information, call 718-828-3900 or
Click Here to register
We look forward to seeing you there!