Less Parking Higher Buildings - DeBlasio Plan

  Capital New York  reports that Our Mayor Bill deBlasio wants to allow for taller buildings, and reduce parking requirements for these new larger buildings at the same time. This would be done by zoning changes to allow the reduction or elimination of parking requirements for some affordable and Senior housing, as well as allowing for taller better looking buildings.

  The Department of City Planning will be changing these requirements which could take effect after public review by fall of this year. This is being done to help get the 200,000 affordable housing units Mayor deBlasio promised to get built by 2024, the end of his second term in office.

  All parking requirements would be ended for new low-income, inclusionary, and affordable senior housing units that are withing a half mile of mass transit. Current building that fall into this area would also be able to reduce or eliminate current parking which would be taken up on a case by case basis. 

  New zoning regulations would allow for increase heights of 5 - 15 feet on these new buildings. Restrictions on senior housing would also be redone to allow for mixed use buildings in this area. The bonus to allow for larger than allowable buildings if including a certain percentage of affordable units are included. This regulation however is useless since most buildings are already at the maximum size, and can not be built any higher because of zoning regulations. This new deBlasio proposal would change that to allow for higher building when affordable housing units are included. 

  Housing New York zoning for quality and affordability  is the city website for all the information. 

Bronx Elected Officials Will Celebrate Black History Month

  This “African-American Abrazo” by Team Diaz was a full house as usual for what is called the biggest Black History Event in the Bronx was celebrated last night. State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., Assembly Members Michael Blake, Luis Sepulveda and Marcos Crespo,  were joined by Public Advocate Letitia James, Bronx DA Robert Johnson, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., State Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (one of the honorees), State Senator Jose Marcos Serrano, city council members Vanessa Gibson and Andy King, Assemblywoman Latoya Joiner, and Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurea Greene. 

   The four members of Team Diaz 2015 each chose their own person to honor. State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. chose Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblyman Michael Blake chose Mr. Abraham Jones, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo chose Rev. Dimas Salaberrios, and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda Chose Ms. Neva Shillingford-King. 

  Both the U.S. National Anthem (Sung by Ms. Marie-Claire Giraud), and the Negro National Anthem (sung by Ms. Monica Soyemi) were played. At the end was a wonderful performance by Ms.Melanie Hill Gospel Violinist. The photos below will tell the story of the "African American Abrazo".

Team Diaz member Assemblyman Michael Blake was the Master of Ceremonies for the night. 

Above - The U.S. National Anthem is sung by Ms. Marie-Claire Giraud.
Below - The Negro National Anthem was sung by Ms. Monica Spyemi..

Above - State Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andres Stewart-Cousins was the honoree of State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.

Below - Senator Stewart- Cousins thanks Senator Diaz Sr. 

Above - Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda's honoree was Ms. Neva Shillingford-King  the wife of Councilman Andy King who is presenting her with flowers for the honor. 

Below - Both Councilman Andy King and his wife Ms. Neva Shillingford-King came dressed for the occasion.

Above - Public Advocate Letitia James continues in the spirit of giving rousing speeches.

Below - BP Diaz Jr. gets into the mood by picking up his fathers cowboy.

Above - After the introduction by his father, BP Diaz Jr.  thanks his father.

Below - Gospel Violinist Ms. Melanie Hill performs at the end of the program to a standing ovation.

TEAN DIAZ 2015

SENATOR KLEIN LAUNCHES BRONX SENIOR CENTER “LISTENING TOUR” AND AFFORDABILITY SURVEY

As part of 2015 IDC “Invest New York” Agenda, Klein Pushes Critical Programs & Policies to Support New York’s Seniors

New Survey Gauges Most-Pressing Financial Issues Facing Seniors Today

Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader State Senator Jeff Klein , joined by Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, today announced a month-long tour of Bronx senior centers at the Riverdale Y Senior Center in the Bronx. In order to fully gauge the financial hardships facing elderly New Yorkers, Senator Klein also announced the IDC’s Senior Affordability Survey -www.IDCInvestNY.com -- which will enable residents throughout the state to document their challenges in meeting the rising costs of homeowner expenses, property taxes, maintenance, utility bills, and other living expenses.  

Senator Klein said: “New York’s seniors make up the very foundation of this state and as such it is our duty to ensure they have the necessary resources and supports to live out their golden years with dignity, comfort and ease. As legislators, we have a fundamental responsibility to the generations that have come before us to support their health and well-being, financial security and long-term stability. Now is the time to invest in our seniors and create a framework that will reduce living costs and provide real-time relief. I encourage seniors across New York to take our Senior Affordability Survey, so that we can begin to turn the tide and bring greater prosperity and independence to those in retirement.”

Assemblyman Dinowitz said: “Many of our seniors living on fixed incomes struggle to make ends meet in the face of rising housing and utility costs. That’s why I have authored legislation to create a statewide Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate, which would represent the interests of residential utility customers, saving New York ratepayers millions of dollars annually in reduced utility costs. I am pleased that this proposal is a top priority of the IDC and an integral component of their Invest NY Senior Platform.”

After the visit to the Riverdale Y, Senator Klein traveled to JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center to visit with local seniors and discuss the IDC’s comprehensive 2015 Invest NY Senior Agenda. The IDC’s plan aims to make life more affordable for all seniors and works to address the fundamental disconnect between the current cost of living and long-term financial stability for older adults.

Key proposals include:

• Senior Housing Development Fund

One of the ways the IDC believes it can protect seniors is by making critical investments in new senior housing developments.  New York’s housing stock happens to also be the oldest in the nation and many older New Yorkers are subsequently left with outdated housing that needs to be improved or updated. A Senior Housing Development Fund, would provide the necessary capital funding in the form of grants to developers looking to build housing restricted to individuals over 62 years of age.  

• NORC Program Expansions

As more seniors choose to age in place rather than relocate to retirement communities, the state must continue to address the phenomenon of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC), allowing elderly residents to stay in their own homes.  As such the IDC proposes an expansion of the NORC Program by allocating an additional $5 million annually.

• REPAIR 2015 Program

For those seniors who wish to remain in their homes, the costs of repairs and home improvements can be daunting.  In order to address this dilemma, the IDC proposes REPAIR 2015, which would create a tax credit of up to $7,500 available directly to seniors for repairs to their home that would improve their health and safety.

• Senior Utility Circuit Breaker

In order to address this crushing costs of utility expenses, the IDC proposes a senior utility circuit breaker that would provide a senior household with relief equal to half of their expenses above the seven percent threshold.  Covered expenses would include electricity charges, gas, heating charges, water and sewer charges, internet as well as telephone charges.

• Utility Consumer Advocate

The IDC calls for the creation of an independent statewide Utility Consumer Advocate charged with ensuring that the public, including our struggling seniors, receives the consideration it deserves from New York’s utility-rate-setting bodies. This would ensure there is an independent voice at the table when regulated utilities ask for a rate increase.

• Department of Motor Vehicles Discount

Finally, the IDC calls for a senior discount related to costs associated at the Department of Motor Vehicles when individuals register their vehicles with the DMV and then re-register the car on a regular eight-year cycle.  The proposal equates to a 10% discount to senior citizens at least 65 years of age for their transactions with the DMV.

Above - Senator Klein explains the 'Invest New York' program by the IDC.

Below - Assemblyman Dinowitz is answering a question from a senior about how 'Inves New York' and other state programs will or have helped seniors.

Crespo to Homeland Security: Where is the Tornado Warning System Report Due Last Year?

As per 2013 Law authored by Assemblyman Crespo, NYS Office of Homeland Security had to prepare report on a State Tornado Warning System

  Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, member of the Assembly Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation and Chair of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, called on the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to provide the tornado warning system study required by a 2013 law he authored.  The report was due in March of last year and has not been completed as per State law (Chapter 379 of the Laws of 2013). Calls dating as far back to July of 2014 requesting the report have not yielded answers from the Division.

In the spring of 2013, the legislature passed and the Governor signed into law legislation requiring a study on the need for a tornado warning system for the State after Assemblyman Crespo released a report documenting a 600% increase in tornado activity in New York.

According to Crespo, “We have lost valuable time in implementing a redundant tornado warning system in a state without a warning system at all.  And redundant because relying exclusively on cellular phones to issue warnings would be foolish knowing storms can and have damaged cell phone towers.  New York must follow the example of other states that have put in place redundant tornado warning systems.”

“Last May alone, four residents of Madison County were killed in their home when a tornado struck.  Severe weather and high winds caused the cancellation of many outdoor events across the state last spring and summer.”

Crespo added, “In 2013, I documented the rising rates of tornadoes in New York State and highlighted the fact that our communities, households and individuals are ill prepared for such weather. As a state, we are even less prepared to issue the warnings communities need when a tornado is imminent. It was my hope that New York State would quickly move to deploy a system that will no doubt save lives.”

“The beginning of tornado season is a few weeks away. The deadly danger to all New Yorkers should be taken seriously.” Crespo added, “We need to know if the State’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has completed the required report and what their recommendations are for dealing with this very real threat to all New Yorkers.”

Crespo’s report reviewed 62 years of tornado activity in New York State and documented dramatic increases in the rate of tornado activity. According to Crespo, “Report data shows 69% of the 407 tornadoes that have impacted New York occurring since 1986, increasing in frequency over the past decade. Tornadoes now pose a tremendous risk to all of New York’s more than 19 million residents,” declared Crespo.

“What this report documents is an almost 600% increase in tornadoes impacting New York since 1970, when the prior 20 years only saw 47 tornadoes. Officially, 278 tornadoes have hit New York since 1986 and have injured hundreds of our residents and caused tens of millions of dollars in property damage.”

Over the past 15 years, 146 tornados have hit our State accounting for 35% of the 407 tornadoes impacting New York since 1950.  No area of New York has been spared with tornadoes as strong as an EF3 impacting the state on three occasions since 1997.

“New York City has also seen a 300% increase in tornado activity with 9 tornadoes hitting four of its five counties since 2003 with winds as high as 110 mph.  In the previous 18 years, only three tornadoes had impacted New York City and prior to 1985 none had ever been recorded,” stated Crespo.

“With stronger storms on the horizon, State action was and is diligently needed.” Crespo added. The report, titled Tornadoes Rising: The Increasing Rate of Tornadoes in New York State, An Overview of their Frequency and Destruction, is available on the New York State Assembly website at http://assembly.state.ny.us/member_files/085/20130701/index.pdf.

Tax Credit Information for Families

Too often, hardworking families miss the opportunity to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in federal and state tax credits. These tax credits are in place to help families make their hard-earned dollars stretch just a little further.

Current programs you may qualify for include: 

• the Empire State Child Credit, a refundable tax credit worth up to $330 per child for ages 4-16;
• the Child and Dependent Care Credit, a tax credit based on a sliding income scale for working parents who pay for child care or those who live with a spouse or dependent who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care;
• the federal Child Tax Credit, a non-refundable tax credit of up to $1,000 per child under the age of 17, or the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit;
• the Real Property Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit worth up to $375 for eligible homeowners and renters; and
• the New York City School Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit of up to $125 for qualifying taxpayers.

Additionally, if eligible, you may be able to recoup portions of the income tax that were withheld from your paycheck throughout the year. In fact, through an often overlooked tax break called the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), eligible taxpayers can get extra cash back from the IRS, New York State or New York City governments. These savings help many families cover their monthly bills and allow them to put some money away for the future.  

To qualify for the New York State and federal EITC, you must:

• have worked full or part time at some point during the calendar year;
• have income below $38,511 ($43,941 if married) with one child;
• have income below $43,756 ($49,186 if married) with two children;
• have income below $46,997 ($52,427 if married) with three or more children; or
• be a worker between the ages of 25 and 65, earning less than $14,590 ($20,020 if married) with no children.

To be eligible for the New York City EITC, in addition to the above requirements, you must be a full or part-year resident of New York City, claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and file a New York State income tax return.

Tax season doesn’t need to be a stressful time of year, and assistance is available to help you prepare your taxes. The IRS-certified volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provide free tax preparation services to individuals and families with annual incomes of $53,000 or less. For those 60 years of age and older, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program can also provide assistance at no cost to you. To find the nearest VITA or TCE site, visit irs.gov/Individuals/Find-a-Location-for-Free-Tax-Prep or call 800-906-9887.

I encourage you to set aside some time and check what tax credits you’re eligible for.These tax credits exist for your benefit; if you’re eligible, they can help you lower your taxes and even put money back in your pocket.

To learn more about the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit, visit irs.gov. For information or questions on New York State taxes, the state EITC and New York City tax credits, visit tax.ny.gov. New York City residents may also visit nyc.gov/taxprep for additional assistance.

And, as always, please feel free to contact me about this or any other community issue at 718-931-2620.

Assemblyman,

Luis R. Sepulveda

Some Photos From the State of the Borough Speech

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. emphasizes one of his many points in the State of the Borough.

  BP Diaz looks at Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie while stressing for needed help from Albany.

   Could it be that there are two off the 'men in the room' sitting on both ends of State Comptroller Tom Dinapoli? Former State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein to his right. and on his left Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

  Could Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson be asking for some political advice from former Bronx Borough President Ferrer, for this years Bronx District Attorney's race? Behind them are city council members Annabelle Palma and Jimmy Vacca. 

  Councilman Fernando Cabrera chats with soon to be new Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo whose back is to the camera. Also in the photo is the 'Dashing Colorful City Councilman Andy King, in whose council district the state of the borough speech was given. 

BP DIAZ DELIVERS SIXTH ‘STATE OF THE BOROUGH’ ADDRESS

Editors Note:

  This year was the 6th State of the Borough speech by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. In his last 5 State of the Borough addresses BP Diaz was energetic, happy to list his accomplishments, and spoke very fast to get everything in. This year however BP Diaz sounded like the seasoned elected official we all knew was there, speaking softly and at a slower pace, and spoke of how the borough  of the Bronx, and even other boroughs will move ahead under his leadership in the coming years. 

As previously stated this was the Ruben Diaz Jr. many of us were waiting for.

Below are excerpts from the 6th State of the Borough speech by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. given at the new Mall at Bay Plaza. 

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ DELIVERS

SIXTH ‘STATE OF THE BOROUGH’ ADDRESS

  “We've seen unprecedented, transformative growth since I became the borough president,” said Borough President Diaz. The state of The Bronx is stronger than it has been in decades. We are maximizing our assets, while improving our quality of life.” Unemployment has dropped, and The Bronx has seen record investment, including over $1 billion in new investment last year alone.

   “We will examine possible costs and potential density, and will take the first step towards creating new space as a key component of our city's housing and economic development future,”  The study of the potential decking of three borough train yards—149^th Street, the Grand Concourse yards (near his alma mater, Lehman College), and the 1 train yards connecting Riverdale and Kingsbridge.  The expansion of “impact investing” in New York City. Impact investments are ventures made with the intention to generate measurable social and environmental benefit, alongside a financial return. Borough President Diaz’s proposal would leverage a revolving fund with private sector investment to accelerate the greening of large residential buildings.

  On education, Borough President Diaz noted the racial disparities in admissions at the city’s three specialized high schools—the Bronx High School of Science, Stuyvesant High School and Brooklyn Technical High School. He proposed the creation of new specialized high schools, one in each borough that would use a portfolio system to select its freshman class. These new schools would also guarantee admissions to the top two performers in each city middle school. “We must ensure that the best and brightest from every community have a chance to excel,” added Borough President Diaz.

  He highlighted a number of new projects coming to the borough, including the redevelopment of the former Bronx General Post Office by Youngwoo & Associates, Freshdirect’s relocation to Port Morris, York Studios’ plan to build a new film and television studio in Soundview and the future Kingsbridge National Ice Center. Also highlighted the future redevelopment of the Harlem River waterfront, he urged the State to move on the reconstruction of the Sheridan Expressway, and called on the City to create a new freezer facility for the fish and produce markets at Hunts Point.

  He discussed his office’s efforts to employ Bronxites, highlighting the success of “NY Works” in his speech. Launched in August in partnership with the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State Department of Labor, “NY Works” puts Bronxites into direct contact with borough employers, and has so far led to more than 4,000 job placements. “We are bringing together development and job placement like never before.” He then thanked Ms. Marlene Cintron the head of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. 

  He highlighted his office’s legislative agenda, including his continuing push for a citywide and statewide public gun offender registry. Borough President Diaz also discussed his proposal for a letter grading system for cosmetology businesses, which he announced in September 2014. 

  

  Borough President Diaz noted several other future initiatives in his speech, and closed with a remembrance of former Bronx Borough President Herman Badillo and former Governor Mario Cuomo, both of whom passed away in 2014. “We move forward, in the spirit of Herman Badillo and Mario Cuomo. We move forward, understanding that we can design and enact a transformative agenda for our future while also respecting the hardships and the glories of our past,” he said. Borough President Diaz ended the speech by saying - “Look at where we are today, 'The Mall at Bay Plaza'. Look at the hundreds of Bronxites working here this morning. Look around you at this tremendous structure, and the new opportunities it has brought to our borough. “We can, and we will. because we deserve it.” 

The full speech can be read at http://on.nyc.gov/1zOPJF9.

  

INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE TO UNVEIL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO REINVEST IN AFFORDABLE AND PUBLIC HOUSING IN NEW YORK

Multifaceted vision outlines clear pathway to transforming housing for millions of New Yorkers

NEW YORK, NY - Independent Democratic Conference Leader State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) unveiled the IDC’s bold and comprehensive housing agenda to members of the New York Housing Conference at a luncheon event on Thursday.

Klein, joined by fellow IDC member Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland), gave a thorough and engaging hour-long presentation which outlined the current state of housing in New York City and State and presented the IDC’s policy proposals to preserve the nation’s largest housing stock and increase the funding and construction of new affordable housing units for middle-income and low-income New Yorkers. The plan, presented to housing advocates, stakeholders and developers seeks to combat the high cost of living, deteriorating state of public housing and increased demand for middle class affordable housing. Highlights included the IDC’s Mitchell Lama 2020 agenda, Middle Income Housing Tax Credit and Public Housing Revitalization Plan and Senior Housing Capital Investment.

The IDC’s housing plan, which is the cornerstone of the IDC Invest NY 2015 legislative agenda, creates a roadmap to:

• Preserve current housing stock in new and tangible ways with targeted maintenance, repairs and upgrades
• Make smart capital funding investments to increase investments in construction
• Prioritize new construction that is affordable to New Yorkers
• Develop smart and sustainable construction

Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein said: “This vision ensures that every New Yorker, regardless of income, can live safely and comfortably in an affordable apartment or home for many years to come. Our plan also revitalizes public housing with vital upgrades and repairs while holding NYCHA accountable, enhances funding for much-needed middle income housing and provides increased housing support for our seniors and other vulnerable populations. This plan charts a clear course for New York to demonstrate that we not only have the largest housing stock in the nation, but the strongest.”

Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) said: "This forward-thinking plan revitalizes and expands New York's much-needed affordable housing stock. Too many hardworking New Yorkers pay more than 30 percent — some more than 50 percent — of their incomes on rent. We recognize the need for more middle-income housing options so that these New Yorkers could afford to stay right here. Our vision also includes a major investment in NYCHA to finally cure the deplorable conditions that residents live with day in and day out."

Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida) said: "Housing, especially for our vulnerable populations, is a critical issue, and the IDC proposal ensures that funding will be available statewide."

The IDC housing plan three-pronged approach includes:

Enhanced funding for the Mitchell-Lama 2020 Agenda

The IDC plan invests an additional $650 million in middle-income housing on top of the $100 million already secured in the 2015-2016 Executive State Budget, for a total of $750 million over five years. The $100 million in the executive budget is dedicated to a Moderate Income Loan program for new construction ($50 million) and for preserving existing Mitchell Lama developments ($50 million). The IDC is calling for an additional $650 million to be used for the Moderate Income Loan program.  

In addition the IDC proposes using $25 million for the Middle Income Housing Tax Credit which would provide tax credits for developers financing the construction of middle-class units.

NYCHA 2020 Public Housing Revitalization Plan

The IDC proposes a three-point plan that will provide much needed funds for NYCHA to repair and maintain current units while ensuring greater accountability and streamlining essential upgrades. This includes (1) $500 million ($250 million from the state & $250 million from the city) through a Public Housing Revitalization Fund for repairs, rehabilitation and upgrades (2) a restoration of $12 million in annual State operating subsidies for NYCHA, and (3)  proposing the NYCHA Repair Certificate program – this program would allow private developers to obtain a zoning bonus (higher FAR) in areas being up-zoned in exchange for conducting expeditious repair work in NYCHA buildings.

The NYCHA 2020 plan creates accountable guidelines to reform the authority’s management, streamline its procurement and repairs, improve its customer service, reduce its bureaucracy, and set NYCHA on a path to long-term financial sustainability.

Housing for Our Vulnerable Populations

In order to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health issues, and our seniors have a safe and comfortable place to call home, the IDC calls for: (1) a $40 million fund dedicated to providing a direct subsidy for developers to incentivize housing for middle- and low-income seniors; (2) a REPAIR 2015 tax credit of up to $7,500 for repairs to seniors’ homes where the resident cannot afford the cost of the project; (3) the creation of a $25 million housing disability fund that would be used to leverage up to $180 million in private financing to be used to develop or retrofit up to 1,400 housing units for people with mental or developmental disabilities. (4) setting aside $10 million of existing Medicaid redesign team supportive housing funds for the upstate region (Valesky S.625).

NYC Councilmember Ritchie Torres, Chair of the Committee on Public Housing:“For too long the state has abdicated its responsibility to public housing and complacently accepted its rapid decline. I commend Senator Klein and the IDC for providing a long overdue roadmap for Albany’s reinvestment in NYCHA and common sense reforms to ensure public housing is accessible to New York’s most vulnerable populations.”

Rachel Fee, Executive Director of the New York Housing Conference said: “The IDC pays special attention to seniors in need of affordable housing.  With a growing senior population, it makes sense for the State to invest $40 million in cost-effective housing opportunities for seniors to age in place with dignity. I applaud Senator Klein for his forward-thinking approach to planning for the housing needs of the State’s aging population.”

Jolie Milstein, President and CEO of NYS Association for Affordable Housing said: “Supportive housing is a proven cost-effective tool for enhancing stability and quality of life for New York’s most vulnerable populations. Given the tremendous need for this type of housing, NYSAFAH supports an equitable allocation of MRT funds throughout the state to ensure that no community is left behind.”

U.S. Census Bureau statistics show that between 2000-2012, New York State’s housing stock grew by a mere 5.8%.  Federal data also cites New York as having the oldest housing stock in the nation and a greater percentage of residents living in multi-family dwellings and buildings than anywhere else in the United States. According to the New York State Comptroller’s Office 50% of state households pay more than 30% of their gross income on housing and more than a quarter of renters (28%) spend more than half their gross income on housing.