It’s Time to Pass the Small Business Jobs Survival Act

What You Should Know 
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 
32nd Senatorial District 

  You should know that the Small Business Jobs Survival Act, sponsored by New York City Council Member Annabel Palma, is pending in the New York City Council.  If this bill is passed by the Council and signed into law by Mayor Bill de Blasio, it will provide a lifeline to many businesses that are being forced out of existence throughout the City simply because commercial real estate here is out of control. 

You should know that the current state of affairs of commercial real estate has reached a crisis level- in particular to Hispanic New Yorkers who, for the most part, don't own their businesses and lease their commercial space. Too many bodegas and small businesses are being pushed out by greedy landlords and investment firms, and their businesses are being demolished for luxury development, or remain vacant. 

You should know that the Small Business Jobs Survival Act, in one form or another, has been languishing in the New York City Council for thirty years – since Ruth Messinger and David Dinkins were in office.  While almost every elected official will stand tall and proudly declare his or her support for this legislation, somehow or another, Council leadership makes sure that it never makes it out of committee for a vote - or when it WAS ready for a vote way back when David Yassky served as Chair of the Small Business Committee, the Speaker's office stopped it from moving forward claiming there were "legal concerns." 

The real estate industry's grip on the City Council has become a nightmare for bodegueros and many successful Hispanic businesses, destroying any legacy that thousands of Hispanic New Yorkers could hope to pass on to the next generation.  Add to that, these closings are costing us much-needed revenue in New York City and in New York State. 

We all know that there are hundreds of empty stores in every borough. Many of these were once businesses that have been destroyed all because there is no real lease renewal protection for business owners. They are either unable to afford the astronomical rents, or they are unwilling to be extorted for cash by unscrupulous landlords. 

My dear reader, we know that the major pathway for social mobility for many Hispanic families has been jobs from small businesses. As more and more Mom and Pop stores close, this vital pathway is being destroyed. 

It would be very hard to find any elected official who isn't willing to pose in front of a camera and take a deep bow saying how dedicated he or she is to supporting small businesses.  But when push comes to shove, it seems that all they are really willing to do is to play a sad game of false hope. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I have to ask myself: Is this the cost of doing business in New York, or are there enough elected officials in the New York City Council and in the New York State Legislature who will finally say: "Enough is enough!" and pressure this law into existence. 

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

Community Events

  WE ARE LOOKING FOR TWO TO REPRESENT THE 52 PRECINCT

The citizen Academy will begin September 10, 2014 at the police academy  and then every Tuesday there after for the next 14 weeks

                            WE ARE LOOKING FOR TWO TO REPRESENT THE 52 PRECINCT

Please let me know if you have anyone who is interested I have to do a name check on them as well as they have to meet the Co's approval

Citizens Police Academy Program      The Citizens' Police Academy program was first implemented in  1993 as part of the Department’s ongoing effort to develop a working relationship with the community.  This 14-week program is offered 2 times per year: during the Spring  and Fall. Participants are nominated by the Commanding Officers of  every Precinct, Transit District, and Housing Police Service Area.      Experienced Training Bureau instructors provide training in the  legal, social and procedural aspects of policing. In addition to core courses, other areas of study include firearms discipline and  counterterrorism. Lectures, electronic media, role-plays, simulations,  and workshops are utilized to educate community members about  police training and tactics, with the goal of having participants acquire a better understanding of the authority and limitations of the  police.  The information and insight gained from the program allows all  involved to assess their roles and responsibilities in fostering effective and productive police-community partnerships.      Upon graduation, participants are encouraged to participate in the  Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association which allows for  continued involvement and education about the Police Department.  The Association also sponsors a community service program.

Thank You,

PO. Crystal Reveron

52 PCT Community Affairs

Office 718-220-5824

Fax 718-220-5849
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METRO CARD BUS TO VISIT WAKEFIELD AND WOODLAWN ON FRIDAY

Thanks to Requests From Council Member Andrew Cohen

MetroCard Bus to Visit Wakefield and Woodlawn on Friday

The MetroCard Bus Will Assist Senior Citizens and

People With Disabilities Apply for Reduced Fare MetroCards

 On Friday, August 29th a MetroCard Bus will be in Woodlawn and Wakefield with staff to help those who are eligible apply for Reduced Fare MetroCards.

The Bus will be outside the Woodlawn Heights Library (4355 Katonah Avenue) from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and outside of P.S. 16 (4550 Carpenter Ave) from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“It is important that these services are available for senior citizens and people with disabilities that live within our community, especially in the Woodlawn and Wakefield areas of the borough where it is much harder to speak directly with MTA staff. These mobile units create easy accessibility and those who qualify will be able purchase their Reduced Fare MetroCards immediately,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

The MetroCard Mobile sales staff will assist senior citizens age 65 and over, as well as people with disabilities in obtaining Reduced Fare MetroCards. While the base subway or local bus fare is $2.50, reduced fare is half the base fare, $1.25, or less with Reduced-Fare MetroCard discounts.

Those who qualify can ride at the reduced fare on local buses anytime, express busses anytime except weekday rush hours (Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), MTA Long Island Rail Road and the MTA Metro-North Railroad anytime except weekday rush hours to New York City Terminals.

A Reduced Fare MetroCard is personalized with your name and photograph. You must apply for and be approved to receive it.

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COUNCIL MEMBER ANDREW COHEN REQUESTS ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING SIGNS TO BE REPLACED ON RIVERDALE AND JOHNSON AVENUES

Incorrect parking signs changed from six days a week to three

Bronx, NY – The Department of Transportation has corrected the alternate side parking signs that were installed along Riverdale Avenue between West 238th and West 236th Street and on Johnson Avenue between West 236th Street and West 235th Street.

The alternate side parking was previously every day except Sunday from 8:00-8:30 a.m., but recent changes have reduced the days to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:00-8:30 a.m. Although the signs have already been changed along Riverdale Avenue, those signs on Johnson Avenue are currently in the process of changing.

“After speaking with local business owners on Riverdale and Johnson Avenues, I worked with the Department of Transportation to see that the alternate side parking signs be changed from six days a week to three.

“Many businesses in the area tend to see heavy traffic during that morning time frame, and the previous alternate side parking signs were decreasing business for local store owners. Six days a week was severely hurting our businesses.

“Many constituents were receiving parking tickets while utilizing the many morning businesses in that area. I hope that this new change will increase parking, allowing for a better flow of traffic and for business to return to normal,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz applauds return to alternate side parking on Riverdale Avenue

   Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz applauds the city for returning to a sensible, alternate side parking schedule on Riverdale Avenue between West 236^th and West 238^th Street, as he had previously requested. Earlier this year, the New York City Department of Transportation installed signs indicating that there would be no parking on either side of Riverdale Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. from Monday through Saturday. The new schedule, unlike the previous alternate side parking schedule, proved to be a major inconvenience for businesses and local residents alike, as it prevented cars from parking on both sides of Riverdale Avenue for half an hour during every weekday morning.

After hearing complaints from constituents and local businesses, Assemblyman Dinowitz contacted the Department of Sanitation and the Department of Transportation to urge a return to the previous parking schedule, which allowed vehicles to park on at least one side of Riverdale Avenue at all times. Just months after instating the highly inconvenient parking schedule, the city agreed to revert to the more sensible alternate side parking schedule, and recently, the DOT installed new signage along Riverdale Avenue that codified the reversal.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “Parking is hard enough to find in Riverdale without unnecessarily inconvenient parking policies. While our streets must be cleaned, I see no reason why both sides of Riverdale Avenue should be closed to parking during busy mornings every weekday to do so. The new policy placed a burden on the community, and it was clear that a better solution existed. I appreciate that the DOT listened to my concerns and installed new signs that allow people to park on at least one side of Riverdale Avenue at all hours of the day.”

According to the new signage, cars may not park on the east side of Riverdale Avenue on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., and on the west side of the avenue on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. In addition to allowing cars to park on at least one side of the street at all times, the updated parking schedule reduces the total number of hours in which cars are not allowed to park along Riverdale Avenue from six hours per week to three.

TONY ORLANDO TO TAKE THE STAGE IN SETON PARK FOR FREE SUMMER CONCERT

Music Legend to Perform for Hundreds of Bronx Fans under the Stars

State Senator Jeff Klein will host one of America’s most endearing and enduring stars, Tony Orlando, for what is expected to be an exciting evening of music and fun for Bronx families to enjoy free of charge Thursday night.  Orlando is performing as part of Senator Klein’s 2014 Summertime Symphonies Series, an annual event that provides free concerts throughout the month of August to Bronx residents.

Born and raised in New York City, Orlando began hitting the national charts at age 16 and quickly became a sensation. His 1973 recording of  Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree was number one for the year, became Orlando's theme song and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming.

WHO:  Performer Tony Orlando

State Senator Jeff Klein

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.

Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz (D-Bronx)

Councilman Andy Cohen (D-Bronx)

Hundreds of concert goers

WHEN: Thursday, August 28th, 2014, 7PM.

WHERE: Seton Park, Independence Ave, Bronx, NY 10463

Annual Bronx Democratic County Barbecue Sat. Sept. 6th

COME TO OUR ANNUAL BBQ

KLEIN & COHEN ANNOUNCE NEW PLAYGROUND AND TRAIL UPGRADES FOR VAN CORTLANDT PARK

  More than $1.8 Million in State and Municipal Grants slated for projects at Scenic Bronx Park to Enhance Outdoor Activities for Families

(in the photo with Senator Klein, Councilman Cohen, Assemblyman Dinowits, and Bronx Parks Commissioner Aponte are Eric Seiff from the Friends of VCP, and M. Perron VCP administrator. 

State Senator Jeffrey Klein and Council Member Andrew Cohen announced Wednesday that more than $1.8 million in state and municipal capital grants is being provided to the NYC Parks Department as part of an effort to enhance Van Cortlandt Park. The funding will be used to construct a new playground and make environmental and infrastructure improvements to two trails at Van Cortlandt Park.

State Senator Jeff Klein said: “Van Cortlandt Park is a Bronx treasure. I am pleased that I was able to secure funding in this year’s state budget that will help enhance the park’s natural attraction to New Yorkers of all ages. With this new playground and trail upgrades we’ll attract more visitors and ensure that our residents continue to enjoy outdoor fun and a beautiful connection to the environment.”

Council Member Andy Cohen said: “After I took office, it became a priority of mine to secure the funding to help NYC Parks create a new playground in the north-west section of Van Cortlandt Park. This particular area was lacking a recreational space for the youth of the community to enjoy. I believe that this new addition, along with the improved park trails, will draw more families to this beautiful space and utilize every portion of the park.  Park improvement is something I am very dedicated to and I am proud to help make this particular need for more recreational space a reality.”

Bronx Parks Commissioner Hector Aponte said: “Last year, NYC Parks worked with the communities surrounding Van Cortlandt Park to create a plan which would improve the park and better serve parkgoers. We identified priority projects – including creating a new playground on Van Cortlandt's western side and upgrading park trails.  The plan started to become a reality after allocations by Council Member Cohen were bolstered by grants secured with the help of State Senator Klein.”

Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz said: "All kids deserve to have public spaces in their neighborhoods where they can play safely. Residents in Riverdale enjoy access to many amenities in the world-class Van Cortlandt Park, yet for some, playgrounds are few and far between: the Parks Department’s Van Cortlandt Park Master Plan, released earlier this year, noted the lack of play areas  in the northwest corner of the park and identified the construction of these spaces as a top priority.

A total of $1.275 million was secured in a combination of state ($500,000) and municipal ($775,000) grants for the new playground which is expected to be located in the general vicinity of the Riverdale Stables.  

Senator Klein also secured $542,388 in state grants for NYC Parks to implement two of the remaining projects in the Van Cortlandt Park Trails Plan. Specifically, The John Kieran Nature Trail and the John Muir Nature Trail. The upgrades and improvements to the trails will help to better serve Park users and highlight and protect the Park’s unique natural resources.

Van Cortlandt Park is New York City’s third largest park, encompassing more than a thousand acres atop the ridges and valleys of the northwest Bronx. It is surrounded by five diverse NYC neighborhoods (Riverdale, Kingsbridge, Van Cortlandt Village, Norwood, and Woodlawn). The park is home to the country's first public golf course, the oldest house in the Bronx, and the borough's largest freshwater lake.

More photos are below.

BP DIAZ, NEW YORK YANKEES & AT&T HOST FOURTH ANNUAL 'BOROUGH PRESIDENT'S CUP'

Tuesday August 26th Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., the New York Yankees and AT&T co-hosted the fourth annual “Borough President’s Cup” Little League Championship. The game featured a match-up between the 2013 champions Grand Slam Little League and the Bronx Bombers, who competed for this year’s title in a game at Yankee Stadium.

The Bronx Bombers took the championship with a 14-2 victory over Grand Slam Little League.

To compete for the “Borough President’s Cup,” players for each Little League had to meet a set of requirements unrelated to their performance on the field. Those included a B-average in school, 90 percent or greater school attendance and a demonstrated commitment to community service. This year, some of the teams participated in a cleanup of Claremont Park as part of their community service, in partnership with a borough non-profit organization, The Bronx is Blooming.

“For the fourth straight year, we’ve given Bronx Little Leaguers a chance to walk in the footprints of legends like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, and in the shadows of the all-time greats like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. I would like to thank AT&T and the New York Yankees for once again helping my office make this a wonderful event, and for giving these young men a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH SENATOR RUBEN DIAZ

Is It Jeff Klein Vs. Oliver Koppell or Jeff Klein Vs. Lorraine Coyle Koppell in the 34th State Senate race?

   Having just watched the the 34th State Senate debate on New York 1, - I have to wonder just who is State Senator Jeff Klein running against. Is it former Councilman Oliver Koppell as the ballot will say or is it former 34th State Senate candidate Lorraine Coyle Koppell who lost to then State Senator Guy Velella in the year 2000.  I come to that conclusion because this election seem to be a repeat of the 2000 election by many of the comments by candidate Oliver Koppell which I remember from his wife in 2000. Lorraine Coyle Koppell tried to portray then State Senator Guy Velella as the evil Republican much the same way Oliver Koppell is trying to do to Democratic State Senator Jeff Klein. Also Lorraine Coyle Koppell had her problem in Morris Park much the same way that Oliver Koppell is having. 

  The only real difference in this years election is that candidate Oliver Koppell does not know when to quit. He says that he has already won because Senator Klein and the IDC are returning to work with the Senate Democratic Conference as Senator Klein, Governor Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio, and many others have said. If Senator Klein goes back on his word as challenger Koppell says there will be another election in 2 years. It looks like the 2000 election all over since only the incumbent is running on his record, and the Koppell challenging the incumbent is saying vote for me I'm a Democrat. 

  As for the NY 1 debate candidate Koppell said that he knows the problems in Throggs Neck and Hunts Point not just Riverdale. Koppell had to apologize for a comment about the communities, saying that he meant the district set up. Senator Klein blasted Koppell for a lack of listening to his constituents about a proposed 11 story senior/criminally mentally ill building Klein said that one community opposed. Klein added that the building will now be for seniors only. The subject of the proposed 11 story medical center in Community Board 8 came up with Senator Klein saying that the law he and Assemblyman Dinowitz got passed has halted that. Klein added that it will be no larger than 6 stories with several stories of parking. After a few minutes of just what went on when Democrats had control of the state senate for 2 short years and the dysfunction Klein said went on, Koppell came back calling Klein the new Pedro Espada.  

  

  Senator Klein rattled off endorsement after endorsement from Governor Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio, and union after union, Koppell claimed that Klein got those endorsements by extortion for fear of continuing on with the Republican Senate Conference. Koppell called Klein the 'King of Pay to Play' and anti tennant, Klein responded with the legislation he had passed in Albany to protect homeowners and tennant's  

  This debate ended with Senator Klein calling Oliver Koppell the puppet of Mayor Bloomberg in helping Bloomberg repeal term limits in 2009 over the will of the voters. Klein added that Koppell's reason was that the voters were not sophisticated enough, and that Koppell believes people in the East Bronx are not broad minded. Koppell responded that he was not Bloombergs lap dog, he does not believe in term limits, and that he (Koppell) goes to Morris Park often to eat.