Mount Hope Housing Company 8th Annual Legislative Breakfast

LIU ON MAYOR’S CLIMATE-CHANGE PLAN & WILL AUDIT E911 SYSTEM

City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following today on Mayor Bloomberg’s climate-change plan:

“We applaud the Mayor for laying out this comprehensive report. Climate change poses serious risks to our City and, as the report pointed out, to our old building stock.

“Our proposed Green Apple Bonds are the perfect way to finance the $1.2 billion in old building stock resiliency upgrades in the Mayor’s plan. Together, we can help finance the retrofitting of old buildings to improve resiliency or reduce our carbon footprint and save taxpayer money from reduced energy costs. We look forward to working with the Mayor to raise the necessary funds and to make sure that we use this opportunity to create more jobs for New Yorkers, especially those who have been left behind.”

Background:

Support Growing for Green Apple Bonds, March. 19, 2013:

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2013_releases/pr13-03-043.shtm

Green Apple Bonds Are Building Momentum, Dec. 12, 2012:

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2012_releases/pr12-12-133.shtm

Comptroller Liu Proposes Innovative “Green Apple Bonds,” Nov. 30. 2012:

http://comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2012_releases/pr12-11-129.shtm
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LIU ANNOUNCES AUDIT OF E911 SYSTEM

Vows to Get to Bottom of Crashes Afflicting Emergency Dispatch

City Comptroller John C. Liu today commenced an audit in order to look into what may have caused the City’s Emergency 911 system to crash repeatedly in recent days. The audit follows two years of the Comptroller’s close scrutiny of and repeated warnings about problems with the project.

Comptroller Liu drew a parallel between the City’s mismanaged implementation of the E911 system and the implementation of the troubled CityTime time-keeping system.

“The E911 system’s problems comprise an even greater management debacle than the scandal surrounding CityTime,” Comptroller Liu said. “Taxpayers were for bilked for CityTime, but the $500 million was recouped eventually. In the case of CityTime, system failure at worst meant delayed paychecks. In this case, system failure would have far more disastrous consequences. How can it be that $2 billion has bought an E911 system that must resort to pen and paper? What happens if an extended heat wave taxes the system?”

The audit will examine whether the Mayor’s Office of Citywide Emergency Communications is successfully monitoring the integration and implementation of the Computer Aided Dispatch System into the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP).

Press reports have detailed a series of chaotic events at E911 as computers have failed in recent days, with personnel having to use “runners” to relay paper messages to dispatchers. Some reports have raised questions about whether computer problems contributed to the slow dispatch of an ambulance after a 4-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle in Manhattan on June 4. The girl died. Officials have blamed the delay on “human error.”

Liu faulted Mayor Bloomberg for shrugging off the E911 crashes.

“The Mayor’s response to the E911 problems, blaming the crashes on unspecified computer bugs, is cavalier to the extreme,” Comptroller Liu said. “Lives are at stake. New Yorkers need an E911 system that works, and they need it now. My office will do its utmost to ensure that happens.”

Background:

Audit letter to Mayor’s Office of Citywide Emergency Communications:

www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/pdfs/jun11-13_ectp.pdf

Liu statement on E911 crash:

www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2013_releases/pr13-05-077.shtm

Audit: Mismanagement of 911 Upgrade Picked Taxpayers’ Pockets:

www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2012_releases/pr12-05-063.shtm

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz to March in the 2013 Christian Children's Parade

  New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Will Join Thousands of Evangelicals to March in the 2013 Christian Children's Parade

This past weekend, the streets of the City of New York was filled with parades: on Saturday, Brooklyn’s homosexual community celebrated their pride with a parade in Park Slope, and on Sunday, the Puerto Rican
community celebrated their pride by marching on Fifth Avenue.

Now it is time for the Evangelical Christian Churches of New York’s Christian Parade, which has taken place in “El Barrio,” the heart of the Hispanic community, for more than 50 years.

On Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 12:00 noon, the Evangelical Christian Children’s Parade will step off at Third Avenue and 97th Street in New York City. Christian churches, pastors, evangelical missionaries, and families
will celebrate this event marching from Third Avenue and 97th Street to 116th Street where the reviewing stand will be located.  Dignitaries and Honored Parade Judges will be looking for the best float, the best performance, and the best message.

“New Yorkers are welcome to join us and line the streets to watch as New York’s Evangelical Children celebrate and uphold our faith and truths,” Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz declared. “Our churches will be on the streets of New York with banners, floats and leaflets, preaching and teaching to let people know that we are growing.”

For further information please call the following numbers: 917-349-2596, 914-776-4485, or 917-939-3233.

GUERRIERO LEADS WITH UNION ENDORSEMENTS

This came in from Cathy Guerriero for Public Advocate.

Three More Locals Back Public Advocate Candidate

Cathy Guerriero, candidate for the office of Public Advocate for the City of New York announced that she has earned the endorsements the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1814, Local 824, and the United Marine Division ILA Local 333.

“These endorsements are especially important to me,” Guerriero said. “My grandfather, Ray Guerriero Sr. worked on the docks for 37 years, after he came back from World War II in 1946.  The ILA took care of him and our family, and opened the doors for my father to work for the ILA Port Watchmen for over 30 years.   Our family owes our solid middle class lives to the ILA.  As Public Advocate, I will fight for NYC’s middle class and the unions who helped build it.”

Louis Pernice, President of ILA Local 1814 (the largest in the five boroughs), said, “In the race for Public Advocate, Cathy Guerriero alone represents the best interests of the working waterfront in Brooklyn.  Local 1814 and every member of our rank and file are solidly behind her. She is the future of NYC.”

Ronald Mesiti, President of ILA Local 824, said “Coming from three generations of union workers - and two generations of longshoremen - - Cathy Guerriero is not only family but represents everything that the union rank and file stand for in NYC.  She is our next Public Advocate - she is THE union candidate of this race - and the International Longshoremen Association Local 824 stands with her proudly.”

Bill Hennessey, Trustee of United Marine Division ILA Local 333, said “Cathy Guerriero understands what is means to get up every day and work hard and fight harder, like every one of my members. UMD ILA stands with Cathy in her fight to be the next Public Advocate.”

The International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO is the largest Union of Maritime workers in North America, representing upwards of 65,000 Longshoremen on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Great Lakes, major U.S. rivers, Puerto Rico and Eastern Canada.

Guerriero comes from a union family of teachers, police officers and firefighters.  Both of her parents were public school teachers, and for 35 years her father worked two jobs: teacher by day and at night he worked as a longshoremen’s security guard for the Port Authority, helping to provide for Cathy and her five siblings.   

In addition to this latest endorsement, Cathy Guerriero also has the support of the NYC Captains Endowment Association, Lieutenants Benevolent Association, Detectives Endowment Association, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Benevolent Association, Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association, Superior Officers Benevolent Association, Assistant Deputy Wardens/Deputy Wardens Association, Correction Captains Association, Detectives Investigator’s Association, Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, Port Authority Detectives Endowment Association, Port Authority Lieutenants Benevolent Association, Port Authority Sergeants Benevolent Association, Uniformed Fire Alarm Dispatchers Benevolent Association, ILA Local 920 AFL-CIO, CWA Local 1102, and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 726.

For more information on the candidacy of Cathy Guerriero, go to www.cathyguerriero.com.

West 230th Street Shopping Center Ground Breaking

  This Morning was the official ground breaking ceremony at West 230th and Broadway for the development of the 133,000 square foot mall to be called Broadway Plaza. Developer Equity One is investing almost fifty-four million dollars to build a two story mall located on West 230th Street between Broadway and the Major Deegan Highway. The 6 - 9 stores when completed will create approximately 250 full and part time jobs, while having had approximately 500 construction jobs. 

  New York City Economic Development Corporation COO Zachary Smith who lives in the area of the new development said "This will ensure that the Broadway Corridor here in the Bronx will continue to thrive into the future". Equity One CEO Jeffrey Olson said that when completed Broadway Plaza will be a wonderful addition to the community both as a generator for economic development, and as a shopping destination and amenity for the residents. He said that the projected opening date for the mall is the fall of 2014.

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said "This is only one of the many new developments Bronxwide that I had visioned when I was elected to be borough president". Diaz added "It is because of new development like this that has taken the Bronx out of having the highest unemployment in New York State". Congressman Eliot Engel said "this is further proof that the Bronx, and especially the northwest Bronx is back and better than ever". Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Councilman Oliver Koppell lamented the days of having lunch across the street over ten years ago thinking of a project like the one being done today.

Left - NYC Economic Development Department COO Zachary Smith is speaking as you can see a drawing of what the shopping mall will look like on the far right.

Right - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. tells of all the other development going on throughout the Bronx.

Left - Councilman Oliver Koppell tells of his vision for the then empty lot when he was elected almost 12 years ago. 

Right - Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation head Ms. Marlene Cintron said "Developers were waiting to see when the Bronx would turn around". "This project and other further up on Broadway were the two first new developments in the Bronx.

Left & Right are Jeffrey Olson (of Equity One), Ms. Marlene Cintron (of BOEDC), Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., Zachary Smith (NYCEDC), Congressman Eliot Engel, Councilman Oliver Koppell, Bob Fanuzzi (Chair CB8), and Sergio Vilavarde (Chair EDC CB 8).

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Willie Colon Endorses Bill Thompson For Mayor

  Famous Salsa musician Willie Colon endorsed candidate Bill Thompson for mayor yesterday. Colon who started his career as a musician, then became a civil rights & political activist by the age of 16. Mr. Colon has served as a member of the Latino Commission on Aids and United Nations Immigrant Foundation. He is the President of the Arthur Schomburg Coalition for a better New York, and is on the board of directors of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. In 1995 Mr. Colon became the first minority to serve on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) national board. 

  In 1994 Willie Colon ran for congress. In his first try for political office he narrowly missed victory over then four term incumbent Eliot Engel, and since then Colon and Engel have become good friends. Willie Colon has been an advisor and liaison to Latin Media Entertainment Coalition which includes Robert Deniro and Jennifer Lopez. Colon endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2008, and used his music to help campaign against Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez.

   Colon in a statement said that "Billy has always listened to our concerns, and has given us a seat at the table working closely with the Latino community. He understands our values and our cultures, will put policies in place to improve our economy, preserve our communities, advance our education system, and create opportunities for small business. Colon added " As mayor of New York City I know that Billy Thompson has what it takes to overcome any problems our city may face in the future, and I hope you will help me Elect Billy Thompson our next Mayor".                                                                                           

  Above- An early photo of  musician, Civil Rights and Political Activist Willie Colon. 

 Left - Willie Colon and Bill Thompson pose for photo as Willie Colon announces his support for Billy Thompson for mayor.

Right - Billy thanks his friend Willie Colon for the endorsement.

                                                                                                          

Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting 6/6/13

  Thursday night was the meeting of the Croton Facility Monitoring Committee. Chairman Bob Fanuzzi opened the meeting, and the meeting soon got to the good part. Steve Desnayer representing the Parks Department spoke of the projects that the 200 or 240 million in mitigation funds (money promised by Mayor Bloomberg in 2003 to Bronx parks in order so the elected officials of the Bronx would vote to alienate part of Van Cortlandt Park to build the Croton Water Filtration Plant. Mr. Desnayer noted two projects currently in design one at 233rd Street, and the other for enhancing the area around White Plains Road northbound by Pelham Parkway which was being done in conjunction with the DDC rehabilitation of Pelham Parkway. He then mentioned some more projects adding that to date 151 million dollars has been registered. Gary Axelbank (an opponent of the filtration plant since the early 1990's when it was proposed to be built in the Jerome Park Reservoir) stated "according to MOU signed in late 2003 or early 2004 all park projects were to be done within five years or 2009 at the latest, and here we are in 2013 and they are not yet completed". 

  The next topic was the removal of trees, the construction of the partial jogging path around the JPR, and the replacement of the sidewalk on Sedwick Avenue by DEP and DPR  which had over thirty street parking spaces taken away over the memorial Day weekend while no work was being done. Just an apology by the Parks Department rep was given, and that they will try to take less street parking away in the future.

  Next came the finding of a violation by one contractor that was discussed as to how the DEP found it out, and why the DEP is asking for a waiver to allow not having a back up generator at the plant. It was said that there was a master electrician on site as required, but that the license he had might not have been up to date.The DEP said that they do not regulate that, but it is the responsibility of the Department of Buildings. The letter requesting a waiver was gone over by the committee members, where as DEP said that it is common for that to happen.

  A site visit was requested by Chairman Fanuzzi, and when the DEP tried to stall he said that he wanted it done before the end of the summer or before the next meeting in September not when new members or a new commissioner might be in place.

  Neat came the subject of the demolition of two buildings one of which was the Demo Plant that was built next to the JPR to show how the water would be filtered. DEP said that asbestos had to be removedfrom both buildings, but I asked how could the DEP have used Asbestos in a building that was built around 1990 when asbestos was banned in 1978. The few DEP personal looked at each other and could not answer the question.

  The final topic was the start of construction on the corner of Sedwick Ave. and Goulden Ave. This will force the closure again of Goulden Ave. between 205th Street and Sedwick Ave. and the closing of all but one lane on Sedwick Ave. heading towards Mosholu Parkway. This construction will start as of June 27th and go through August 31st.

  The next meeting of the CFMC was then scheduled for Thursday Sept 12th.

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News From Councilman Koppell

KOPPELL HAILS HIGH COURT DECISION ON TAXI SERVICE

Council Member Oliver Koppell hailed the unanimous decision of the state’s highest court to reverse a lower court ruling and allow street hails for car services in the outer boroughs and above 96^th Street in Manhattan, where yellow cabs rarely visit.   

Within a month, a fleet of “apple green” livery taxis will be available for street hails in those neighborhoods where livery cabs were formerly not allowed to respond to passengers hailing cabs from the street.  The city will be allowed to issue up to 18,000 “hail licenses” over 3 years for these taxis, which will have a roof light, meters and the capacity to accept credit cards, making their services equal to those of yellow cabs.  One fifth of these cabs will be wheelchair accessible.

Koppell, a longtime proponent of more available and accessible taxi service for all New Yorkers, said, “This decision will bring safe, reliable taxi service to all five boroughs, something people in the outer boroughs, such as the one in which I live, have wanted for a very long time. Further, by ensuring that a fifth of these cabs are wheel-chair accessible, the plan makes taxi service more available to disabled individuals.”

The court ruling further increases taxi accessibility by clearing  the way for the city to auction off 2,000 medallions for wheelchair–accessible yellow cabs, which will command prices of $700,000  to  $1 million, generating as much as $1 billion in revenue.  It is expected that the yellow taxi medallion sale will begin in October.

“The increase in wheel-chair accessible taxis brings us closer to my goal of requiring that all taxis be accessible to disabled individuals. Although I will continue to pursue the goal of an all accessible taxi fleet, I am heartened by today’s court decision that brings livery cab drivers out of the shadows and expands taxi service for all New Yorkers,” Koppell stated.

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KOPPELL URGES INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN CITY BUDGET 

Petitions for Permanent Funding for School-Based Health Centers

As negotiations between the Mayor and the City Council concerning the NYC budget for the next fiscal year begin,  Member Oliver Koppell, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services, urged Speaker Christine Quinn to restore and, if possible, to increase the funding for mental health initiatives cut by the Mayor’s Executive Budget.

Koppell specifically urged funding for three mental health initiatives that he considered of prime importance, Geriatric Mental Health Services, the Children Under Five Mental Health Initiative and the Autism Initiative.

“There has been a tremendous demand by users of these services and non-profit providers for additional funding to meet the needs of their clients,” Koppell said. 

Locally, geriatric mental health services are provided by the Riverdale Mental Health Association, in partnership with Riverdale Senior Services.  The Early Childhood Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine  has a large Children Under Five Mental Health Program, administered by Susan Chinitz, a Riverdale resident and The Jewish Board of Children and Family Services, in addition to conducting a program for Autistic children and their parents, also provides services to children aged five and younger.

“Given the limitations in funding in the last few years, we have been unable to add any significant number of new providers for these services and existing providers have unmet needs, Koppell said.  “I am, therefore proposing a 25% increase in funding for these three initiatives.”

Advocates for Permanent Funding For School-Based Health Centers

Koppell also requested $5 million in permanent funding for school-based health centers and mental health clinics and the restoration of $937,377 in funding for the four school-based health centers cut in the FY ’14 Executive Budget, one of which is in the Bronx at  the Roosevelt High School Campus. 

“Schoo –based health centers are being recognized at a national level for their critical service to children, especially those from low-income families, and I have seen the benefits to students at schools in my own district,” Koppell said.

With respect to mental health services, studies have shown that by removing barriers to care, school based mental health programs increase student utilization relative to non-school-based programs.  Over 95% of students referred for mental health services in a school setting will follow through compared to only 13% of those referred to community health centers.

“The tragedy in Newtown has made us keenly aware of the need to provide mental health services to young people. School-based health centers play an essential role in delivering these services, and I am urgently requesting that they not be subject to the vagaries of the budget process, but be given permanent funding to assure that they receive adequate support,” Koppell concluded.

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