LETTER FROM ASSEMBLYMAN PICHARDO 86th A.D.

Dear Neighbor,

  

The New Year is here, marking the start of the 2015-2016 Legislative Session. As your representative in the New York State Assembly, I am honored to be your voice in Albany and fight for the issues that matter most to our community!

Over the next few months, I will be traveling back and forth between the 86th Assembly District and Albany, working to pass this year's budget. As always, I am deeply focused on strengthening and improving our community. Beginning in February, I plan to start hosting monthly community town hall meetings and events. I will be sending out this information in a monthly Newsletter, so please be on the lookout! You can also stay up to date on community news and events by liking my Facebookpage or following me on Twitter andInstagram.

  

Whether I'm up in Albany or here in the Bronx, the 86th Assembly District is always on my mind. My District Office is open to assist you with your needs, so please do not hesitate to call, or stop by the office for help.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely, 

 

Member of Assembly

86th District

  

RECOGNIZING DOMINICAN HERITAGE

It was an honor to recognize Juan Pablo Duarte, the father of Dominican Independence, in the Assembly on the 202nd Anniversary of his birth, and acknowledge the contribution of Dominican Nationals and Dominican Americans who keep Juan Pablo Duarte's memory and accomplishments alive. I had the pleasure of introducing members of the Instituto Duartiano and the Dominican Consulate to the Assembly, whom I recognized for their outstanding commitment to honoring Dominican Heritage.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON RENT REGULATION LAWS

On June 15, 2015, New York's rent regulation laws are set to expire. Unless these laws are renewed by the State Legislature,  it will be difficult, if not impossible, to afford living in New York City.   I am committed to making sure that we not only renew these laws, but strengthen them in order to make it more difficult for landlords to harass tenants and evict them from their homes for the purpose  of making a profit. I have committed to signing on to different pieces of legislation in order to protect tenants, like yourself, from these predatory practices:  End Fraudulent Fees: A555 (Dinowitz) This bill would prohibit surcharges for tenant installed appliances, such  as air conditioners or washing machines, where the tenant pays for electric utility services.  Rent Control Relief: A7881 (Rosenthal) This bill will end the annual 7.5% rent increases and bring the increases for rent controlled tenants in line with rent stabilization adjustments. Eliminate the Vacancy Bonus: A7343 (Kavanagh)& Repeal  Deregulation of Rent Regulated Apartments A landlord is able to  increase his rent by 20% once a tenant vacates an apartment. This is called a "vacancy bonus." Eliminating this perverse incentive is critical,  and will help prevent landlords from kicking tenants out based on their  desire to make more money. Also, preventing the deregulation of rent  regulated apartments will further protect tenants from harassment.    In the 86th Assembly District, there are an estimated 29,000 rent  regulated apartments, which includes both rent controlled and rent  stabilized units. I will keep fighting to make sure that affordability  in the Bronx a priority, and I work with the State Legislature to protect tenants and keep them in their homes! Office Locations District: 2175 Jerome Avenue, Suite C Bronx, NY 10453   Albany: 920 LOB Albany, NY 12210 Contact Me: District Office: 718-933-6909 Albany Office: 518-455-5511 pichardov@assembly.state.ny.us Official Website            FOLLOW ME  ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

Wave Hill Events Feb 27–Mar 6

  The transition from February to March is surely a time of intense anticipation. Recognizing that, Wave Hill offers not just the garden landscape itself, but programs that, taking a page from Mother’s Nature book, will inspire you to experience the turn of the seasons. May I particularly recommend the new “Outdoor Survival Workshop” on Saturday, the outstanding performance planned forSunday and the art workshop that Wennie Huang is leading starting on March 4?

SAT, FEBRUARY 28    FAMILY ART PROJECT: GIVE THE WINTER BIRD A HOME AND A FEEDER

Learn about how local birds survive the winter. Which ones stay and which ones go? Using recycled materials, make a little home or feeder for those who stay, and decorate it with natural materials to welcome in your new feathery friends. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 28    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

SAT, FEBRUARY 28    OUTDOOR SURVIVAL WORKSHOP

Do you have the courage to survive in the great outdoors? It takes grit, skills and maybe even a little help from a paper clip. Join environmental educator Carl Heitmuller from the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum for a hands-on Survival 101 workshop. Discover how the simplest everyday materials like fishing line, duct tape or Chap-stick can aid in your survival. Venture outside to build a debris shelter from natural objects, then warm up with hot cocoa in front of the fireplace in the Ecology Building. Space is limited; reservations recommended, at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. This workshop will take place both indoors and outdoors. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1PM

SUN, MARCH 1    FAMILY ART PROJECT: GIVE THE WINTER BIRD A HOME AND A FEEDER

Learn about how local birds survive the winter. Which ones stay and which ones go? Using recycled materials, make a little home or feeder for those who stay, and decorate it with natural materials to welcome in your new feathery friends.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 1    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions in March are held indoors.  Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, MARCH 1    MEDITATION

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

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

SUN, MARCH 1    CONCERT: MICHAEL BROWN, COMPOSER/PIANIST

Lauded for “great confidence and rhythmic flair” by Gramophone Magazine, Michael Brown was recently recognized by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, naming him to its prestigious CMS2 program beginning with the 2015-16 season. Wave Hill audiences have the pleasure of hearing this distinctive young composer/pianist first when he offers Beethoven, Couperin and a work of his own. $28 general admission, $15 child (ages 8 to 18). $22 Wave Hill Member, $12 Wave Hill Member child. Registration required, online at www.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, MARCH 1    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, MARCH 2

Closed to the public

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4    MIXING-MEDIA ART WORKSHOP BEGINS

With artist Wennie Huang as your guide, discover the possibilities of mixed media, using the plants found in Wave Hill’s greenhouses as your inspiration. Practice methods of layering, multiplying and composing as you combine watercolor, colored pencil and pastel to illustrate details of the natural world. All levels welcome. $260/$200 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online atwww.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11. This six-session series continues March 11, 18, 25 and April 1 and 8.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

WED, MARCH 4    NIGHT LIGHTS TICKETS ON SALE

Wave Hill’s 50th anniversary celebrations reach a crescendo this spring with a month-long celebration, when, for the first time in Wave Hill’s history, visitors will be invited to return in the evening to enjoy the garden landscape at a time of day and during a season when it is normally closed to the public. Take in The Lightening—an immersive installation at the Aquatic Garden—wander through Glyndor Gallery and find plenty to edify body and soul in The Shop and The Café. Rain or shine. Same-day tickets for Night Lights at Wave Hill: $25/$20 Wave Hill Member/$12 children. Purchase tickets in advance and save $2. Tickets available starting March 4, online atwww.wavehill.org and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. A Wave Hill at 50 anniversary event.

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. Closes5:30PM, 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 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 atwww.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

DOT Finally Changes 30 MPH Sign to 25 MPH in Front of PS 81 - Dinowitz Clams Credit

In a story we first reported on back on December 5th of 2014 about the speed limit sign of 30 MPH in front of PS 81 not being changed to the new November 2014 law of the 25 MPH, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is taking credit for getting it done.  

Assemblyman Dinowitz pleased to announce DOT’s installment of new speed limit signage near PS 81

Agency replaced outdated “Speed limit 30” signs after Assemblyman Dinowitz voiced concerns about student safety

Bronx, NY – Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is pleased to announce that the NYC Department of Transportation has responded to concerns he voiced about outdated “Speed limit 30” signs outside of PS 81 and along Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx, which remained posted months after the city lowered its default speed limit to 25 miles per hour. After Assemblyman Dinowitz called attention to the fact that these outdated signs paradoxically allowed cars to travel faster in front of the school than they could on nearby streets, the Department of Transportation replaced the signs with new ones reflecting a 25 mph speed limit.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “I would like to thank the Department of Transportation for responding to my concerns about outdated ‘Speed limit 30’ signs near PS 81. Cars regularly speed along Riverdale Avenue between West 254^th Street and West 256^th Street, endangering the lives of students and other pedestrians in the area. The new 25 mile per hour speed limit signs will remind drivers that driving slower saves lives. I urge the DOT to make the removal of any other outdated speed limit signs near schools in New York City a similarly high priority.”

Editors Note:
We have no problem with Assemblyman Dinowitz taking credit for this, but Assemblyman Dinowitz - Where were you since December 5th? Does it take more than 2 months or should we say 3 months (since the lower speed limit was enacted) to take care of this dangerous situation where cars, trucks, and buses were allowed to go over the citywide speed limit, and worse in front of a local elementary school?

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ HOSTS ANNUAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION

On Thursday, February 12, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his Annual African-American Heritage Celebration, recognizing “A Century of African-American Life, Heritage and Culture.”

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson and Karen Washington, a community activist and urban farmer who encourages healthy eating, were honored by Borough President Diaz at the event.

“During this time we have to reflect on the past and how it has shaped us. History is made each day and it is because of the hard work, protesting, marching and speaking of injustice from leaders in the past, we are able to celebrate freedom of African-Americans,” said Borough President Diaz as he spoke to the community members and invited guests.

District Attorney Thompson spoke about his upbringing and memories of The Bronx. “My heritage is in the Bronx and in Co-op City, where my mother still lives. Back in 1973, we were one of the first black families to move into the area and it has helped shaped me to be who I am. I am grateful for all that I have been blessed to do because of the opportunity that started here in this borough,” District Attorney Thompson stated.

“I am excited and so happy to be here amongst everyone,” said Karen Washington as she accepted her award. “With our borough facing such a high rates of obesity, it is important that we educate and break down the race barriers and address a more holistic approach to eating garden vegetables.”

In addition, Jamaal Bailey was presented the inaugural Jonathan Hicks Memorial Award, named for the pioneering journalist, mentor and activist who passed away in 2014.

“There is a quote by Frederick Douglass that says, ‘If There Is No Struggle, There Is No Progress,’ and I truly believe that if we continue to struggle we will make progress,” stated Mr. Bailey as he accepted his award.

From left to right are - Jamaal Bailey, Borough President Diaz, Dr. Dena Robins, Bessie Jackson, Karen Washington and PIX11 co-anchor Kori Chambers, who emceed the event.

Above and Below - The Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music band played during the program. 

And the event was not with out the elected officials as former Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie who is now the new Assembly Speaker is with Parkchester Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.

Events From Senator Jeff Klein

SENATOR KLEIN HOSTS 20TH ANNUAL “VALENTINES FOR VETERANS”

State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), joined by Miss USA 2014 Nia Sanchez, Miss Teen USA K. Lee Graham and students from P.S. 83, today donated more than 200 Valentine’s Day Cards and gift bags to veterans at the 20th annual “Valentines for Veterans” celebration held at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center.

"For more than 20 years, I have proudly hosted 'Valentines for Vets’ as a way to honor  and support our local American heroes. This special event, coinciding with the National Salute to Veterans, is a way to give back to all those who have given us so much -- those who have fought for our freedom and our democracy," said Senator Klein. "Today, I salute our men and women in uniform and I thank everyone for coming out and showing their appreciation, including P.S. 83, the Bronx schools who prepared and donated gift bags, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.”

"The National Salute to Veteran Patients gives everyone a chance to let our veterans know just how very much they are appreciated. Our medical center’s 464 volunteers are an important part of our healthcare team and donate over 85,000 hours of their precious time to our veterans.  The National Salute program is a great way for people to learn more about helping the veterans we serve," said James J. Peters VA Medical Center Medical Director, Dr. Erik Langhoff.  

The event featured a performance by the P.S. 83 school choir, a special dedication to to our men and women in uniform and local veterans from the surrounding community. After the program, Senator Klein, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and children from P.S. 83 distributed Valentine’s Day cards and gift bags prepared by more than 25 schools across the Bronx to residents. Donations items included stationery, pens and pencils, playing cards, stamps, handkerchiefs, soap and more.  

“Being involved in ‘Valentines for Vets’ during my year as Miss USA is an honor not only because I get to show my appreciation to the men and women that served our country, but also because I come from a military background,” said  Nia Sanchez, Miss USA 2014. “Both my Grandfather and Father served in the military and it was an extremely influential part of my upbringing.  What a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!”

“Valentines for Veterans” is held during the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, a weeklong celebration commemorating the more than 98,000 men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Services and are now cared for by the Department of Veterans Affairs in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes across the U.S. The National Salute seeks to spread awareness and appreciation for veterans by encouraging citizens to visit hospitalized veterans in their communities.

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Special Recognition for Senator Klein in Establishing SUV Program in the Bronx

State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) was today honored for his outstanding commitment to and continued funding support for the Stand Up to Violence (SUV) Program at the 2015 North Bronx Healthcare Network Legislative Forum at Jacobi Medical Center.

“Three years ago, when I first introduced the SUV Program here in the Bronx, we were facing an epidemic of violence in our streets, our backyards and our communities,” said Senator Klein. “In just three short years, this program has made a significant impact on guns and gang violence and reduced the incidence of shootings by approximately 40% in targeted areas, including the 47th and 49th precincts. SUV’s aggressive and proven approach makes it clear to our young people that guns and gang violence do not need to be a way of life.”

The SUV Program is a unique, innovative violence prevention program which deploys “violence interrupters” to targeted high-crime areas across the Bronx. Interrupters work to identify and detect the presence of violence, and then interrupt and prevent future acts. Violence interrupters are hand-picked based on their ability to relate to high-risk youth, their background and connections to the local community. The SUV program is administered in partnership with Jacobi Medical Center and Fellowship Tabernacle Church.

"We are very grateful for Senator Klein's support of the 'Stand Up to Violence' Program.  Medical studies have shown that if someone comes into an Emergency Room with an intentionally inflicted traumatic wound, there's a 20% chance that within five years they will be dead,” said William P. Walsh, Senior VP of Jacobi Medical Center. “The SUV program allows us to look beyond those wounds and examine other needs the patient may have.  Furthermore, our workers are out in their 'Target Area' everyday educating and intervening with young people most at risk to lower the shooting rates and literally save lives before they cross our doors. Sen. Klein's funding makes this all  possible."

Philadelphia Here We Come For 2016 Democrat Convention

  Within two weeks of New York City announcing a host committee for the 2016 Democratic Convention Philadelphia has been chosen to be the host city of the 2016 Democratic convention. Mayor Bill deBlasio was proud to announce the city had raised 20 million dollars of the 100 million dollars that would be needed to host the 2016 Democratic convention. The city had spent 13.5 million dollars of the 20 million dollars as of January 31st 2015 to try to host the 2016 Democratic convention. Check the blog archive in January 2015 under the heading New York City Announces Host Committee dated January 31st. 

    I do hope that City Comptroller Scott Stringer has kept a tab on just how much money City and private that was spent on this dream of Mayor Mike deBlasio, Mayor Bill Bloomberg, or whatever our current mayor's name is.  

  In the January 15th Bronx News and Parkchester Newspapers my 100 PERCENT column was titled Columbus, Philadelphia, or Brooklyn. My prediction then was that the 2016 Democratic convention would be held in Philadelphia, and not New York, or Columbus. Below is a reprint of my January 15th 100 PERCENT column.

Columbus, Philadelphia or Brooklyn?

Just like the previous Mayor Michael Bloomberg banked most of his chips on getting the Olympics, our current Mayor Bill deBlasio is betting on getting the 2016 Democratic convention for Brooklyn. There are however two other cities that are in the running, and it looks like Brooklyn will come in second or third. My prediction as to where the 2016 Democratic convention will be held is in the city of Philadelphia. Why would I say Philadelphia and not Brooklyn? I hear almost nothing from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and everything from the deBlasio administration. Yes there is a new arena in Brooklyn to hold the convention, but why hold it in a state that will vote Democratic no matter what. If I were on the search committee I would look for a swing state city such as Philadelphia, which is close enough to New York City.

Columbus is also a swing state, but I believe even if the Democratic convention were to be held there it would not matter, and by not having it in Philadelphia the state of Pennsylvania would wind up a Republican state. So Mayor Bill deBloomberg don't waste any more city money or time on this dream.  .

THE BRONX INVITES THE POPE TO YANKEE STADIUM FOR MASS

 New York City Council Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr., New York City Comptroller, Scott Stringer, Congressman Jose E. Serrano and New York City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson are publicly inviting Pope Francis to Yankee Stadium. In a full-page newspaper ad the officials are asking The Pontiff to conduct a mass at the new Stadium when he visits NYC in September. The last papal mass at Yankee Stadium was led by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 at the old Stadium. 

“We have a new Pope, a new Stadium and a new hope for The Bronx and our city,” said Speaker Mark-Viverito.

“This is the 50th anniversary of the first-ever, papal visit to the United States,” Borough President Diaz said. “We are inviting Pope Francis to celebrate that historic event here, this fall,” 

“It would be an honor to host the first Latin American Pope in the only New York district with a Latino majority,” said Congressman Serrano. 

“Papal visits to the Stadium are a great city tradition which we want to continue,” said Comptroller Stringer.

 “The whole district is excited,” said the BID’s executive director, Dr. Cary Goodman. “This community has hosted global leaders like Nelson Mandela, Rev. Billy Graham and three Popes,” Councilwoman Gibson noted. “We’d love to host Pope Francis, too.”  

The Pope’s New York itinerary has not yet been finalized.

AN INVITATION TO POPE FRANCIS

As New Yorkers, we are honored and delighted that you will be visiting our great city next September. 

Your appearance before the world’s Presidents, Prime Ministers and Premiers will be a highlight of the UN’s General Assembly.

We, the undersigned, invite you to conduct a public mass at Yankee Stadium while you are here.

Your address to The Bronx’s families, friends and faithful will commemorate a fifty year tradition

A mass at Yankee Stadium will help lift the spirits of our citizens and offer a vision of hope.begun by Pope Paul VI, followed by John Paul II and last done by Benedict XVI.

Yankee Stadium is the Bronx’s great cathedral, and the largest stadium in our city, a global icon befitting your ministry

Please accept our invitation in the name of a world of peace and justice.

Respectfully,

NYC City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, U.S. Congressman Jose E. Serrano,  NYC Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, and 161st Street BID Dr. Cary Goodman

A STRONG 2014 FOR NEW YORK CITY TEMPERED BY SLOWER ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE FOURTH QUARTER

  Unemployment Fell to Lowest Rate in Six Years

   New York City's economy continued its solid growth in 2014, outpacing the nation on many fronts despite a slowdown in the fourth quarter, according to the NYC Quarterly Economic Update released today by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer.

"While our economy lost momentum late in the year, most indicators are trending in the right direction for New York City," Comptroller Stringer said. "Job growth has been robust, unemployment is down and personal income tax revenues are at the highest level on record.  In 2015, we expect to see continued progress in restoring all of the City's communities to economic health."

2014 was one of the best job-producing years for New York City on record, with 88,900 (2.6 percent) private-sector jobs added, but in the fourth quarter, those jobs dropped slightly on a seasonally adjusted basis. Real Gross City Product (GCP), a measure of the City's total economic output, grew at an estimated 2.8 percent annual rate in 4Q14, a healthy but still weaker pace than the 4.2 percent registered in the previous quarter. Consumer spending, powered by rising employment and lower gasoline and heating prices, continued to drive economic growth.

Despite this data, bright spots remained in the City's fourth quarter performance:

• New York City's unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) fell to 6.3 percent in 4Q14, the lowest quarterly average rate in over six years. The New York City and the U.S. unemployment rates averaged 7.3 and 6.2 percent respectively, in 2014. Both rates were the lowest since 2008. 
• New York City personal income tax revenues rose 10.8 percent, on a year-over-year basis, to over $2.3 billion in 4Q14, the highest fourth-quarter level on record. This reflects the city's employment growth and possibly some redemptions of previously-awarded restricted stock bonuses. It may also indicate improving wage rates and salaries, which have been stagnant through much of the recovery.
• Venture capital investment in the New York metro area was about $1.2 billion in 4Q14, the same as last year's fourth quarter, but below the $1.7 billion in 3Q14 (Chart 2). Nonetheless, total venture capital investment in 2014 surpassed $5 billion, which was about 59 percent higher than the $3.2 billion in 2013. 
• New leasing activity of Manhattan office space in 4Q14 totaled almost 8.4 million square feet (msf), over 16 percent higher than 4Q13 and the best fourth quarter since 2004. As a result, year-to-date leasing activity was about 32.8 msf, about 28 percent higher than 2013 and the highest level since 1998.
• Hotel occupancy rates remain above 90 percent, with initial data suggesting that 4Q14 could see the highest fourth-quarter rates in the city's history.  The average daily hotel room cost $336 in October-November of 2014, up from $334 in the same period of 2013. 

"The economic recovery continued to build in 2014 for New York City; a slower final quarter should be viewed in that context," Stringer said. "As we head into 2015, we will continue to watch whether some of the wage gains we saw this past year will raise the paychecks of working New Yorkers."

To view the full report, please click here.