CMs LEVIN AND RODRIGUEZ TO INTRODUCE RESOLUTION CALLING ON ALBANY TO LOWER NYC SPEEDS TO 20MPH

  Council Members Stephen Levin and Ydanis Rodriguez are introducing a resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass legislation that would lower New York City's speed limits to 20 miles per hour unless otherwise noted and to give the City Council the authority to impose different speed limits in the city. New York State law currently sets 30 miles per hour as the speed limit in New York City unless otherwise noted.

The chances of survival after being struck by a vehicle increase dramatically when a vehicle travels at a slower speed. A study conducted by the United Kingdom Transportation Department found that a pedestrian has a 45 percent chance of dying if struck by a vehicle traveling at 30 miles per hour, but when the vehicle is traveling at 20 miles per hour there is only a 5 percent chance of death.

Senator Martin Dilan and Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell have introduced legislation in the State Legislature that would allow New York City to lower the city's speed limit to 20 miles per hour unless otherwise posted.

Council Member Stephen Levin said, "The data is conclusive: slower speeds decrease the probability that someone will be seriously injured or killed in a crash. We have seen time and time again the pain inflicted on families as the result of crashes and we as New Yorkers refuse to stand by and let another person be killed in traffic. By reducing speed limits in New York City we will save lives and achieve the goals of Vision Zero. I want to thank Senator Dilan and Assemblyman O'Donnell for introducing this legislation at the state level and urge their colleagues for their support."

"Speed kills, plain and simple," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. "Whether here or in Albany, we as legislators have a responsibility to protect the lives of our constituents. Easily avoidable traffic deaths devastate our city and we must be given the tools to prevent them. When lives are at stake, death is the price of inaction."

According to NYPD data, in 2013 alone 268 people - including 168 pedestrians - were killed in traffic crashes in New York City. Additionally, unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor in over 3,000 collisions that resulted in injuries or fatalities.

  Editors Note:

  What is needed is more enforcement of the laws that are currently in effect. 

More police officers on patrol, and not answers like more cameras to catch offenders because there is no real penalty for the offending driver. It is not the offender who has to pay for the fine from a camera it is the owner of the vehicle.

Rangel Affordable Care Act Event - March 7, 2014 @ 8:30 AM

  Even though this event is taking place in Manhattan Congressman Rangel still does represent areas of several Bronx Assembly Districts.

 

Are you uninsured?

Learn About the Affordable Care Act

Keynote Speaker

Congressman Charles B. Rangel

Friday, March 7th

515 Audubon Avneue

(Near West 190th Street)

8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Sign-up opportunities for affordable and comprehensive health insurance.

Authorized Navigators will be available to provide you with free help on obtaining insurance. The Federal government’s current open enrollment period ends March 31, 2014.

To RSVP or for additional information, please call the Washington Heights-Inwood Chamber of Commerce at (212) 928-6595.

Hosted by: The Washington Heights-Inwood Chamber of Commerce, Community Board 12, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, and Isabella Geriatric Center.

Light refreshments will be served

ADRIANO ESPAILLAT ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS

 
  

State Senator Adriano Espaillat and supporters have announced that he will be running for the 13th Congressional once again currently held by Congressman Charles Rangel.

In 2012 Senator Espaillat came in a close second to Rangel in a field of five candidates. 

So far there are three announced candidates. Congressman Charles Rangel has announced his intention to run for another term, Pastor Michael Walrond of Harlem has announced his intention to run for the 13th Congressional seat, and now State Senator Adriano Espaillat has made it official that he will also be seeking the 13th Congressional seat.

  I spoke with Senator Espaillat recently and asked him what would make him think that he could win this time around after coming in second two years ago. Senator Espaillat told me that he has changed several things including finding out where things may have gone wrong on the campaign two years ago. He said that he will have a better get out the vote operation among several other adjustments to his campaign for this year. 

It is unclear if any other candidates will enter the 13th Congressional race.

New York Green Card Holders to Receive Free Citizenship Assistance

  This came in from from State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

 

New York Green Card Holders to Receive Free Citizenship Assistance  

Innovative Partnership Holds Workshop in the Bronx

 

Green card holders will attend a free citizenship application assistance workshop in the Bronx this Saturday. 

The event, hosted jointly by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, La Fuente, Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Church World Services, Servicios de Educacion Basica, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and Assembly Member Victor Pichardo, will provide free citizenship application assistance and naturalization exam study materials, as well as one-on-one legal consultations to Bronx's eligible legal permanent residents and those seeking to inform themselves of the naturalization process.

The opportunity to talk with local immigration rights experts about the recent changes to the N-400 citizenship application form, the socioeconomic benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen, and the important work local organizations are doing to promote integration among New York's 920,000 lawful permanent residents eligible for citizenship today.

WHAT:    Local organizations hold free citizenship workshop for green card   holders

WHO:      Local Bronx green card holders

                 NALEO Educational Fund

                 La Fuente

                 Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights

                Church World Services

                Servicios de Educacion Basica
                State Senator Gustavo Rivera

                Assembly Member Victor Pichardo

WHEN:   11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, March 1st

WHERE:   P.S. 33 Timothy Dwight School

                   2424 Jerome Avenue

                   Bronx, NY 10468

Wave Hill Events March 14–March 21

  SAT, MARCH 15    FAMILY ART PROJECT: THE EARLY BIRD GETS INTO THE MOBILE
Look for the first returning birds and overwintering residents, along with early migrants passing through on their way north. Cut out their birdie shapes and hang and balance them to make a colorful, moving mobile. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 15    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. March sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, MARCH 15    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: REPHOTOGRAPHY SCAVENGER HUNT
Gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Brandon Neubauer’s creative process and explore the late winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Participants in this workshop will use printed photographs provided by the artist to juxtapose images they take of prominent trees and vistas with those taken of the same locations last summer and fall at Wave Hill. Each participant must bring their own camera or camera phone with the Instagram app and are encouraged to work in groups or pairs; all other materials are provided. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM

SAT, MARCH 15    GARDEN WORKSHOP: TERRARIUMS
Don’t have a garden or greenhouse? Create your own tabletop landscape with Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer. Tiny ferns, creeping fig and other tropical plants thrive in the humid conditions of an enclosed glass jar as if in their own miniature greenhouse. Create your own fanciful scene with a selection of diminutive plants, perfect for home or office. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. $45/$35 Wave Hill Member per project. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, MARCH 16    BIRDING BOOT CAMP
Can you tell a catbird from a cowbird? New birders are invited to join expert birder, naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow to discover the many groups of birds that call New York City their home. Through images and a short lecture, Gabriel shares proven techniques to simplify bird identification using visual and audible clues. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission.)  Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 9:30–11:30AM

SUN, MARCH 16    FAMILY ART PROJECT: THE EARLY BIRD GETS INTO THE MOBILE
Look for the first returning birds and overwintering residents, along with early migrants passing through on their way north. Cut out their birdie shapes and hang and balance them to make a colorful, moving mobile. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 16    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is 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 indoors until May. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, MARCH 16    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. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, MARCH 16    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

MON, MARCH 17

Closed to the public.

WED, MARCH 19    HORTICULTURAL LECTURE #3—WILLIAM CULLINA: WHAT DO YOU MEAN I’M NOT A PERENNIAL?

This ongoing series is hosted by Wave Hill’s Friends of Horticulture Committee and is devoted to landscape design and the meaning of our interactions with plants and the natural world. The final lecture this season is provided by William Cullina, award-winning author and Executive Director of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Most folks are familiar with the concept of the mixed border—perennials, annuals, shrubs and evergreens blended together in a seamless composition year-round. It sounds good in theory, but transplanting this concept into a real garden is more difficult than it seems. In this talk, Bill Cullina profiles his favorite 50 “natural mixers,” focusing on native woody plants and how to manage them to bring, form, texture, color and wildlife to the perennial garden. $25/$20 Wave Hill Member, Student. Reservations recommended, online, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x216.

NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 170 EAST 70^TH STREET, MANHATTAN, 6PM

THU, MARCH 20    ART WORKSHOP: PAINTING IN PIECES: DRAWING WITH COLOR AND COLLAGE
With artist Wennie Huang as your guide, paint highly articulated and layered artwork inspired by the rich colors and textures of spring. Combine soft pastels, colored pencils and watercolor to create complex surfaces reflecting the diverse dimensions and nuanced hues of the landscape. Six sessions: $270/$210 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Series continues March 27, April 3, 10, 17 and 24.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day on Tuesdays in March. 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.

COMPTROLLER SCOTT M. STRINGER AUDIT UNCOVERS MILK MESS AT NYC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

  Lack of Controls Led the City to Ignore Red Flags of Possible Collusion Among Bidders

  The New York City Department of Education (DOE) failed to employ proper safeguards and controls in awarding multi-million dollar milk distribution contracts for City schools, making the City vulnerable to possible collusion, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer announced today.  The findings of the audit have been referred to the United States Department of Justice for further investigation.    

“DOE ignored red flags that its milk contracts may have been tainted,” Stringer said. “We see possible collusion when rival bidders become business partners within two months of being awarded contracts.  Instead of doing its due diligence, DOE needlessly put taxpayers at risk. Moving forward, DOE must put tighter controls in place to ensure that bids are made independently and that bidders have the financial ability to deliver the services they promise.”

Keeping close tabs on the city’s school food supply chain is vital to protecting both the City’s physical and fiscal health.  New York City serves more meals and spends more money on those meals than any other U.S. government entity outside of the Department of Defense—some 850,000 meals each day. Saving just one penny on the cost of each meal through better controls adds up to big-time savings for taxpayers—more than $1.5 million per year.

The audit examined three contracts worth $134 million for the supply and delivery of milk to City schools from November 2008 to August 2013. The three winning vendors were Beyer Farms, Inc., Elmhurst Dairy, Inc. and Bartlett Dairy, Inc. The largest contract, totaling $111 million, went to Beyer, for milk delivery in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

The audit found that DOE lacked adequate procedures to detect warning signs of possible collusion. The three winning bidders began as competitors, each vying for the same contracts, but became business partners within two months of the contracts being awarded.  Beyer and Elmhurst, which had won the lion’s share of the distribution bids in August and September 2008, subcontracted the majority of that work in October 2008 to their former competitor, Bartlett.

As a result of that subcontracting, Bartlett’s percentage of milk delivery rose from 6% to almost 70%, all before the first carton of milk was delivered. Furthermore, Beyer and Elmhurst failed to provide any information that they planned to use subcontractors in their original bids, even though the Request for Bids required them to do so.

“All of these warning signs should have raised concerns at DOE, and we have referred the matter to the United States Department of Justice for further investigation,” Stringer said.

The audit also found that DOE failed to adequately assess the financial health of bidders. Beyer’s financial statements clearly indicated a high risk of default—its debt had soared in 2007 and its ratio of current assets to current liabilities was far below industry competitors.  DOE not only failed to properly analyze the bidder’s financial statements, it disregarded the warnings of one of its own analysts, who stated that everything appeared to be “on the margin.” Beyer subsequently went bankrupt in 2012, leaving DOE scrambling for a replacement.  DOE is now in the process of procuring new milk distribution contracts.

The audit urged DOE to:

1.       Develop and implement adequate written procedures to detect the warning signs of possible collusion;

2.       Put written procedures in place to identify and flag troubling bidders before it is too late;

3.       And develop and implement procedures to ensure that a comprehensive analysis of the financial capacity of low bidders is conducted prior to any contract award. 

“I am pleased that DOE has now agreed with our recommendations to institute tougher scrutiny of future bidders. We simply cannot allow these kinds of weak procurement practices to continue,” Stringer said. 

State Senator Tony Avella Joins NY State Senate’s Independent Democratic Conference

 

  State Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens) announced today that he will become the fifth member of the New York State Senate’s Independent Democratic Conference (IDC).  Senator Avella, who represents Northeast Queens, will join IDC Leader and Senate Co-President Sen. Jeff Klein (D-Bronx), Sen. Diane Savino (D-Staten Island), Sen. David Valesky (D-Oneida), and Sen. David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) in the Independent Democratic Conference, which first formed in January of 2011.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Independent Democratic Conference. Under Senator Klein’s leadership, the IDC has developed a clear, progressive agenda for New York’s working families," said Senator Avella. "They have shown an ability to get big things done, without the dysfunction of years past. From passing new gun control laws, to raising the minimum wage, Senator Klein and the IDC have shown us that great things are possible when you focus on results instead of politics. I look forward to being part of a team that has consistently delivered big results for New Yorkers.”

IDC Leader and Senate Co-President Jeffrey D. Klein said, “Senator Avella's passion for public service makes him a great fit for the Independent Democratic Conference. He will be a major asset in our fight to make New York more affordable for working families. The breadth of his experience, in both the City Council and the Senate, makes him the type of seasoned legislator who knows how to get things done. I am very pleased to welcome him to the team."

Senator Avella has represented the 11th State Senate District since 2011. Avella previously served the area as a city councilman between 2002 and 2009. With a strong commitment to the people of his district, the city, and the state, IDC members are confident Avella will play a key role in helping them make New York more affordable for families and small businesses.

Deputy IDC Leader Senator David Valesky said, “It’s clear that Senator Avella shares our deep commitment to the issues that are most important to middle class families and small businesses. I have enjoyed working with Senator Avella for the past three years, and look forward to working with him as a member of our conference.”

Senator Diane Savino said, “I have known Senator Avella for years and have always respected the energy and passion that he brings to public service. I look forward to working with him on issues that are not only important to New York City, but to working families across our state.”

Senator David Carlucci said, “Senator Avella has built a career fighting for those who are most in need, so I am thrilled to welcome him to the IDC. He has the experience, passion, and know-how to make a major impact on state policy.”

Editor Note: 

      This announcement now leaves the State Senate Democratic Conference at 24 members. Democratic Senators John Sampson and Malcolm Smith are currently under indictment and are not affiliated with any conference, there are 2 vacant seats of former senator Chuck Fuchillo and Eric Adams (one Republican and one Democrat), Democratic Senator Simca Felder sits with the 29 member Republican Conference, and there are now 5 members of the Independent Democratic Conference for a total of 63 State Senators.

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York 

I TOLD YOU SO

   As you know, the latest hot potato in our political world here in Albany is the leap of faith just taken by Democratic Senator Tony Avella from Queens, New York to abandon the every-day weakening Democratic Conference and jump to the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) led by Senator Jeffrey Klein from the Bronx.

You should know that with this jump, I am pretty sure that Senator Avella will be getting some benefits and privileges, e.g., office, staff, and a committee chairmanship, most likely the Aging Committee, which is currently vacant.

Senator Avella’s jump opens a “Pandora’s Box,” and now the door has been opened wide for more of us to follow his lead, although a while back I remember a statement made by Senator Diane Savino, a member of the IDC, that said “Everyone is welcome, except Rubén Díaz,” and because of that, I am afraid that in the end, I will be the last one left behind, unless Senator Savino changes her mind.

The cost of the IDC’s increase in power and influence of its leader Senator Jeffrey Klein has been the arrogance, apathy and pride of some members in our Democratic Conference.

For a long time I have been calling for their return and asking my colleagues to talk to Jeff Klein and the member of the IDC and to “make them an offer that they cannot refuse,” and bring them back so that we Democrats could be in the Majority again. The response from my Democratic colleagues, lamentably, has been that “we would rather always be in the minority.” To them I now say be careful what you wish for, you might get it.

As you know the IDC used to be composed of five members: Senator Jeff Klein, Senator Diane Savino, Senator David Valesky, Senator David Carlucci and the only minority in the group, Senator Malcolm Smith. We all know that Senator Smith got booted out, leaving the IDC with only white members. Now ladies and gentleman, my advice, my two cents worth, to Jeff Klein and the IDC is to work on one minority because you need a little diversity in your conference.

And to my colleagues in the Democratic Conference, I say that now we can really kiss the majority good-bye and as some of you have wished, we’re going to be in the minority for a long time. I told you so.

This is Senator Rev Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

Editors Note:

We now know what is taking Senator Diaz so long to join the IDC.