Monday, March 23, 2015

Funeral Arrangements for Carmen Rosa, District Manager, Community Board 12



We regret to report the passing of Carmen Rosa, District Manager, Community Board 12, on
Friday night, March 20th.

The funeral arrangements disclosed this afternoon are as follows:


Thursday, March 26, 2015

McKeon Funeral Home
3129 Perry Avenue (204th Street)
Bronx, New York 10467

Viewing: 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.


Friday, March 27, 2015

Service: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at The Woolworth Chapel, Woodlawn Cemetery, East 233rd Street, Bronx, New York

Interment: Following the service at Woodlawn Cemetery


STATEMENT FROM SENATOR JEFF KLEIN ON
THE PASSING OF CARMEN ROSA:

"I extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to the family of Carmen Rosa and the entire Bronx community at this difficult time. Carmen was a leading voice for change in the Bronx, ensuring the borough received the resources and attention it deserved. I was proud to work with her on advocating for increased police for the 47th precinct and addressing transportation needs for our seniors in Woodlawn. While Carmen often avoided the limelight, her voice was strong. Her advocacy, leadership and dedication will be sorely missed.”

MAYORS DE BLASIO AND GIULIANI TO ALBANY: MAYORAL CONTROL VITAL TO EDUCATION REFORM



  In a joint letter, Mayors Bill de Blasio and Rudolph Giuliani today urged Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature to renew Mayoral Control without alteration and without delay. Citing the achievement of Mayoral Control as central to reform of the school system, together they warned a failure to renew Mayor Control and proposals to limit it would ‘take us backward to a time of blurred lines of accountability.’

  March 23, 2015

Dear Governor Cuomo and State Legislators:

One of the most effective ways to ensure the success of our public schools is with direct accountability -- and mayoral control of the New York City public school system provides exactly that.

This is a proven reform with broad support among parents, educators and officials from all ends of the spectrum. Mayoral control provides parents and taxpayers alike with a clear answer on who to hold responsible for the academic performance for our children.  It enables the elected mayor to enact innovative new policies and make vital changes, while also empowering local communities through Community and Citywide Education Councils and the Panel for Educational Policy.

Proposals that would limit mayoral control will only take us backward to a time of blurred lines of accountability. Graduation rates, college readiness rates, and test scores are showing signs of improvement, and the success of our children demands that we move forward.

It is no secret that the two of us disagree on a great many things – but we both know that mayoral control of the public school system ensures direct accountability and is absolutely essential for the future progress and development of New York City schools.  This is why Mayor Giuliani made securing mayoral control a top priority of his education agenda, and pushed hard for its implementation during his tenure.  And it is why Mayor de Blasio is fighting hard to extend and secure mayoral control. 

We urge the State of New York to act this legislative session to protect mayoral control of New York City public schools.

Sincerely,

Mayor Bill de Blasio
Mayor Rudy Giuliani

Editors Note:

It is very interesting to see that former Mayor Giuliani (who did not have mayoral control) is siding with current Mayor deBlasio. It is even more interesting that former Mayor Bloomberg (who had almost 12 years of mayoral control) is nowhere to be found in the letter. It was Public Advocate Bill deBlasio who wanted a better system for public school children. It is also Mayor Bill deBlasio who has chosen as his chancellor a person who was a Deputy Chancellor under Mayor Bloomberg. 


Senior Center Workers Seek Unionization, Improved Working Conditions


The New York state economy continues to lag in spite of the "robust economy boasts" by Governor Cuomo, and senior center workers numbering almost 2,400 have no union representation, but are seeking union help to improve their pay, and poor working conditions..

The average senior center kitchen aide makes less than 12,000 to $15,000.00 annually working 30 to 40 hours a week.  Most of them work extra hours without pay, and weekend pay is not forthcoming.  The City's Department for the Aging has not given raises to senior center workers in almost 11 years, yet raises have been generous inside DFTA's hermetically sealed executive offices.

Sponsor agencies have looked the other way, worried of backlash directed at them if they speak to the wage injustices suffered by senior center employees.   Even senior center directors earn a paltry $35,000- $45,000 after almost 20 to 25 years of service to non profit sponsor agencies.

On top of poor pay, senior center employees often  engage in chores not related to their written tasks  such as handling the USDA  Surplus food program at no extra pay, preparing containers for seniors to take home meals, a no-no since DFTA does not allow meals to be taken out of  the senior centers, and college students trained by senior center staff, with no pay differential for providing the training that can be as much as 16 hours a week in a work load of 35 hours weekly.

Senior center directors and their assistants go ignored when DFTA approves meals for dinner using the 3PM to 6PM slot, claiming that directors are "part of management" meaning, they get no over time - but wind up working 10 hours per week with no extra pay, and DFTA knowingly violates fair labor standards by engaging in fiscal chicanery.  Many spend their own personal funds to buy office supplies without getting reimbursed as most sponsor agencies claim they are broke, have no cash on hand, and suffer the indignities visited upon them by DFT executive management.   

Most senior centers are falling apart, due to years of neglect by the City of New York, and senior centers located within the New York City Housing Authority are literally crumbling, in dire need of reconstruction, a critical need the City acknowledges but ignores daily.

Will New York City finally give wage fairness to senior center workers?  It remains to be seen, although the Unions  could help make things happen faster, if they sign up the 2,400 workers at the  City's 400 senior  centers soon. 


Saturday, March 21, 2015

SLA and Nypd Seize the D Lounges Liquor License in CB 9





Pictured above State Liquor Authority agents and NYPD are seen outside the D Lounge in the Community Board 9 area after the liquor license was suspended by the authorities.

Friday, March 20, 2015

SLA Suspends D-Lounge License


NEWS FROM COMMUNITY BOARD 9
William Rivera Chairman

  I am happy to announce the State Liquor Authority's (SLA's) decision to suspend D-Lounge's liquor license. This suspension is in response to the 18 violations (including becoming a police focal point, unregistered bounces, and assault) related to the shooting at the establishment Sunday. I want to thank the all Community Board Members , NYPD, NYS SLA, & Elected Officials for their aid in bringing a swift resolution to this community nuisance. See below for additional details in the official press release from today.

William Rivera
Chairman

 
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Contact: Bill Crowley william.crowley@sla.ny.gov  (518) 474-4875
For Immediate Release: March 20, 2015
 
SLA ISSUES IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY SUSPENSION FOR D LOUNGE
Shootings, Assaults at Bronx Bar Leads to License Suspension
 
Albany, NY  The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) summarily suspended the license of 1237 Castle Hill Avenue Corporation, doing business as “D Lounge” at 1237 Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx.  The suspension was ordered by Members of the SLA, Chairman Dennis Rosen, Commissioner Jeanique Greene and Commissioner Kevin Kim at a special meeting of the Full Board on Friday, March 20, 2015
 
On March 15, 2015, New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers responded to a call for multiple shots fired directly in front of D Lounge.  An investigation determined the incident was instigated when two groups of patrons began fighting inside the premises. According to NYPD reports, four victims were assaulted with bar stools during the encounter and transported to Jacobi Hospital for treatment.  During the skirmish, ten rounds of shots were fired at a group of patrons standing directly outside the bar at 1237 Castle Hill Avenue.  A ballistic search found seven .40 caliber shell casings, in addition to bullet holes lodged in the front gate of the New York City Fire Department house at 1224 Castle Hill Avenue.  
 
“Miraculously, no one was killed or maimed during last weekend’s shootout,” SLA Chairman Dennis Rosen said.  “The SLA has an obligation to ensure this violence does not continue, and today’s immediate emergency suspension will help prevent episodes like this from occurring in the future.”    
 
On March 20, 2015, the SLA charged D Lounge with 18 violations, including disorderly premises, assault, unregistered bouncers and for becoming a police focal point.  The license for D Lounge, issued on April 11, 2014, is suspended effective immediately, prohibiting the sale and service of alcohol at the premises.   
 
The State Administrative Procedure Act authorizes a State agency to summarily suspend a license when the agency finds that public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action.  When the SLA summarily suspends a license, it also serves a Notice of Pleading alleging one or more disciplinary violations.  In invoking a summary suspension, the SLA has deemed the violation, considering each licensee’s disciplinary history, to be sufficiently serious upon initial review to warrant an immediate suspension.  The SLA’s decision to summarily suspend a license is not a final determination on the merits of the case.  The licensee is entitled to an expedited hearing before an administrative law judge.  An order of summary suspension remains in effect until such time as it is modified by the SLA or a reviewing Court.
 

Crespo: Child Poverty Rates are A Plague of Epidemic Proportions Devastating Upstate Cities and Entire State


While Rochester, New York ranks 2nd in the nation for the number of children living in poverty, new data shows that from Buffalo to Newburg poverty rates closing in on 60%

   Calling it “a plague spreading across our State,” Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, chair of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force and the Task Force on New American, was joined by Latino lawmakers and anti-poverty advocacy groups to release startling data on the pervasive proliferation of childhood poverty across New York State.  The most recent data compiled from government and non-governmental organizations show that from Buffalo to Newburg, child poverty rates are exceeding 50%.  In most major upstate cities, child poverty rates are as high as 73% for black children and now surpassing the 40% mark for white children.

“Child poverty rates across New York State’s major cities have surpassed the 50% mark in an alarming trend that threatens the economic and social stability of the State,” stated Crespo.  “This is not just an issue impacting black and Latino children. We now know that poverty rates for white children have surpassed the 40% mark in Binghamton and about to cross that threshold in Rochester, Syracuse, Schenectady and Troy, New York.”

According to Crespo, “The alarming rates of child poverty in New York have reached epidemic proportions for all ethnic and racial groups.  In every major city in New York, those rates now exceed 50%.  In one New York State city alone, 73% of black children live below the federal poverty line. For Latino children, Rochester and Syracuse are inhabitable cities with poverty rates at 54.9% and 59.3% respectively.”  Crespo added, “At current rates of growth in poverty, New York will surpass every state in the nation with the distinction of having the most children living in poverty.”

“Numbers don’t lie. The rising rate of child poverty has increased over the years, which not only affects NYC, but also Long Island as well. In my district alone there has been an increase in poverty rates amongst children. Brentwood, for example, has over 20% of children under the age of 18 living in poverty. Since 2007, the rate for children living in poverty has increased tremendously after a somewhat steady pace before that.  It is only projected to grow if we do not raise awareness and find ways to address the problem,” said Assemblyman Phil Ramos.

“Poverty hurts children and our nation’s future,” said Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo, member of the Assembly Standing Committee on Social Services. “It is critical that we as legislators join forces to combat child-poverty in every community across our State. Every child deserves a fair, healthy, and safe start, and the chance to grown up in an environment which encourages and empowers them to thrive academically, economically, and socially.”

"New York has the greatest income inequality in the nation and we need a budget that faces this problem head on. The Governor's Budget outlines a number of  policy initiatives that will help lift some families out of poverty but does not provide enough 'shared opportunities' to help the state's neediest residents move up the socioeconomic ladder.  We need a comprehensive agenda to boost family incomes and address the record levels of child poverty, hunger and homelessness that are pervasive throughout our state," said Ron Deutsch, Executive Director of the Fiscal Policy Institute. "The Governor's proposal tends to focus on poverty alleviation in Rochester through the creation of a task force.  We applaud the effort but strongly believe that the enormity and severity of the issue require a statewide approach since most of our upstate cities and significant parts of NYC are also facing historic levels of child poverty."

“Increasing the awareness of child poverty in New York City by the state Legislative body and other influential coalition groups is a great step in the right direction. We must first place our focus on education and implore to U.S. Senate to pass the Dream Act. Proper housing for these children should also be a priority. The main goal is before this legislative session ended in June 2015, there will be positive result to combat the growing trend of child poverty rates in New York City,” stated Assemblyman Jose Rivera, Assembly Assistant Majority Whip                                                                                                              

Assemblyman Crespo outlined anti-poverty proposals that can have a real impact on reducing overall poverty rates in New York State which now stand at 26.6% for Latinos, 24% for African-Americans, and 11.5% for whites.  He stated, “We don’t have to recreate the wheel on this issue. We already know what works to help reduce poverty and improve the lives of all our residents. Now all we need is the political determination to pursue these solutions.”

Some of the solutions proposed at the press event are listed here:

Increase Minimum Wage
The New York State Community Action Association (NYSCAA) supports an increase in the minimum wage including a provision to index it to inflation.  This is an important step to address income inequality and poverty in New York State and it will boost community economic development by putting more money in the pockets of workers who will spend those dollars in communities across the state.

Increase Funding for Child Care Subsidies
The New York State Community Action Association (NYSCAA) urges the state to increase funding for child care subsidies for low income working families. NYSCAA supports  Winning Beginning NY’s request for an initial investment of $100 million which would create at least 13,000 new child care slots for working families. This support is critical to helping low income parents with young children access high quality day care so they can work and move their families out of poverty and toward self-sufficiency.

Affordable Housing
The New York State Community Action Association (NYSCAA) urges New York to increase the availability of safe, affordable housing in urban and rural communities and to provide resources to expand the availability of supported housing for low income people. NYSCAA supports an increase in funding for rural programs such as RESTORE, Rural Area Revitalization Program, AHC, ACCESS to HOME and small project set-asides and urges the State to ensure that supported housing and case management services are provided to help people maintain their housing.
Latino lawmakers, on the eve of the 28th annual legislative conference, will unveil the new child-poverty data for all ethnic/racial groups living in major cities across the State.

Earned Income Tax Credit
Assemblyman Crespo has introduced legislation that will authorize the New York State Department of Tax and Finance to release the Earned Income Tax Credit given as a tax refund to low-income residents at a 12 month interval rather than a lump sum at during tax-filing season.  The per-month release of the tax credit translates into additional monthly income for indigent residents to assist them in buying food, paying for their housing, medical bills and other expenses.  

CHILD POVERTY RATES BY GROUP 

IN NEW YORK STATE MAJOR CITIES

(Census 2014, 3-years estimates)

New York City

Latino.......................... 40.1%

Black........................... 33.1%

White .......................... 23.3%

Asian........................... 26.3%

Buffalo

Latino.......................... 57.1%

Black........................... 58.1%

White .......................... 26.1%

Asian........................... 69.4%

Rochester

Latino.......................... 58.5%

Black........................... 54.9%

White .......................... 39.2%

Asian........................... 51.3%

Syracuse

Latino.......................... 60.6%

Black........................... 59.3%

White .......................... 38.2%

Asian........................... 48.9%

Utica

Latino.......................... 55.4%

Black........................... 66.8%

White .......................... 31.8%

Asian........................... 61.7%

Schenectady

Latino.......................... 70.9% 

Black........................... 56.3% 

White .......................... 39.5% 

Asian................................NA

Troy

Latino.......................... 59.7% 

Black........................... 73.7% 

White ............................. 37% 

Asian................................NA

Newburgh

Latino.......................... 32.8%

Black........................... 64.9%

White .......................... 18.8%

Asian.............................. N/A

Yonkers

Latino.......................... 35.3%

Black........................... 30.6%

White .......................... 20.4%

Asian........................... 24.6%

Binghamton

Latino..............................66.2

Black........................... 46.0%

White .......................... 41.3%

Asian.............................. N/A

There are 4.2 million children under the age of 18 in New York State. 

23% are living below the federal poverty line, an increase of almost 4% since 2010. 

In New York City alone, 30% of all children under the age of 18 live in poverty!


NEARLY $500,000 IN SMALL BUSINESS LOANS NOW AVAILABLE TO BRONX BUSINESSES & ENTREPRENEURS



  SENATOR JEFF KLEIN, BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT RUBEN DIAZ JR., BRONX OVERALL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ANNOUNCE NEARLY $500,000 IN SMALL BUSINESS LOANS NOW AVAILABLE TO BRONX BUSINESSES & ENTREPRENEURS

New BOEDC Lending Program Will Grow Small Business, Create Local Jobs & Strengthen Bronx Economy

Bronx-based small businesses and local entrepreneurs will receive a boost of nearly a half million dollars, State Senator Jeff Klein, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. (D-Bronx) and Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC) President Marlene Cintron announced today. The Bronx Revolving Loan Fund, a new small business lending program administered by BOEDC, has nearly $500,000 in loans available to local small businesses -- of all sizes and sectors -- across The Bronx. The loans, ranging from $2,000 to $50,000, can be used as working capital, for the purchase of machinery or equipment, inventory and accounts receivable.  

“Investing in our small businesses and providing them with the tools they need to be successful is the single most effective way we can strengthen our local economy, create good-paying jobs and build up hard-working Bronxites,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “These new loans provide economic opportunity for hundreds of entrepreneurs and significantly increase access to capital for our many local businesses seeking to grow or expand. With so many obstacles to building a business these days, The Bronx Revolving Loan Fund represents a strategic investment in our borough that will encourage economic development and prosperity for years to come.”

“We are working hard to support businesses of all types in The Bronx, and that includes, making sure that our small businesses have the resources and funding they need to succeed. We want to be sure our local businesses know that The Bronx Revolving Loan Fund is a source of capital that they can and should tap as they continue to plan for the future. I want to thank State Senator Jeff Klein for making these funds available to the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, and I look forward to utilizing these resources to help small businesses all over the Bronx expand and thrive,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“BOEDC for the first time has the capacity to provide small business loans to any part of The Bronx as a result of Senator Klein’s grant,” said Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. “We are no longer limited in our capacity to lend borough-wide.  As a result, more jobs can be created in the borough and more business will receive the support they deserve.”

In 2014, Senator Klein secured $500,000 in state funding to jump start the availability of loans to Bronx-based business owners and entrepreneurs. With credit availability continuing to top the list of concerns for small businesses in The Bronx and across New York City, The Bronx Revolving Loan Fund aims to simplify the process and provide quick and easy access to capital.

The new lending program marks the first economic development initiative administered by BOEDC that does not place eligibility requirements like size or location on the condition of the loan. Eligible candidates consist of businesses registered in The Bronx for two or more years, including small retail businesses, construction companies, restaurants, technology firms, healthcare providers and more.

The Bronx Revolving Loan Fund

Eligible Borrowers:

  • Any small business located in The Bronx.

  • Must be a legally registered business for at least two years.

Eligible Uses:

  • Funds can be used as working capital, for the purchase of machinery or equipment, inventory  or accounts receivable.  

Terms of the Loan and Interest Rates:

  • Two to five years, depending upon the size of the loan and the use of the funds, at prime plus 2%.

Fees:

  • Application - Loans less than $25,000: $100.00; Loans $25,000 and above: $250.00.

  • Closing - Applicants will be charged a $100.00 fee to cover the cost of  UCC filings.

Equity Participation:

  • 10%Collateral.

  • First security interest on assets.

  • Personal and corporate guarantees.


“Building a sustainable, moneymaking business in any community is no easy feat -- but in The Bronx especially, so many small business owners face countless obstacles to long-term growth,” said Lisa Sorin, Executive Director of the Westchester Square Business Improvement District. “The Bronx Revolving Loan Fund signals a new era in The Bronx, where capital can be accessed quickly and easily. I want to thank Senator Klein, Borough President Diaz and BOEDC for their efforts.”


Assemblyman Dinowitz announces $125K grant to Riverdale YM-YWHA for first barrier-free playground in Northwest Bronx



  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz presented a $125,000 check to Riverdale YM-YWHA Chief Executive Officer Deann Forman for the construction of a new, barrier-free playground for young children at the Riverdale YM-YWHA. The barrier-free playground, first of its kind in the Northwest Bronx, will allow children of all abilities to access outdoor play equipment.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “While Riverdale and surrounding communities are great places for families, more can be done to ensure that children of all abilities have a safe place to play in their neighborhood. I am pleased to provide funding for a new barrier-free playground at the Riverdale YM-YWHA. This playground will be the first that is accessible to every family with young children, including those with special-needs children, in my 81st Assembly District, and I feel fortunate have the opportunity to partner with the Riverdale Y, a first-rate organization that does much to strengthen the ties within our community.”

Deann Forman, CEO of the Riverdale Y said, “This playground, made possible by Assemblyman Dinowitz, is a tremendous step in better meeting the social, recreational and wellness needs of Riverdale families with children with special needs.  And it will make it possible for parents and caregivers with physical challenges to play alongside their children.”

Barrier-free playgrounds are designed to be accessible to all children, including those with mental and physical disabilities. Barrier-free improvements often include removing barriers such as curbs, fences, and uneven surfaces, installing universally accessible pathways, and adding ramped wheelchair access to platform centers.

To further serve children with special needs, the Riverdale Y is hosting a community Run/Walk on Sunday May 3rd.  More than 1,000 people are expected to participate in a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon with proceeds funding programming and support groups for families of children with special needs.

Rooted in Jewish values, The Riverdale YM-YWHA brings together members of the Jewish and wider community through cultural, social, educational, and health and wellness programs that offer members of all ages multiple pathways into the richness of community life. The Riverdale Y strives to improve the quality of life for residents of Riverdale and celebrate the community’s uniqueness and diversity. For more information on the Riverdale Y, including the Run/Walk event on May 3rd, visit: http://www.riverdaley.org/