MAYOR DE BLASIO, CHANCELLOR FARIÑA, CSA ANNOUNCE TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT

  Fiscally responsible agreement includes an average of 2 percent in raises a year over the life of the contract, consistent with established pattern—including unprecedented health care savings; with this agreement, 67 percent of City workforce is now settled

Pattern settlement underpins key elements of de Blasio administration’s education priorities: new Ambassador Principals/APs to support struggling schools, principals’ support to strengthen PROSE schools, new Model and Master Principal/AP roles to help strong leaders mentor peers

  

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that the City of New York has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), meaning that the de Blasio administration has now reached agreements with 67 percent of the City workforce that had previously been working under expired contracts.

CSA represents public school principals, assistant principals, supervisors, and education administrators. The pattern of the tentative agreement with CSA is consistent with the pattern established with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) contract earlier this year. The agreements also include the unprecedented health care savings agreed upon with the Municipal Labor Committee, ensuring that these raises are affordable and responsible for the City and its taxpayers. Even after the City’s budget factored in the pattern settlement for the first time since the contracts were left open in 2009, out-year gaps remained well below the historical average under prior administrations.

As part of today’s tentative contract, the City and the CSA have agreed to deepen the commitment to improving struggling schools. Ambassador teams will go to targeted struggling schools, including Renewal Schools, across the city to support and reinvigorate leadership. The Master and Model positions combine for leaders who excel and take on substantial additional roles and responsibilities outside their usual roles and, in many cases, extend their reach to other schools. This will leverage great leaders across the city. 

The proposed nine-year, one-month, 15-day contract with CSA would begin, retroactively, on March 6, 2010 and expire on April 20, 2019 and include an average of 2 percent per year in raises over the life of the contract.

“This agreement with CSA means that all of our school administrators will get the fair wages they deserve in a way that protects the City’s long-term fiscal health,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Our administration has made it a priority to restore a productive and respectful dynamic between the City and its employees—and, as a result, we’ve reached agreements with 67 percent of our workforce that are consistent with the pattern we established earlier this year, including the unprecedented and guaranteed health care savings. But above all else, this is an education contract that will spur innovation and help us ensure the best educators are leading our schools.”

“As a former member of CSA, I believe strongly that principals make a major difference in the lives of children, families, teachers and everyone they come into contact with,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “Being able to work collaboratively towards this contract ensures that the children of New York City will come first in many different ways. Today, we are celebrating a new beginning for the City with our school leaders coming together around the most important school issue: to support our students learning and ensure student achievement.”

“CSA members will now have the contract they demanded, one that recognizes their invaluable role in educating our children, and one that reflects Chancellor Fariña’s ethic of cooperation,” said CSA President Ernest Logan. “Every one of our DOE members will get the compensation they expected. And this includes the lump sum payments they earned as teachers of our children. This encompasses those who were promoted from the classroom into CSA leadership positions; those who will be promoted into CSA in the future; and those who have been promoted out of CSA to superintendent positions or management positions at Tweed and other offices throughout the system. The wisdom of this is that the Chancellor will now have little trouble promoting from within the school system to get the experienced, professional educators she needs to carry out her visionary agenda. With this agreement, CSA members will also have more authority to effectively manage their work days to be better able to deal with longer Monday and Tuesday class days; a more carefully monitored paperwork load; and a more expeditious system of investigations. All of these advances will help lessen certain gratuitous burdens on our school leaders and let them be better able to focus on their first priority, the instructional needs of our children.”

Under the tentative agreements announced today, CSA employees would receive the same restructured payments in lieu of the raises that had been granted by the previous administration to much of the municipal workforce: 4 percent for 2010 and 4 percent for 2011, provided in increments from 2015 through 2021. CSA employees, including those who had been promoted to supervisory positions since 2009, will receive the full restructured payments; the cost of these payments will be shared between CSA and the City, ensuring that the total cost of the contract remains affordable.

All employees would also receive raises of approximately 2 percent a year, each year from 2015 through 2018.

In total, the MLC and the City have agreed to secure $3.4 billion in health care savings through Fiscal Year 2018, and $1.3 billion in savings every year thereafter. The City and the municipal unions will work to secure cost-cutting measures, aimed at bending the curve of rising health care costs for the first time. These savings are guaranteed and enforceable by arbitration. 

All additional benefits agreed upon with the CSA will also be fully funded within the pattern settlement. 

CSA’s over 6,000 employees have worked without a contract since 2010. The terms of the agreements must be approved by the union’s full in-service membership.

Key Educational Reforms

Ambassador Program to Support Struggling Schools

To bring strong leadership to struggling schools, including Renewal Schools, the contract establishes a Principal/Assistant Principal Ambassador program for accomplished leaders to turn around low-performing schools. These expert teams will include a highly skilled principal and assistant principals from successful schools, who will be brought in to fill vacancies or take over leadership at struggling schools. These leaders will have the option of remaining at their new schools after one year, or returning to their home schools. Ambassador Principals and Assistant Principals will be compensated an additional $15,000 and $10,000, respectively. 

PROSE Schools

The contract reinforces the administration’s PROSE Schools program, paving the way for 200 schools to innovate new ways to improve student outcomes, ranging from reworking the school day and year, to wider variations in how a school day is programmed. The changes will be accomplished through exemptions to certain Chancellor’s Regulations or CSA contract provisions. 

Support Quality Public Schools in Underserved Communities

The agreement establishes new incentives to attract and retain quality principals and assistant principals in high-need schools. The “Hard to Staff School Differential” will additionally compensate principals and assistant principals, selected at the Chancellor’s discretion.

Reward and Retain the Best Professionals

The contract establishes an unprecedented career ladder for excellent educators through new Model and Master Principal/Assistant Principal positions. These positions, created at the Chancellor’s discretion, will give principals and assistant principals who excel additional responsibilities, including coaching their colleagues. Master Principals will be compensated an additional $25,000; Assistant Principals will be compensated an additional $20,000. Model Principals and Assistant Principals will receive an additional $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.

Excessed supervisors will have severance opportunities and an expedited disciplinary process mirroring the process created earlier this year in the teachers’ contract.

Fair Wages

The tentative contract agreement includes an average of 2 percent in raises a year over the life of the contract, conforming with the pattern settlement in place for other City unions.

For the “2008 to 2010” round of bargaining, as with UFT employees, CSA employees will receive restructured payments in lieu of the raises that had been granted by the previous administration to much of the municipal workforce: 4 percent for 2010 and 4 percent for 2011.

The wages CSA employees did not receive will be restructured and provided in incremental lump sum payments, from 2015 to 2020, reflecting a percentage of the balance as of the payout date—12.5 percent in 2016, 12.5 percent in 2018, and 25 percent each in 2019, 2020, and 2021. 

The increases they did not receive will also be restored to their salaries at 2 percent a year, each year, from 2015 through 2018, as follows:

September 6, 2015: 2.0%

September 6, 2016: 2.0%

September 6, 2017: 2.0%

September 6, 2018: 2.0%

For the “2010 to 2017” round of bargaining, employees will receive increases, also based on the established pattern:

September 6, 2013: 1.00%

September 6, 2014: 1.00%

September 6, 2016: 1.50%

October 6, 2017: 2.50%

October 6, 2018: 4.00%

                                                                        

The agreement also includes a one-time $1,000 ratification bonus.

Affordable Costs

The costs of today’s tentative agreement are as follows:

FY2014-2018:

Gross Cost: $500.9 million

Health Savings and Stabilization Fund: ($73.4 million)

Net Cost: $427.5 million

FY2019-2021:

Gross Cost of Lump Sum Payments: $390 million

Health Savings: ($74.1 million)

Net Cost: $315.9 million

The contract adheres to existing labor patterns in place for all other City unions. The total costs above include $72 million required to ensure CSA employees receive comparable benefits to other City workers; all other costs above were included in previous budgetary projections.

Just What is the Speed Limit - Especially by a School

  The above photo was taken on the Thursday December 4th afternoon outside Public School 81 on Riverdale Avenue. This is the school that former Mayor Mike Bloomberg visited with his then Traffic Commissioner to thank Senator Jeff Klein for the Speed Camera legislation that Senator Klein had sponsored. 

  Moving to today Mayor Bill de Blasio stood outside PS/MS 95 boasting of the increased number of speed cameras in New York City that was passed by the state legislature. You check the September archive section for September 2nd '120 New Speed Cameras', and you can read about it and see one of the six speed camera cars the mayor showed off. 

  Starting November 7th the Mayor and City Council passed a law reducing the speed limit on New York City roads from 30 miles per hour to 25 MPH unless otherwise posted. It was said that all street speed limit signs would be changed especially by schools. 

  So Mister Mayor why is it that in front of a public school that the former Mayor made such a big stink about speeding still has the higher 30 MPH speed limit sign? Is this another 'Tale of Two Cities ' where Manhattan comes first and the outer boroughs come next? Didn't you promise to end that?

Con Edison comes to the Boston Road Area

  This was what the corner of Boston Road and Waring Avenue looked like this past week, as Con Edison came to the area to dig and lay high pressure gas lines. You will see in the other photos just as I have been reporting in the Northwest Bronx area of Community Board 8 that the Boston Road area of Community Board 11 will have the pleasure or should I say displeasure of having Con Edison Rip up their streets. You will also see as before how Con Edison leaves the street condition, and always is up to date on permits. Just who am I trying to fool. you will also see the posted permits where the completion date on one is 12 - 9 - 2009. 

Left - The dates of start and completion have been scratched off on this permit.

Right On the only other permit the date of completion is Dec. 9, 2009, almost 5 years ago.

Left -  The middle of Boston Road and Waring Avenue.

Right - Just how deep are they digging.

  

Waring Avenue is left like this after the high pressure gas pipe is laid in the street.

Shades of the movie Tremors, no this is only the high pressure gas pipe being placed underground not one of the giant worms from the movie.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, COMMISSIONER STEVEN BANKS AND COMMISSIONER NISHA AGARWAL ANNOUNCE FULL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND OPERATIONAL DETAILS OF IDNYC

  Mayor de Blasio commits to robust fraud prevention measures and strict privacy protections for applicant information

   Mayor Bill de Blasio, Human Resources Administration (HRA) Commissioner Steven Banks, and Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs Nisha Agarwal announced today the publication of the municipal identification card program eligibility and privacy policies, establishing broad access for all New Yorkers to apply for the card while implementing strong measures to ensure applicant privacy and prevent against fraud and identity theft. The administration also announced the official name and logo of this historic initiative: IDNYC.

“A great deal of analysis and care went into ensuring our IDNYC card is strong on privacy and security, while providing access to as many people as possible,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We want New Yorkers to feel proud to carry this card in their wallet, but also to feel confident knowing that their information is safe and secure. I am pleased to announce today that we are truly delivering on the most ambitious municipal ID card program in the country, built with the best technology, secured with thoughtful privacy protections, and accessible to the widest cross-section of individuals.”

“HRA is proud to have been selected as the IDNYC program administrator based on our experience and expertise in serving millions of New Yorkers, while protecting against fraud,” said HRA Commissioner Steven Banks. “After listening closely to the feedback provided at the public hearing and in other forums, we developed Executive Orders that detail our commitment to applicant privacy, general program integrity, identity theft prevention and the creation of a customer-friendly appeals process. Through IDNYC, HRA will offer New Yorkers exemplary customer service on the front end and robust quality assurance and integrity procedures on the back end.”

“Thanks to the feedback we received from advocates, focus groups, immigrants, and the public hearings process, the IDNYC card reflects the needs and concerns of our communities,” said NYC Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs Nisha Agarwal. “We are going to continue to develop the program, working with businesses and our community partners to make new benefits available to cardholders as the program grows. Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to delivering to New Yorkers the best possible and most robust municipal ID card program in the country.”

“The City Council is proud to have spearheaded IDNYC, a groundbreaking program that will provide all New Yorkers with a safe, secure form of identification,” said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “We are strongly committed to helping residents take full advantage of what the City offers so they can contribute to the economic vibrancy of New York. The eligibility policies established by the Administration will ensure that no person will be excluded from applying for the largest municipal ID program in the nation.”

“New York City continues to push the boundaries that have historically kept government and community disconnected from one another,” said Councilmember Carlos Menchaca. “The launch of IDNYC addresses the growing concern that because of a lack of proper identification, New York City residents are missing out on some of the key resources that make New York both a world class cultural destination, and a City with resources available to help secure dignified life for hardworking families and individuals. This ID program represents the way that government can ensure that residents are enfranchised, empowered, and able to be fully a part of our diverse communities. I look forward to working with the Administration, my colleagues in the Council, and with community groups to ensure the success of this program in my district, and across the five boroughs.”

“The New York Immigration Coalition applauds the de Blasio Administration for creating a safe, secure, and accessible Municipal ID Program,” said Steve Choi, Executive Director of NYIC. The rules and executive orders announced today for IDNYC represent a program that will allow the fullest eligibility possible, the most privacy permissible under current law, and critical protections for our communities against fraud. We stand confidently behind IDNYC and thank the Administration for listening to and acting upon the concerns of immigrant and other communities. We look forward to continuing to work alongside the City to ensure successful implementation of IDNYC.”

“I am very excited for the launch of the Municipal ID program and commend the Mayor and his staff for listening to our concerns, taking them to heart and ensuring that New Yorkers get the best quality service and protections as they go through the process,” said Linda Sarsour, Executive Director, Arab American Association of New York.

On July 10, 2014, Mayor de Blasio signed Local Law No. 35, establishing the New York City Identification Card Program to ensure that every New Yorker is provided with the opportunity and peace of mind that comes with possessing a government issued photo identification. On August 4^th, Mayor de Blasio signed Executive Order 6 of 2014 designating the Human Resources Administration as the administering agency of IDNYC.

The newly published rules provide that:

•         The IDNYC Card will be provided to applicants free of charge (the de Blasio Administration has committed to making IDNYC available free of charge for the first year of the program throughDecember 31, 2015)

•         The IDNYC Card will expire after five years

•         The minimum age to apply for the card will be 14 years of age

•         Applicants will be required to present proof of identity and proof of residency in New York City

•         Homeless New Yorkers without a permanent address will have the ability to obtain a card

•         The card will provide address confidentiality protections to survivors of domestic violence

Additionally, the rules establish which documents may be used to demonstrate identity and residency.  The rule sets forth over 40 categories of documents that may be used to establish identity, including foreign passports and consular identification cards, foreign birth certificates, military identification, U.S. high school diplomas, and U.S. voter registration cards. Applicants will be able to demonstrate residency in New York City with cable, phone or utility bills, bank statements, and residential leases, among other documents. The documents will be accepted on a point-based system that weighs document value, similar to the one used by the New York State DMV.

Applicants without a home address will be able to list a Care Of address on their card. Passports that are machine-readable will be accepted up to three years after expiration, but all other documents must be current. There will be a 30-day window for applicants to appeal IDNYC denials.

The need for the City of New York to create an additional form of government-issued photo identification is significant, as approximately half of New York City residents age 16 and over do not have a New York State Driver’s License. The IDNYC Card will connect New Yorkers in all five boroughs – regardless of immigration status, homeless status, or gender identity – to public and private sector services, including one-year free membership packages at 33 of the City’s leading cultural institutions.

On October 8, 2014, HRA held a public hearing on the proposed IDNYC rules, receiving feedback from advocates and members of the public on how this card should reflect the needs of all New Yorkers, and address concerns about privacy and security.

As a result of the feedback received at the hearing, Commissioners Banks and Agarwal formed a workgroup to develop three executive orders, mandating high levels of protection for cardholder information and stringent processes for dealing with third party requests for IDNYC cardholder information. The HRA Executive Orders establish that only HRA staff designated by the IDNYC Executive Director and the HRA General Counsel will have access to the IDNYC applicant database, and all access to databases and servers will be tracked through audit logs.  A fourth executive order sets forth details concerning the administrative appeals process for applicants who have been denied a card. Commissioner Banks signed and issued the executive orders in conjunction with the publication of the rules.

Read the full HRA Executive Orders Here: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/muniid/about/executive-orders.page

The technology firms Prutech and MorphoTrust were chosen through a competitive bid process to develop the card enrollment system. MorphoTrust is an internationally renowned company that works with 42 state DMVs to provide highly secure driver license and state identification cards. The firm has established itself as a leader in developing topline security systems that protect against fraud and offer among the most advanced security protections in the world. Prutech has a breadth of experience delivering complex technology projects for the City of New York.

The enrollment system will feature ID verification scanning technology and high-tech cameras. Additionally, nearly two dozen experienced HRA investigators have been hired by the IDNYC Program as Integrity Specialists to protect against fraud and verify applicant identity. IDNYC cards will be printed by 3M, which has established a reputation for its extensive experience printing fraud-resistant identification cards for states and national governments. The cards will be printed on polycarbonate cardstock and features will include an embedded hologram, applicant signature, an engraved City seal and a secondary, black and white ghost photo of the applicant.

IDNYC cards will be available to the public in January 2015. The full list of enrollment center locations will be announced in advance of the launch.

For more information and program updates, please visit: nyc.gov/idnyc.

Showing our Respect for the Honorable Herman Badillo

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

You should know that on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 11:00 AM there will be a Funeral Service for the repose of the soul of the Honorable Herman Badillo at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home located at 1076 Madison Avenue in New York City. 

  

You should know that Herman Badillo was an orphan from Puerto Rico who came to live in New York as a child.  He graduated from Brooklyn Law School as Valedictorian.  He was the first Hispanic to be appointed as a Commissioner of New York City.  He was the first Hispanic to be elected to serve as a Borough President in New York City.  He was the first Puerto Rican to be elected to the United States Congress as a voting Member. He was the first Hispanic to be a Deputy Mayor for any New York City Mayor. 

  

You should know that Herman Badillo’s career was dedicated to expanding the rights of all New Yorkers, and some of his greatest efforts included anti-poverty initiatives.  He established the first bi-lingual education program in the nation. His legacy and his work were on behalf of every member of the community, regardless of race, gender, age, or religion.  Herman Badillo had a brilliant mind and he represented our community with great distinction. 

  

You should know that in 1972, Congressman Herman Badillo wrote his first book titled "A Bill of No Rights: Attica and the American Prison System."  This book was about his experience in 1971 when he tried to negotiate on behalf of prisoners at Attica State Prison to help quell the riot during a prisoner-staged takeover.  In September of 1971, 1000 of the 2,200 prisoners in Attica staged a takeover and held 42 staff as hostages.  The prisoners were demanding a review of their conditions, and they asked for civilians to come and represent them. 

  

You should know that those requested by the prisoners included Louis Farrakhan from the Nation of Islam, civil rights attorney William Kunstler, Black Panthers leader Bobby Seale, and gay rights leader and playwright David Rothenberg.  Congressman Herman Badillo was also requested to attend by the Young Lords, and he went.  A discussion and meeting produced demands and terms for surrender and release of hostages.  However, Governor Nelson Rockefeller was determined to play tough and simply refused to talk or set a deadline.  He told the representatives to leave.  Most did leave, but both Rothenberg and Badillo refused.  Herman Badillo believed that if he left, then the guards would exact revenge and kill many of the prisoners. Herman Badillo fully expected to die when Nelson Rockefeller sent in the National Guard, but he refused to go. 

  

My dear reader, this was a remarkable instance of bravery and advocacy by Herman Badillo for the least among us.  It should not be forgotten when reviewing this great man’s life's work. 

  

You should know that Governor Nelson Rockefeller demanded that Badillo be forcefully removed in order to avoid a Congressional Inquiry into his death if he were killed when the State Police opened fire on the prisoners.  Because of Rockefeller’s orders, there were 43 deaths in Attica State Prison that included ten correctional officers and civilian employees, and 33 prisoners. A panel appointed by Governor Rockefeller to study this event concluded that Governor Rockefeller acted recklessly causing many deaths, unnecessarily.         

  

Ladies and gentlemen, out of respect for Herman Badillo and for all that this honorable and great man did in his life for all New Yorkers, we should all be there on Sunday to honor the life of one of the greatest leaders our city has known. 

  

My sympathies are with his family. 

  

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

Con Edison's Time is Up

  In the above photos the top photo of the current status of the high pressure gas pipes and other materials that is being stored on West 238th Street off Riverdale Avenue time is up.
  The date of completion is 12- 2 - 14. the newspaper below has the date of December 4th as you see in the bottom photo - click on the photo to enlarge it.
  So why are these pipes and materials still on West 238th Street when the current work by Con Edison's contractor is no where near this storage site that is taking up valuable metered parking spaces.

Wave Hill Events Dec 19–Dec 26

SAT, DECEMBER 20    FAMILY ART PROJECT: SNOW-GLOBE GIFT BOXES

Choose from live evergreen boughs and their wonderful scents and textures to create a winter wonderland snow-globe box. Add inhabitants and decorate it with shiny foil, snowy shapes and natural objects, such as cones, dried herbs and spices. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, DECEMBER 20    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 21    FAMILY ART PROJECT: SNOW-GLOBE GIFT BOXES

Choose from live evergreen boughs and their wonderful scents and textures to create a winter wonderland snow-globe box. Add inhabitants and decorate it with shiny foil, snowy shapes and natural objects, such as cones, dried herbs and spices. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, DECEMBER 21    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 21    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 21    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 22

Closed to the public

THU, DECEMBER 25    CHRISTMAS DAY

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 and Tuesday 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 at http://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.

The city we need to be: Bill de Blasio

Fellow New Yorkers -- Eric Garner's death was a terrible tragedy that no family should have to endure. For many across our city and our nation, yesterday's grand jury ruling compounds feelings of grief with dissatisfaction and anger. As we reflect on the weeks leading up to yesterday's decision and prepare our path forward, I want to share a snapshot of our short- and long-term plans to improve the relationship between police and the communities they serve. First, this is not the end of the story -- only the end of a chapter. The NYPD and the Justice Department will initiate their own investigations. Second, New York City owns a proud and powerful tradition of expression through non-violent protest. Demonstrations and free speech are valuable contributions to debate, but violence and disorder are not only wrong -- they are counterproductive. Frustration is understandable. Centuries of racism precede us. But working together, we can turn from that history and make a profound and lasting change in the culture of law enforcement and bring police and community closer together. We've already begun to make progress. We've dramatically reduced the overuse and abuse of stop-and-frisk, initiated a comprehensive plan to retrain the entire NYPD to reduce the use of excessive force and to work with the community, reduced arrests for minor marijuana possession, and given officers body cameras to improve transparency and accountability. And we know there is much more to be done. Finally, in recent weeks, protesters and activists have adopted a phrase that should never have to be said, but that the stains on our country's history demand we say: Black Lives Matter. When invoking this refrain, we must be mindful that issues surrounding policing and civil rights are not just an issue for people of color, they're not just a problem for young people, and they're not just a problem for people who get stopped by police. They're a problem for all Americans who care about justice. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Together, we must work to make this right, to work for justice, and to build the kind of city and the kind of country we need to be. And we will. Thank you, Bill de Blasio