CB 7 Public Hearing on the Preliminary Budget

Bronx Community Board #7 will be hosing a Public Hearing on the Preliminary Budget on March 3, 2015. The hearing will focus on the City Agencies' responses to the budget priorities that were submitted last year (see the attached document). 

WHEN: Tuesday, March 3, 2015

TIME: 5:00 pm

WHERE:  CB7 - 229 East 204th Street; Bronx.

Call 718-933-9650 for more information.

CM Cohen Prays at the Western Wall

Council Member Andrew Cohen prays at the Western Wall in Jerusalem during his first visit to Israel on February 21^st. The Councilman joined his colleagues in the Council Delegation on a week-long trip to strengthen the relationship between the Israeli leadership and New York City, which was hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.

"Who Gave This Son of a Bitch His Green Card?"

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

You should know that the immigrant community was insulted and disrespected by actor Sean Penn during last night’s Oscars presentation. 

You should also know that during last night's Oscars, Alejandro González Iñárritu provided several magnificent moments of pride for Mexicans and for the entire international Hispanic community. The movie Birdman was directed by Mr. Iñárritu, winning Oscars for directing, screenplay and cinematography.  During one of his gracious acceptance speeches - for Best Director of Birdman - the proud Mexican made a public plea for Americans to treat immigrants with respect. 

As American actor Sean Penn stood before the world to open the envelope for Best Movie, he took a long pause and directing his comments toward Alejandro González Iñárritu he said: "Who gave this son of a bitch his green card?" 

You should know Mr. Penn is one of the biggest liberals in Hollywood, and it has to be said that his racist remark was a huge dishonor to someone who had just requested respect for all.  Mr. Penn's comment also implied that there is something illegal about Mr. Iñárritu's success here in the United States. 

While I won't deny all of the glory Mr. Penn should receive for his humanitarian aid, that does not excuse his racist comment.  If those same remarks were made by any Conservative American, all hell would break loose. The double standard that exists in our society allows liberals to make racist jokes. 

Where is the outrage about Sean Penn's disgraceful and disgusting joke? Where are all of the groups that claim to be out there fighting for equality? Where are their voices?  Where are the editorial boards and pundits and why aren't they holding Sean Penn's feet to the fire? I can't imagine any conservative making any comment like that and getting a pass.

My dear reader, much has been said about the Oscars nominations where only Caucasian actors were nominated.  Despite that, a great moment of hope shined through and celebrated the talents of Alejandro González Iñárritu. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I join with the Mexican community and with all Hispanics to celebrate and treasure the memory of last night's Oscars Award Ceremony - but I also join everyone who opposes racism as I wait for a very public apology from Sean Penn. 

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

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