Senator Jeff Klein Turns Up the Heat on the Coldest Bronx Buildings

   State Senator Jeff Klein today released a report, “Turning Up the Heat: An Investigative Report into The Bronx’s Coldest Buildings,” which includes a list of the top 15 heat code offenders in the borough.

As chilly temperatures set in, tenants, who reside in buildings on the list, have already called in complaints of “no heat” or “no heat/hot water” to the city’s Housing and Preservation Department.

The top offender, University Avenue L.P.’s 30 Buchanan Place, racked up 96 complaints from tenants as of October 1 and accumulated over 320 complaints since October 2013, according to HPD records.

“It’s deplorable that some residents are being left in the cold. My investigation reveals that landlords who landed on my office’s worst heat code offender list persistently left tenants without heat and this could lead to something chilling: death,” said Senator Klein.

“Buildings must remain in compliance with wintry temperatures upon us. HPD should create a task force to keep an eye on buildings in each borough with a high number of complaints, should help tenants understand their rights and require top offenders to post performance bonds to ensure that repairs are made on the landlords dime instead of the taxpayers,” Klein continued.

Top 15 Heat Offenders

Building Owner/ Location	2013 (From 10/2013)	2014(From 1/2014)	Starting 10/1/14	Total	Zip Code
UNIVERSITY AVENUE, L.P. (30 BUCHANAN PLACE)	37	289	96	326	10453
FORDHAM FULTON LLC (530 EAST 169 STREET)	74	185	25	259	10456
FORDHAM FULTON LLC (480 EAST 188 STREET)	5	195	35	200	10458
RIVERVIEW REDEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. (1600 SEDGWICK AVENUE)	75	43	13	118	10453
B&L CONCOURSE HSNG AS (1290 GRAND CONCOURSE/1326 GRAND CONCOURSE)	45	63	11	108	10456
MARION ECHO TWIN ETC (2474 MARION AVENUE; 264 ECHO PLACE)	0	89	15	89	10458
1691 FULTON AVENUE ASSOCIATES, L.P. (1691 FULTON AVENUE)	50	30	0	80	10457
BRONX 360 REALTY LLC (930 FOX STREET; 940 FOX STREET; 940 SIMPSON STREET; 941 SIMPSON STREET)	34	44	2	78	10459
BOYNTON ACQUISITION C (875 BOYNTON AVENUE)	41	16	10	57	10473
1068 GERARD PARTNERSHIP, L.P.(1068 GERARD AVENUE)	24	32	0	56	10452
UNIMAC DEVELOPER, L.P. (1605 UNIVERSITY AVENUE; 1611 UNIVERSITY AVENUE; 1615 UNIVERSITY AVENUE; 1645 MACOMBS ROAD; 1669 UNIVERSITY AVENUE)	21	34	10	56	10453
UNDERCLIFF HOLDING LLC (1590 UNDERCLIFF AVENUE)	20	35	6	55	10453
NDI BOSTON RD DEVELET (1212 BOSTON ROAD; 1214 BOSTON ROAD; 1216 BOSTON ROAD)	19	31	2	50	10456
KINGSBRIDGE REALTY ASSOCIATES LLC (3424 KINGSBRIDGE AVENUE)	16	31	5	47	10463
STELLAR MORRISON LLC (1222 MORRISON AVENUE)	14	25	0	39	10472

In The Bronx, a correlation existed between heat violations and the percentage of residents living below the poverty level. Over half of the buildings that made the top 15 list were in zip codes 10453, 10456 and 10458, where approximately 40 % of residents live below the poverty line.

To combat persistent offenders, Senator Klein recommended that HPD monitor each buildings by borough by and create similar watch lists containing buildings with 20 or more complaints. He recommended that a HPD create a Heat Violator Task Force to conduct surprise compliance inspections of buildings on those lists.

Buildings owners are required to provide heat between October 1 and May 31.

Senator Klein also suggested that HPD require repeat violators to post a performance bond, which could be used if the city is forced to make heating repairs. Currently the city pays for repairs with non-compliant landlords and bills the owner, leaving no recourse for the taxpayer.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj Celebrates 102 Years of Albanian Independence

New York State Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj is holding a celebration on Sunday, Nov. 30 at Maestro's Caterers in the Bronx in honor of the 102nd Anniversary of Albanian Independence. 

This year, Assemblyman Gjonaj, the first Albanian-American individual elected into government office, will celebrate and honor the contributions made to and from the Albanian community. Guests will enjoy food and refreshments, and performances from The Albanian School of the Bronx and Alba Life School in Brooklyn.

Honorable mentions will be presented to organizations and individuals whom have made tremendous impacts and contributions to the Albanian community in and outside of the Bronx. Honorees include 32BJ SEIU, BJCC: The Bronx Jewish Community Council and Zeqir Kukaj. 

The event be from 2 - 6 PM, with the flag raising ceremony and honors at 4 PM. For more information, please contact Nathalia Fernandez. 646 - 996 - 3537.

         

BP DIAZ ISSUES 'LINKNYC' WI-FI REPORT

  In a new report Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is calling on the City to pursue an environmentally-friendly component to the new, free wireless network, LinkNYC, announced by Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) last week.

The new system, which will replace existing public pay telephones with devices to create the world’s fastest municipal Wi-Fi network, should include the installation of solar panels as part of the new installations, said Borough President Diaz.

“DoITT needs to ensure that the implementation of the ‘LinkNYC’ plan is equitable, resilient and meets the needs of the people of this city regardless of their neighborhood or income level. Serious questions have been raised about ‘LinkNYC,’ and DoITT must address those concerns before this contract is approved,” said Borough President Diaz.

The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has taught us that all major infrastructure investments need to be implemented in a manner that incorporates sustainability and resiliency for major emergencies. 

The design selected has several desirbale feautures.  However, the 24-hour battery back up is insufficient.  After Hurricane Sandy, lower Manhattan was out of power for five days.  “LinkNYC” should be required to implement a design that incorporates solar power and reduces the network’s dependence on ConEdison.

Borough President Diaz’s report outlines various recommendations for the implementation of “LinkNYC,” including the potential inclusion of fire call boxes as part of the system. The report also discusses the various fiscal issues similar networks have faced in other cities, such as Philadelphia, Seattle and Akron. Greater transparency is needed in regards to the projected advertising revenue generated by this new system, in order to ensure greater equity in service delivery.

The report can be found at http://on.nyc.gov/11PZgCl.

Con Ed at its Best

  As the snow began to fall today, this is what the crosswalk of West 238th Street and Riverdale Avenue looked like as you crossed south. Not only were there openings in the steel metal plates that someone could trip over, but also gaps so that the heel of a shoe could drop into. . Con Edison has been working at this intersection for over a year on and off to put in a new 'High Pressure gas line'. One has to wonder how long does it really take, and why has it taken Con Edison so long? 

Left - Here you see a metal Con Edison plate has shifted to reveal an opening that a heel can get caught in as someone crosses over it. Also since snow and ice form on the metal plate there is an even more hazard of someone falling on these metal plates of Con Edison.

Below - Here you see another gap in the next pair of the Metal Con Edison plates. 

Here is another view looking north as you can see part of the crosswalk markings. 

Here a Con Edison truck is waiting not to pick up the materials and piping on the other side of the street, but to drop off more materials in a spot that is 4 blocks away from where Con Ed is working. Also note the NO STANDING sign that the truck is partially in. 

Taken the day before the snow fell, here is the area where Con Edison has used for storage on West 238th Street taking away up to 5 metered parking spaces, and looks like it will be here for the new year.

Left - The date of completion is 10-6-14.

Right - This date on another barricade has the completion date 12-2-14.

This is the reason Con Edison does not care how long it takes to complete this job. Workers are putting a "Raise Plow' sign on the pole on Riverdale Avenue before West 238th Street so snow plow drivers do not hit and move the Con Edison metal plates in the street. This way the even more dangerous snow covered Con Edison metal plate will not be seen. 

In the event there is an accident I have called this into the city so there is responsibility by the city and Con Edison. I do hope that does not happen.

Compounding Injustice in Ferguson

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

Compounding Injustice in Ferguson

You should know that in the wake of the November 24, 2014 Grand Jury ruling that Police Officer Darren Wilson would not be indicted for killing Michael Brown, demonstrations have erupted all of this nation - especially in Ferguson, Missouri.

People are frustrated and hurt and disappointed, and I agree that they have reason to be frustrated, hurt and extremely disappointed.  What I cannot agree with is the way people are expressing their frustration.

As you know, it was a White Police Officer who took the life of a Black youth.  This is not the first time this has happened.  There have been many occasions where Black and Hispanics have had their lives taken by White police officers - and there are even times when the police officers are not White.

My point is that I cannot understand why people in Ferguson, Missouri are taking out their frustration by hurting their own people by burning and looting businesses in their own community.

You should know that it is not easy for Blacks and Hispanics and Asians to create and own their own businesses.  Many people from our communities are struggling to keep own our own businesses, like bodegas, shoe stores, beauty salons, car repair shops, etc.  It is very hard to keep those businesses growing so people can take care of their families, raise their children, and pay their bills.

As you may know, Ferguson, Missouri is a mostly minority community and most of the businesses located there are owned by Black women and men and serve the needs of Black families.

This week's demonstrations in Ferguson are destroying the businesses and properties in a minority community - a community that has already been hurt by a great injustice.  On Tuesday morning, there were 25 buildings on fire in Fergeson, including AutoZone, Little Caesars, Walgreens, Juanita's Fashions R Boutique, Family Dollar store and a local beauty shop. Forty Ferguson-area businesses have been destroyed, including a Chinese restaurant, a Mexican Restaurant, a beauty supply store and other black-owned businesses. These businesses were vandalized and looted, with windows being smashed. 

On August 9, 2014 there was a great injustice when the White Police Officer Darren Wilson killing an unarmed Black 18-year old. There was further injustice when Ferguson prosecutor Robert McCulloch's failed to cause Darren Wilson to face criminal charges for shooting and killing Michael Brown.  But there is an even bigger injustice taking place in a riot-scarred community that is burning down its own businesses and destroying the community. 

When schools in our communities have to be closed because of violence in the streets, our children are the ones who are affected.  When businesses in our communities are forced to close, our people have to travel into other communities to buy things we need for our families - making our lives more difficult.  As people express rage and violence on the streets of our communities, our communities are being paralyzed.

Ladies and gentlemen, don't get me wrong.  I feel the pain in our community that was caused by the actions of the Police Officer Darren Wilson.  I understand all too well the pain and the anger that results when people from other communities come into our communities to hurt us, but I don't understand how or why any of us would want to compound the injustice by continuing to destroy the minority-owned businesses in our own communities.

If someone can explain that to me, please do.

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

State and Bronx Unemployment Rate Continues to Drop

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary October 2014 Area Unemployment Rates

Albany, NY (November 25, 2014) -

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for October 2014. Rates are calculated following procedures prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate relies in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month.

The state’s private sector job count increased by 110,000 from October 2013 to October 2014. In October 2014, the number of private sector jobs in the state was 7,606,700. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 6.2% to 6.0% in October 2014, its lowest level since October 2008.

Local Area Unemployment Rates* (%),
October 2013 and October 2014
(not seasonally adjusted)*Data are preliminary and subject to change

October

2014*

October

2013

 Upstate NY (52-co. area)

5.5

6.6

  Metro Areas

5.4

6.5

    Albany-Schenectady-Troy

4.8

5.8

    Binghamton

5.9

7.1

    Buffalo-Niagara Falls

5.7

6.8

    Elmira

6.0

7.6

    Glens Falls

5.2

6.3

    Ithaca

3.9

4.6

    Kingston

5.7

7.0

    Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown

5.3

6.5

    Rochester

5.5

6.5

    Syracuse

5.8

6.8

    Utica-Rome

5.9

7.0

  Non-metro Counties

5.9

7.1

 Downstate NY (10-co. area)

5.8

7.7

  New York City

6.4

8.7

  Suburban Counties

4.8

5.8

    Nassau-Suffolk

4.8

5.8

    Putnam-Rockland-Westchester

4.9

5.8

The data in the preceding table are not seasonally adjusted, which means they reflect seasonal influences (e.g., holiday and summer hires). Therefore, the most valid comparisons with this type of data are year-to-year comparisons of the same month; for example, October 2013 versus October 2014.

Unemployment rate highlights in October 2014:

• The counties in New York State with the lowest unemployment rates include:
  • Tompkins County (3.9%)
  • Yates County (4.3%)
  • Saratoga County (4.4%)
  • Columbia County (4.5%)
  • Putnam County (4.5%)
  • Nassau County (4.6%)
  • Albany County (4.8%)
  • Ontario County (4.8%)
  • Rockland County (4.8%)
  • Suffolk County (4.9%)

 The Bronx came in at an even  9 %  down from 9.8 % in sept 204, and over 10 % one year age.

See County Unemployment rates (opens in new window) for current unemployment rates for all 62 counties in New York State.

Labor force data for the current month are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. Revised estimates for prior months are available at: http://labor.ny.gov/stats/LSLAUS.shtm

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are the most up-to-date estimates of persons employed and unemployed by place of residence. Estimates are available for New York State, labor market regions, metropolitan areas, counties, and municipalities with population of at least 25,000.

See State and Area Unemployment Rates (opens in new window)

See Unemployment Rate Map (opens in new window)

See Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet (opens in new window)

Wave Hill Events Dec 12–Dec 19

  The holiday season is surely a joyful time. But it can bring with it some pretty strong pressure points, too—family, work, friends, meals, gifts. (Stop already, right?)  How fortunate that Wave Hill offers an experience that both expands our moments of joy and provides a buffer from all that pressure. It’s family time, whether it’s Grandma with her youngest grandson or you and a dearly loved uncle or just Mom and Dad with the kids. It’s time communing with Mother Nature in her most simple, elegant dress. It’s time listening, creating, relaxing. See you soon!

SAT, DECEMBER 13    FAMILY ART PROJECT: COLORFUL CANDLES AND WINTER BERRIES

Take a simple candlestick and, using colorful clay-like wax, mix and mold an inventive image of nature onto your candle. Add berries and boughs to decorate a candle holder and create a source of natural light for any occasion. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, DECEMBER 13    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 hour-long 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 indoors in winter. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SUN, DECEMBER 14    WINTER BIRDING

The Hudson River valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species, even during the winter months. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitats. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, DECEMBER 14    FAMILY ART PROJECT: COLORFUL CANDLES AND WINTER BERRIES

Take a simple candlestick and, using colorful clay-like wax, mix and mold an inventive image of nature onto your candle. Add berries and boughs to decorate a candle holder and create a source of natural light for any occasion. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, DECEMBER 14    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath and mind/body/spirit. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss Director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors, and last for an hour and a quarter. 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 in winter. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SUN, DECEMBER 14    MEDITATION

Let nature inspire you to find your center and reconnect with your true self using guided mindfulness and other meditation practices. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques, followed by guided meditations. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors. Sessions are held indoors. All levels welcome. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:45AM

SUN, DECEMBER 14    WINTER’S ADORNMENT FAMILY WALK

After the Family Art Project, continue exploring the theme on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands, led by naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow. Let winter surprise you with an adornment of color. Join us on a walk through the gardens and woodlands to investigate vibrant berries, colorful twigs and dazzling patterns. Ages six and older welcome with an adult.Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

SUN, DECEMBER 14    CONCERT: SOYEON KATE LEE & RAN DANK

Already Wave Hill favorites, pianists Soyeon Kate Lee and Ran Dank return to share the wonder of the holidays with a four-hand arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker Suite. The New York Times, describing the duo as a “tour de force…with such sensitivity and grace,” credits Ms. Lee with “a lively imagination and a firm sense of style” and Mr. Dank for a “muscular and virtuosic performance.” $28 general admission, $15 child (ages 8 to 18). $22 Wave Hill Member, $12 Wave Hill Member child. Registration required, online atwww.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. In addition to tickets for individual concerts, subscriptions are also available for any three performances in this 10-concert series, with a 10% discount, or any four performances, for a 15% discount.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, DECEMBER 14    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY 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, DECEMBER 15

Closed to the public

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 andTuesday mornings until noon. 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 athttp://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 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.

No Indictment - Unrest in Ferguson - Protests in City

  The jury verdict in the Ferguson Missouri trial to indict police officer Darren Wilson of murdering 18 year old Michael Brown came back with a 'NO INDICTMENT' verdict. 

  

  As a result of the decision of the grand jury not to indict officer Wilson civil unrest began in Ferguson resulting in looting, violence, and the arrest of over 80 people. 

  Here in the city people marched from Union Square to Times Square, and across various city bridges. 2 people were arrested in Times Square when fake blood  was thrown on to NYPD Commissioner Bratton. 

  The Reverend Al Sharpton went to Ferguson Missouri to see what he could do.