BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ ISSUES NEGATIVE ULURP RECOMMENDATION ON CITY ISLAND BRIDGE

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. issued a negative recommendation on the proposed construction of a new City Island Bridge. The recommendations come as part of the borough president’s charter mandated responsibilities in the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP).

“The entire process surrounding the planning and construction of this bridge has been flawed from the very start,” said Borough President Diaz. “The previous administration simply ignored the valid criticisms of the residents of City Island regarding this project, and I cannot support its construction at this time.”

Borough President Diaz noted that he was pleased that Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg was reevaluating the current project, specifically looking to see if the current plan can be swapped for a more muted, scaled-down design that is more in line with community suggestions.

“Without question I believe this entire matter could have been better addressed by the previous administration.  The ushering in of a new administration, however, provides an opportunity to address the current bridge design.   I am committed in pursuing an alternative vision for the City Island Bridge, which has for so long been sought by the City Island community,” stated Borough President Diaz in his ULURP recommendation.

The complete ULURP recommendation can be read at: http://on.nyc.gov/1ixUD51.

“My office will continue to work with Commissioner Trottenberg and the Department of Transportation, local elected officials and the City Island community to develop a reasonable solution to this issue,” said Borough President Diaz.

Mayor de Blasio to Visit Riverdale Pre-K

  The Daily Politics is reporting that Mayor Bill de Blasio will be visiting a Riverdale Pre-K with State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein this afternoon. The Pre-K location was not identified in the story, and it was also said that there would be a press conference after the visit.

  Stare Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein was the first to agree with the de Blasio Pre-K tax plan. After the tax hike failed Klein continued to rally on behalf of the mayor for Pre-K and after school programs that were put into the recently passed state budget. 

  Check back later for more information on what happened.

DiNapoli Halts $24 Million in Suspicious Tax Refunds

  New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced that his office stopped more than $24 million in questionable personal income tax refunds so far in 2014, after finding 7,482 improper filings –an 18 percent rise from last year. To date, DiNapoli's office audited and approved 4.8 million state refund requests totaling $4.3 billion.  Another 346,000 refund requests totaling $352.5 million are expected to be paid in the coming days.

“Those who break the rules will not profit at others’expense,”DiNapoli said. “Tax cheats are continually coming up with new schemes to get money they aren’t entitled to. My office works diligently to make sure only legitimate refunds are paid.”

DiNapoli’s office audits all New York state bills prior to payment, including personal income tax refunds. The majority of questionable returns were filed by taxpayers who claimed refundable credits based on incorrect information such as fake or inflated number of dependents or understated income.

Questionable personal income tax refunds stopped to date include:

Reason for Stopping Tax Refund	Number of Refunds	Dollar Value of Refunds
Taxpayer claimed ineligible refundable credits (e.g., fake or inflated number of dependents or understated income)	4,805	$16,043,950
Tax preparer submitted returns with refundable credits based on incorrect information	1,204	3,722,310
Taxpayer had questionable social security number	625	1,709,045
Taxpayer failed to claim correct income	467	1,216,845
Taxpayer had questionable itemized deductions	154	570,405
Taxpayer claimed incorrect wages and withholding tax	73	97,384
Other	154	724,326
Total Refunds Stopped	7,482	$24,084,265

The Comptroller issued a separate report summarizing the results of his office’s audit of refunds during the period January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013.  During that year, DiNapoli’s auditors stopped 12,746 questionable refunds totaling over $93.3 million.  Of the $93.3 million in questionable refunds, DiNapoli's auditors estimated their efforts produced $62.6 million in savings.

For a copy of the report, visit:  http://osc.state.ny.us/audits/allaudits/bseaudits/bse20140416.pdf

Upcoming cultural events at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center in late April and May 2014:

  Fri. Apr. 25th: “You Ain’t Heard Nothin’ Yet”: The Life and  Times of Al Jolson by Jan Hernstadt, Pres. of the International Al Jolson Society, will present live vocal music plus video clips at 1:00 PM. Delectable kosher lunch served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00 and $1.00 event contribution.
 

 Sun. Apr. 27th for FELICITAS, a play with music written and performed by Libby Skala with music written and performed on mandolin by Steven May. The true story of the youngest of three Austrian-emigre sisters born under the Hapsburg Empire, a sought-after baby nurse who showers gentle love on newborns and tough love on parents, while working to balance her personal life with her professional devotion. A nutritious kosher lunch will be served at 12:15 PM followed by FELICITAS at 1:00 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $3.00 plus $2.00 for event. Non senior meal contribution is $6.15 and $3.00 for event.

  Sun. May 4th: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Chameleon, a music group that performs the traditional music of Latin America including Brazilian choros, walzes, sambas; Venezuelan joropos, meringues; Argentinian tangos; Colombian cumbias and music from Cuba, Peru, Bolivia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Performance at 1:00 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution (Moroccan sole) is $3.00 plus $2.00 for event. Non senior meal fee is $6.15 and $3.00 for event.

  Thurs. May 8th: aTmA Duo: violinists Allyson and Melissa will perform classical and pop duets in celebration of Mother’s Day at 1:00 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00 plus $1.00 for event. Non senior meal fee is $6.15 and $2.00 for event.

  New Music & Memories Course with Yael Acher, Musician/Educator starts on Wed. May 14th at 11:00 AM. View dvd's of legendary performances by musicians, orchestras,ensembles across many genres and share your responses and experiences with other participants.

  Wed. May 21st Belated Israel Independence Day celebration with the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale Community Choir at 6:30 PM preceded by an ethnic dinner at 5:30 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution (chicken cutlet Francaise) is $3.00 plus $2.00 for event. Non senior meal fee is $6.15 and $3.00 for event.

  Thurs. May 29th: The Meetles, a Rock Tribute Band will play 50’s and 60’s rock classics at 1:00 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00 plus $1.00 for event. Non senior meal fee is $6.15 and $2.00 for event.

Please call in special event meal reservations to the senior center office 718-549-4700 in advance.

A nutritious kosher lunch is served at 12:15 PM daily.

Please call the center office for specific menu information. An alternate meal choice is available daily. Daily recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00.

  JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center offers Senior Fitness on Mon., Exercise, Tai Chi and Ballroom Dance on Tues., Gentle Exercise and Flowing Yoga on Wed. PM, Yoga on Thurs. and Tone & Stretch on Fri. All exercise instructors are certified. Call the center at 718-549-4700 for dates and times of these classes.

  All meals at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center are catered by Mauzone (kosher) Meal Service. We offer a daily alternate choice of main dish. Refreshments are served at all cultural arts events.

  We are located in the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center at 3880 Sedgwick Ave. (on the first floor). Take the Bronx #1, 2 or 10 bus to the intersection of Sedgwick Ave. and Van Cortlandt Ave. West. For more information, please call the center office at 718-549-4700.

  JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center is funded by NYC Dept. for the Aging, UJA- Federation of NY and by special grants from  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Easter Bunny Comes to Allerton Avenue

  No it was not an escaped animal from the Bronx Zoo, but the Easter Bunny that was spotted on Allerton Avenue this morning.  This Easter Bunny was looking for children to help paint Easter eggs and have their photos taken with the Easter Bunny. 

Left - As the Easter Bunny walked down the street there were children and parents who greeted the Easter Bunny.

Right - Children are painting their Easter eggs.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj who was sponsoring the event holds a proud little girl who is showing off the Easter egg she made.

Here the Easter Bunny is with Assemblyman Gjonaj, Bronx Democratic County Organization Executive Director Iashia Bravo, and her son.

 

The Easter Bunny is Coming to Allerton Avenue!

Klein Introduces Legislation Designed to Strengthen Supervision of Minors on Party Buses and Increase Safety of Passengers

  In Wake of Underage Drinking Incident on Long Island, Senate Co-Leader Klein Introduces Legislation Designed to Strengthen Supervision of Minors on Party Buses and Increase Safety of Passengers

  Owner of impacted bus company, Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, and parents come out to support reform effort

  Amid widespread reports of underage drinking on a Long Island “party bus” earlier this week, Senator Jeff Klein introduced legislation today to rein in the charter bus industry and to require adult chaperones for all large, underage parties aboard the “clubs on wheels.”  

   

Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein said: "We  cannot allow our roadways to become free-for-alls for underage drinking. ​We are incredibly lucky that none of the children on that bus were hurt. We cannot afford to take that chance again. The sad truth is that with prom season approaching, thousands of teens will try to jump aboard party buses and abuse alcohol, all in the name of celebration. Sadly, these underage revelers fail to understand the tragic consequences that often lay ahead. By passing this bill, we will be putting chaperones on board who can make sure that our teens are having a good, safe time and that party bus drivers can concentrate on the road."

Under the legislation, one adult chaperone—other than the bus driver—must be present for every twenty underage passengers aboard a chartered party bus.  If the Klein law had been in place earlier this week, the Long Island party bus that was stopped Tuesday evening with 42 intoxicated teenagers would have had two adult chaperones on board.

The legislation would also require charter bus companies to install new safety devices on emergency exits. In recent years, numerous teenagers have been hurt and killed due to inadequate security measures aboard these buses.

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo - Member of NY Assembly Transportation Committee said: "This week's incident involving over 40 unsupervised, underage high school students, highlights the need for new laws curbing dangerous behavior aboard Party Buses. Basic regulations like mandating that underage party goers have a chaperone and installing alarms to alert drivers when emergency doors are opened will go a long way towards preventing potentially risky conduct aboard these buses. With high school proms and warm weather right around the corner, it is more critical than ever that we pass this legislation and working with Senator Klein, I look forward to doing just that."

The new legislation would amend New York State transportation law to add a new definition for the term "Party Bus."  These vehicles are unique in that they permit the ability for passengers to move freely about the cabin of a bus when it is in motion.  This is much different from ordinary chartered buses, such as Greyhounds, which usually include a center aisle and row seating, making it difficult for movement within the bus.  Thus, party buses are particularly troublesome since they tend to attract minors who feel that their activities will be unsupervised.  

State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein explains the new legislation that he and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo are introducing. Behind Senator Klein is one of the "Party Buses" the legislation is to address. 

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo explaining why he is glad to be introducing this legislation in the New York State Assembly. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

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

It is wrong. It is evil. It won't work.

  You should know that according to some news reports, there is a movement afoot in Albany to break up the IDC-Republican Senate Coalition, which serves as the existing alliance that controls the New York State Senate. The IDC-Republican Senate Coalition is made up of the Senate Republicans and the five Independent Senate Democrats, led by Senator Jeff Klein.

You should also know that two years ago, five Democratic Senators: Senators Jeff Klein, Diane Savino, David Valesky, David Carlucci, and Malcolm Smith broke away from the Senate Democratic Conference and formed what they call the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) joining together with the Senate Republicans.  In this arrangement to control the State Senate, both leaders - Senator Dean Skelos - the Republican leader, and Senator Jeff Klein - the IDC leader, would share the power of the Senate.

It is also important for you to know that last year, after Senator Malcolm Smith had some problems with the law, he first got the cold shoulder, and later got the boot from the IDC. The vacancy Senator Malcolm Smith left after he was expelled from the IDC was recently filled by Senator Tony Avella - who also decided to break away from the Senate Democratic Conference.

Currently, there are three different Conferences in the New York State Senate: the Republican Conference, led by Senator Dean Skelos; the Democratic Conference, led by Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins; and the IDC Conference, led by Senator Jeff Klein.

It is a body with three heads.  It is the "Senate Troika" but only two of them benefit and share power, forcing the other one to go around trying to make people believe that he (or she) is part of the equation - even though everyone knows he (or she) is not.

In order to get back into a game that they lost a long time ago, the Senate Democratic Conference, led by Senator Mike Gianaris - - sorry, I meant Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (sometimes it's confusing to know who the real leader is) someone leaked to the press a so-called meeting between Senator Jeff Klein and Senator Mike Gianaris to negotiate with Senator Klein for him and the other four IDC Senators to return back to the regular Senate Democratic fold.
Apparently, someone forgot to notify and invite Senator Klein, because according to him: "They never coordinated a meeting between me and Senator Gianaris."
You should also know that there are some questions I have to ask regarding such a meeting:
Question #1:  Who forgot to read the Senate Rules in regard to power-sharing between both Conferences and the IDC?  According to Senate Rules, it would take 38 votes to break the shared power arrangements between the Republicans and the IDC.  So as you can see, it is impossible to get to this point with only 31 Democratic votes in place at this moment.  We will have to wait until after the 2014 General Election when a new Senate is elected and then we can see if the new Senate would like to change that rule.

Question #2: In the upcoming Democratic Primary, thanks to Senator Michael Gianaris (who chairs the New York State Democratic Senate Campaign Committee) Senator Jeff Klein may very well be facing a challenge.  In contrast, Senator Jeff Klein is supporting candidates against  Senators such as Timothy Kennedy from Buffalo, and Gustavo Rivera from the Bronx.  If Senator Jeff Klein wins his re-election and if even one of the candidates he is supporting is able to defeat one of the opponents, it seems to me that Jeff Klein will become Superman, and so I have to ask: Why and for what should he come back to the regular Democratic Conference?

I believe the opposite result will happen and Senators from the regular Democratic Conference will run to the IDC.
Question #3: Why would Senator Klein meet with Senator Gianaris to discuss the possibility of power-sharing with the Senate?  Common sense says a meeting of that caliber would have to be with Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins who as far as I know, is the Leader of the Democratic Conference - but I could be wrong.
You should know that no one has worked harder than I have to see that Senator Jeff Klein and the Members of the IDC come back to join the regular Senate Democratic Conference.  I have written different articles about this. I have spoken publicly about my desire to see them come back, and I have spoken in closed Democratic Conference to my colleagues about this.

Rumor has it that Senate Andrea Stewart-Cousins never authorized and never even knew about a meeting.   Rumor has it that Senator Klein was never contacted about a meeting and never agreed to such a meeting.  Rumor has it that Senator Mike Gianaris was never contacted about this meeting – nor was he the one who called for the meeting.
So ladies and gentlemen, what is going on here?  Who is talking to the press?  It seems that there are forces trying to inflict confusion by spreading ill-advised rumors, making believe that Senator Klein is the one who don’t  wants to get together, and that Senator Klein is the one who is rejecting all opportunities of peace offerings so the Senate Democrats can regain power and control the Senate.

I am State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.