Is New York State’s Limit on Donations to Independent Political Groups Unconstitutional?

  That is what a federal appeals court judge ruled today with just 12 days left until the November 5th general election. The appeal was brought by the conservative group New York Progress and Protection PAC. NYP PAC said that a conservative donor from Alabama, Shaun McCutcheon, pledged to donate at least $200,000 to the group, and that other donors were likely to do the same.The ruling now allows unlimited  money to be donated into an independent-expenditure effort that is backing the Joe Lhota campaign. 

  With the now overwhelmingly lead by Bill deBlasio it is not likely that many will now donate to such a venture. This ruling could have a big effect on the 2014 New York State Elections with the governorship and state senate possibly up for grabs. “This could usher in an era where super PACs call the shots in campaigns all over the state, not just in the city,” one watchdog group head said. 

  “Today’s decision will empower the right-wing billionaires, like the Koch brothers, and Tea Party groups who support Joe Lhota to drown out the voices of New Yorkers,” said Lis Smith, a spokeswoman for the de Blasio campaign. “The stakes are too high to let the same Republican extremists who shut down the government hijack the mayoral election.”

Wave Hill Events November 8–November 15

 

   As we get closer to Thanksgiving, the harvest mood begins to deepen—in the gardens, of course, at our fall woodworking workshop, at the Family Art Project and in The Shop, where visions of entrancing Chanukah and Christmas gift possibilities have got the staff starry-eyed.

SAT, NOVEMBER 9    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, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its 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: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, NOVEMBER 9    FAMILY ART PROJECT: NOVEMBER TREASURES

Gather beech nuts, acorns, leaves and other fallen wonders from the grounds. Then glue your collection

to a wooden or cardboard box to house your prized possessions of the season.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SAT, NOVEMBER 9    WOODWORKING: HARVEST BASKET WORKSHOP 

Using simple carpentry skills, craft a handsome wooden basket to hold fresh produce, potted plants or other seasonal items. Frank Perrone, master carpenter and Wave Hill’s Director of Facilities & Capital Projects, lends his expertise in this half-day workshop. No previous carpentry experience required. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Space is limited! $50/$35 Wave Hill Member. Reservations required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM−4PM

SAT, NOVEMBER 9    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s fall exhibition, Tandem Pursuits: Armor & Ichthyology, which celebrates the interests of former Wave Hill House resident Bashford Dean. Dean was Curator of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Curator of Fish at the American Museum of Natural History. The intersection of his interest in both fish and armor provides the opportunity to bring together a remarkable group of contemporary art that explores concepts of adaptation, pattern, and protection. The tour also includes Alan Ruiz’s Sunroom Project Space installation, an architectural intervention that complicates the distinction between interior and exterior spaces. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 10    BIRDING WALK

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for native and migrating birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. For weather-related updates call 718.549.3200 x 245 by 8AM the day of the walk. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, NOVEMBER 10    FAMILY ART PROJECT: NOVEMBER TREASURES

Gather beech nuts, acorns, leaves and other fallen wonders from the grounds. Then glue your collection

to a wooden or cardboard box to house your prized possessions of the season.  Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 10    HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, your breath and your mind/body/spirit. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, 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: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, NOVEMBER 10    MEDITATION

This fall, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors. All levels welcome. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 10    CREATIVE ACTIONS: WATERCOLORS AND PASTEL   SOLD OUT
Capturing Autumn’s Hues

Engage in a creative dialogue with your surroundings guided by professional artists working in various media. In this session, artist Wennie Huang takes inspiration from the fall landscape, guiding participants in a plein-air workshop focused on capturing the luminosity of watercolor with the textural versatility of soft pastels All levels welcome. Materials provided. $30/$20 Wave Hill Member. Reservations required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Drop-ins accommodated as space permits.

MEET AT THE ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1−4PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 10    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend thanks to the generous support of Target.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, NOVEMBER 11

Closed to the public.

MON, NOVEMBER 11    MEMBERS’ DAY TRIP: STORM KING ART CENTER  SOLD OUT

Enjoy a fine fall day of art and nature at Storm King Art Center, one of the world’s leading sculpture parks with almost 500 acres of rolling hills, verdant fields, and woodlands. Located in the Hudson Valley, this space is home to a collection of more than 100 large-scale sculptures by well-known artists of our time such as Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, Andy Goldsworthy, Maya Lin, Louise Nevelson and Isamu Noguchi, among others. A special exhibition of the works of Thomas Houseago will be on view, both outdoors and in its museum building. Our day trip includes a docent-guided walk though the landscape, and studio visits with artists in the area. $50 Wave Hill Member, includes transportation and tour fee; lunch additional. Reservations required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Space is limited.

MEET AT WAVE HILL’S FRONT GATE, 9AM–5PM

TUE, NOVEMBER 12    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, NOVEMBER 12    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s fall exhibition, Tandem Pursuits: Armor & Ichthyology, which celebrates the interests of former Wave Hill House resident Bashford Dean. Dean was Curator of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Curator of Fish at the American Museum of Natural History. The intersection of his interest in both fish and armor provides the opportunity to bring together a remarkable group of contemporary art that explores concepts of adaptation, pattern, and protection. The tour also includes Alan Ruiz’s Sunroom Project Space installation, an architectural intervention that complicates the distinction between interior and exterior spaces. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

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 on Tuesdays in November. 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.

 

Klein, Crespo Call for Tough New Laws Aimed at Curbing Alcohol Sales to Minors

  Amid a startling new report that uncovers the extent of underage alcohol sales in the Bronx, Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo called on the New York State legislature to quickly pass several tough measures aimed at slashing alcohol sales to minors. On Monday afternoon, New York State Governor Cuomo and the State Liquor Authority (SLA) released shocking results from a seven-day sting operation targeting underage alcohol sales across New York City conducted earlier this month.

More Bronx retailers were caught making underage alcohol sales during the sting operation than any other borough. According to the SLA’s report, 26 different Bronx retailers sold alcohol to minors.

The lawmakers called for passage of their legislation while standing outside of one of the accused retailers, a Rite Aid Pharmacy at 1710 Crosby Avenue in the Bronx, joined by Community Board 10 President, John Marano, the Throggs Neck Community Action Partnernship Executive Director, Frances Maturo, Skyview Wine & Spirits Owner, Gary Wartels, and Owner of McCabes Wine & Liquors and President of the Retailer’s Alliance, Jeff Saunders.

Both lawmakers believe that curbing the use of fake IDs is the key to the key to slashing illegal sales. Their legislative agenda, known as the Card Hard package, focuses on reducing the use and effectiveness of fake IDs at New York retailers. Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo signed a Klein/Crespo bill increasing the penalties for using a fake ID.

Senator Klein said,  “Illegal liquor sales are putting our children’s lives at risk each and every day. If we’re serious about stopping this problem, we need a comprehensive approach that makes fake IDs too easy to spot and too costly to use. We have the technology to stop underage sales—now we need to get it into every retailer across the Bronx.”   

Assemblyman Crespo said, “Underage drinking poses a serious problem facing our communities. Federal government research into underage drinking tells us that last month alone 26.4% of underage persons ages 12 through 20 used alcohol and binge drinking among the same age group was 17.4%. Alcohol use remains extremely widespread among today’s teenagers with nearly three quarters of students (72%) having consumed alcohol. Among underage drinkers, 30.8% paid for the alcohol the last time they drank.  It is obvious that New York needs to do more to eliminate fake IDs as a tool available to our youth for accessing alcohol."

The Card Hard package would:

• (S.7126) Incentivize beverage retailers to purchase scanning devices by enabling store owners to purchase an ID scanner (at a cost of $300-$800) in lieu of paying a $2,000 or $5,000 fine. 
• (S.5668) Legalize the confiscation of Fake IDs by store employees.
• (S.4102) Strengthen defenses for businesses that use scanners and employ best practices.

The following Bronx stores were caught by a State Liquor Authority sting operation:

· Oneida Grocery, 4201 Oneida Avenue
· MMJ Wine & Spirits, 4251 Katonah Avenue 
· Katonah Family Grocery, 4293 Katonah Avenue
· NI Liquors-4024 Boston Road
· Live Lovely Liquors & Wines, 3491 Boston Road 
· Deli N Grocery, 1724 Bussing Avenue 
· 7 & 7 Grocery, 857 E 241st Street
· Lexus Deli Grocery Store, 4052 White Plains Road
· Abrahams Middletown Wines & Liquors Inc., 3001 Middletown Road
· Genovese Drug Stores, d.b.a. Rite Aid Pharmacy, 1710 Crosby Avenue
· Silver Deli Grocery, 1497 Williamsbridge Road
· Genovese Drug Stores, d.b.a. Rite Aid Pharmacy 2748 East Tremont Avenue
· Shop Smart New Orleans Mini Market LLC, 2542 E Tremont Avenue 
· MLS Deli Grocery Corp, 2550 E Tremont Avenue
· Family Deli & Lotto, 2463 E Tremont Avenue 
· 892 E Tremont Liquors, 892 E Tremont Avenue
· King Deli Express Grocery, 920 E Tremont Avenue
· Family Grocery, 919 E Tremont Avenue
· 885 E Tremont Deli Corp., 885 E Tremont Avenue
· Tremont Gourmet Deli & Grocery Inc., 851 E Tremont Avenue
· Ralphys Deli Grocery, 676 E 180th Street
· Bella Deli, 671 Kelly Street 
· Roxy Grocery & Convenience, 935 E 163rd Street
· Torres Food Market Inc, 841 Dawson Avenue
· Waseem Deli Grocery, 865 E 167th Street
· Salcedo Grocery & Deli, 1318 Lafayette Street

 

Left - Senator Klein speaking about the problem of underage drinking, and the new regulations.

Right - Assemblyman Crespo voices his concern about the underage drinking problem.

Left - Community Board 10 Chairman John Marano thanks Senator Klein for his concern of the problem of underage drinking.

Right - Mr. Gary Wartel liquor store owner representing the owners who have refused to sell to underage youths says that those merchants who sell to underage youths give a bad reputation to all merchants.

Are the Odds Stacked in Favor of Las Vegas Style Casinos in New York State

  In several recent media reports on Election Day voting for the 6 ballot proposals, ballot proposal #1 is to allow the state legislature to authorize up to seven casinos statewide. To help stack the odds in favor of having voters pass this ballot proposal the following words have been added. "The purposes of promoting job growth, increasing aid to schools, and permitting local governments to lower property taxes through revenues generated". Already there are plans for four upstate casinos, deals have been struck with the Native American tribes that run federally approved casinos for no nearby casinos, a deal for no such casino in Manhattan, and a deal with the New York Racing Association to have no new casino near any of the seven NYRA tracks that have Racino's. That could mean that the Bronx most likely could not get a casino since there is a Racino at Yonkers Raceway right over the New York City line. 

   It is reported that 17 million dollars has been spent on lobbying for casinos in New York, with 3 million dollars contributed to state politicians and parties in the last two years alone, and Governor Cuomo receiving almost 250 thousand dollars of the 3 million dollars in contributions. This was made possible in March of 2012 when part of a deal with the legislature removed a prohibition from receiving campaign contributions from gambling interests.

   It is also reported that Governor Cuomo sees the new casinos as the best way to jump start the stagnant upstate economy. by creating new jobs and up to 1 billion dollars in new revenue to pay for proposed tax cuts and aid to education. 

   

  In a recent poll reported to have been done less than half on the people questioned were in favor of adding more casinos, but when the additional language of promoting job growth, more aid to education, and lower taxes was added more than half of the people questioned were in favor of adding more casinos.  

  If you can remember back to when the lottery was introduced revenue was to go to supporting aid to schools. What happen was that as lottery revenues came in state monies were reduced so little if any additional money went to education. Also don't forget the NYC OTB which provided new jobs with other promises of where the revenue would go. What happen was that NYC OTB went bankrupt costing more than it was worth. 

 A pro casino group NY JOBS is also about to mount a multi-million dollar advertising campaign in favor of ballot proposal #1.

 

   "This process appears rigged,” said Blair Horner of the New York Public Interest Research Group. “The best place to influence voters is in the polling place – which is why you can’t do it. Unless the amendment language is ‘gamed.’ ” 

 

Assemblyman Luis R. Sepulveda obtains DOT approval for Slow Zones in Parkchester

  As many are aware, speeding is a major cause of vehicular deaths and accidents throughout the country. In fact, speeding accounts for 31% of automobile accidents.

It is pertinent that more drivers, particularly in populous areas in our district begin to slow down. Parkchester is a high traffic prone area. Cars enter and exit the nearby Cross Bronx Expressway into the area at high velocity. Not only is it a commercial area, but it also hosts many of the district's schools.

In an effort to prevent vehicular accidents from occurring, I contacted the Department of Transportation in May 2013 to request slow zones in the area. By installing slow zones, it forces drivers to be more cautious when entering residential streets.

The safety of the local residents is important to me. I am proud to state that the DOT has approved the request and the project will be completed in 2015. The speed zones will be installed within the area that borders East Tremont Avenue, Castle Hill Avenue, and White Plains Road.

I am confident that these changes will positively affect the prevalence of speed related accidents in my area. If you have questions concerning this matter, please contact the district office at (718) 931 2620.

OFFICE OF THE HON. LUIS SEPÚLVEDA

District Office: 1973 Westchester Ave. Bronx, NY 10462

Phone: 718- 931- 2620/

RJCRC 28th Annual Legislative Breakfast

   The Riverdale Jewish Community Relations Council 28th Annual Legislative & Awards Breakfast was held this morning. While there was a reorganizing of the RJCRC last year in which this breakfast was not held and a late start on this years legislative breakfast the room was still packed with supporters.

     In the above photo (from right to left are) Master of Ceremonies Judge Mark Friedlander, Mayoral candidate Joe Lhota, Honoree William Abramson, State Senator Jeff Klein, Honoree Jeff Moerdler, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and two more honorees.

   As usual when the breakfast started more tables had to be rolled out and set up, and after that was done Judge Friedlander greeted the audience. Due to his schedule Mayoral candidate Joe Lhota spoke first, and told the audience this would not be the only time they see him. Lhota said that he would be back two more times to the community before election day. Lhota said that he wants NYC to be a great place to live and have fun, but most importantly a place to raise a family. He went on about his vision for the city while criticizing what he said was his opponents lack of vision. 

  On his way out Lhota stopped to speak to Mr. Charles Moerdler whom he had a battle with when Lhota was head of the MTA and Moerdler a board member. Mr. Moerdler told me that while the two have battled in the past, he and Lhota have a cordial relationship. 

   William Abramson received the Community Builder Award Presented to him by State Senator Jeff Klein. Jeffrey Moerdler (son of Charles Moerdler) received the Jewish Community Service Award presented to him by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. The Community Service Award was presented to Stefa Hasson, Ari Hoffnung, and Ted Weinstein by Congressman Eliot Engel. Councilman Oliver Koppell presented the Interfaith Brotherhood Award to the Menachem of Parkchester Synagogue in the Al Iman Mosque Project.

Below are some photos of the event.

Left - Judge Friedlander and Joe Lhota pose for a photo.

Right - Lhota chatting with Community Board 8 member Irving Ladimer.   

 

Left - Honoree Jeff Moerdler is seated between Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz and State Senator Jeff Klein.

Right - Joe Lhota stops to chat with Charles Moerdler as Jeff Moerdler looks on.

 

Left - The spotlight was on Honoree Jeff Moerdler as Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz presents the Community Builder Award.

Right - Councilman Oliver Koppell with the honorees of the Interfaith Brotherhood Award he presented.

Celebrate FVCP & Help Toast Our Volunteers

 

Celebrate with the Friends & Help us Toast our Most Dedicated Volunteers Get Your Tickets Now!!! Join the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park as we celebrate  all that we have accomplished this year and toast our  most dedicated volunteers.  Wednesday November 20th, 2013 from 6 to 8pm Bronx Ale House 216 W. 238th St. Bronx, NY 10463 Ticket prices: - FVCP Members: $15 in advance - Non-Members: $25 in advance includes a 1 Year Membership to FVCP - At the Door: $25 for all (no membership included)   Ticket Includes: your first beer, finger foods, FVCP pint glass  (for first 70 ticket purchasers) and Happy Hour Prices. Get Your Tickets Now! A special thank you to our generous host,  the Bronx Ale House.
Visit www.vancortlandt.org for more information

Bronx Community Board Four Opposes New Transitional Housing Facility

Bronx CB 4 & community leaders are opposing a proposed project in CB 4. Here are the details.

 

Who:        Bronx Community Board Four & Community Leaders

What:        Tier II Transitional Facility on the Grand Concourse

Where:        1387 Grand Concourse

When:         10:00 am; Monday, October 21, 2013  

Why:        It is our opinion that the City continues to disregard the spirit of the City Charter with respect to fair share analysis and siting procedures throughout our neighborhoods.  While we sympathize with the individual and or families in need of supportive services, we simply cannot and will not continue to support developments like 1387 Grand Concourse.  Our decision is not based on any bias towards a particular group or population but rather our dismay over the continued site selection and notification of such facilities.  The Community Board argues that the selected site will cause a considerable increase in the already congested residential neighborhood and furthermore this district cannot thrive under these conditions.  

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Here is the letter sent to Mr. Issac Leshinsky of Housing Bridge.

October 17, 2013

Isaac Leshinsky

President & CEO

Housing Bridge, Inc.  

652 Willoughby Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11206

Dear Mr. Leshinsky:

Please be advised that on October 16th we received your letter outlining your intent to acquire 42 units at 1387 Grand Concourse for the purposes of operating a Tier II Transitional Housing Facility.  While we sympathize with the individual and or families in need of such services, we simply cannot and will not support your efforts to secure approval from DHS.  Understand our decision is not based on any bias towards Housing Bridge and the work that you do, but rather our dismay over site selection and notification of such facilities.   

Community Board Four has taken the position that the fair share analysis is inadequate and does not involve true “community notification” by either potential organizations or the administrative agency.  The care of this population, indeed a noble task, is not the issue it is the inundation of supportive facilities in District Four.  

It is our responsibility to provide the services and resources to community districts that will enable them to thrive and meet their goals.  The service demands of each neighborhood and constituency in our district must be matched with the appropriate response, not only from the appropriate City agency but from all our residents in order to create healthy living conditions in our fast-growing community.  We will do our best to ensure that our community district is made aware and act accordingly as we stand at the forefront in protecting and servicing our citizenry.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Saunders

Board Chair