SENATOR KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN SEPÚLVEDA, COUNCIL MEMBER PALMA & BRONX RESIDENTS RALLY AGAINST PROPOSED ‘HOT SHEET MOTEL’

  Klein, Sepúlveda, Palma & Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association call on NYC Department of Buildings to issue stop work order on planned Bronx motel in violation of state & federal law

Klein pushes for passage of legislation requiring community review before construction of any new hotel/motel in The Bronx

                                  

NEW YORK, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, Council Member Annabel Palma, the Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association (CNBA), and nearly 50 community leaders and residents, today rallied in front of the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) to call on the oversight agency to issue a stop work order on a proposed 62-room ‘hot sheet motel’ at 2338 Bruckner Blvd in The Bronx. The renewed call comes on the heels of the DOB’s recent approval of plans for the proposed project without the submission of any new designs or renderings by the developer.

For more than a year, Senator Klein and the Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association have been working to address the construction of this motel in an area where there are no local businesses or restaurants that call for overnight accommodations, thus serving as a potential breeding ground for illicit or criminal activity.

“Seedy motels offering day rates in an area with no need for local accommodations has the potential to draw illegal activity that could hurt an otherwise strong community. The DOB has green-lit a project without proper review of the violations it presents, and continues to ignore the voice of the Castle Hill community. I stand together with local residents when I say that this type of establishment has no place in our neighborhood. Moving forward, any planned hotel or motel in The Bronx should to be subject to community review as a matter of law,” said Senator Klein.

"I stand with the residents of Castle Hill and my colleagues in government to support developments that are safe, well-planned and respect the rights and concerns of the residents they may affect. The motel currently under construction on Bruckner Boulevard does none of that.  Motels in these areas attract the wrong kinds of people who will have a detrimental impact on the Castle Hill community and the borough of The Bronx. I support the efforts of the CNBA and hope that we can further work with DOB to come to a resolution on this matter,” said Assemblyman Sepúlveda.

“It has been over a year of organizing and lobbying against the development of the ‘Days Inn Motel’ on the Bruckner, and my colleagues Senator Klein, Assemblyman Sepúlveda, and I still have serious concerns about the hotel coming to our community. Building a hotel in a questionable location without the appropriate infrastructure and population density to accommodate it, will only attract undesirable and illegal activity. Today, we stand together to demand that the Department of Buildings properly respond to the issues raised by the residents of Castle Hill. With no equivocations, our communities and residents deserve better,” said Council Member Palma.

In 2014, the DOB first issued a stop work order on the construction of the “Days Inn Motel” after plans submitted by the developer were called into question and found to be in violation of the zoning resolution, code and Multiple Dwelling Law.

In January 2015, the stop work order was lifted by the DOB without any substantial evidence that the project had come into compliance and met the applicable requirements. The lack of oversight and blatant negligence exhibited by the DOB in recent months is counterintuitive to the agency's role in ensuring compliant, responsible development in New York City.

“It is incredible that the DOB Commissioner fails to heed the united voice of our community, or even that of our elected officials including State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, Council Member Annabel Palma as well as William Rivera, the District Manager of CB9,” stated Fernando Penate, Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association Board Chair.

“The CNBA is protesting Commissioner Chandler’s lack of respect for the Castle Hill community, if not The Bronx. Commissioner Chandler has ignored our many requests for a response to our objections and concerns, which have been submitted to him many times.  He needs to stop his disrespect and reply to us ASAP as we are the voting constituents of his boss, the Mayor,” stated Nancy Rodriguez, Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association board member.

At the rally, Senator Klein also called for the passage of legislation he authored and introduced earlier this year that mandates a community review process before a motel or hotel can be constructed in The Bronx. The legislation would require that project sponsors notify the New York City Planning Commission and the local community board of any proposed hotel/motel in Bronx County, and mandate that no more than 45 to 90 days after the notice is filed, the Planning Commission hold a public forum to garner feedback from the community. After due consideration of local residents’ concerns, the New York City Planning Commission would then issue a determination approving or denying authorization of the project.

With construction on the motel well underway, Senator Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, Council Member Palma and the Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association are calling for an immediate stop work order to be issued by the DOB until a full audit of the “Days Inn Motel” is completed.

Wave Hill opens its 2015 to 2016 Concert Season September 20

   Wave Hill Announces its 2015‒2016 Concert Season 

Ten Sunday Performances in Historic Armor Hall, September 2015‒April 2016 

Wave Hill kicks off its 2015‒2016 concert season in late September with the first of ten extraordinary performances in Armor Hall. This season’s adventurous mix of musical styles and performers is selected by Wave Hill Performing Arts Curator Amy Roberts Frawley, and offers a spicy mix of traditional and innovative sounds—from string quartets and a brass quintet to a baroque ensemble and a swingtime big band. Originally built to house the remarkable collection of arms and armor of former Wave Hill House resident Bashford Dean, Armor Hall’s soaring windows afford views of the stunning garden landscape, while the gracious intimacy of the space offers superb acoustics. Come early to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens or lunch in The Café before the concert begins at 2PM.

September 20: Tanya Bannister, Intimate Piano Concertos 

“...a revelation to hear Chopin’s lines rendered with such filigree clarity...”

The New York Times

This concert is a rare opportunity for Wave Hill audiences to enjoy chamber ensemble arrangements of piano concertos by Chopin and Mozart. Lauded by The Washington Post for playing “with intelligence, poetry and proportion,” pianist Tanya Bannister is joined by a complement of gifted string players. As a bonus, the pianist offers Chopin’s gorgeous Ballade No. 4. 

October 25: Bohemian Trio 

“This chamber-like trio specializes in music of traditional Latin American origin, though its methods are cosmopolitan.”

The New York Times

The adventurous, romantic and inspiring artists of the Bohemian Trio (saxophone & chekeré, cello, piano), return to Armor Hall with their signature fiery assortment of traditional and new jazz works, infused with Afro-Cuban rhythms and flair. Back by popular demand.

November 22: Canal Street String Band 

“This is timeless music. These guys sound like they are having a great time.”

The Buffalo News

Don’t miss this! Be part of Harvest Weekend festivities and join the Canal Street String Band for rollicking fun, three-part harmonies and fancy string work that capture the American spirit as explored in folk music and blues—on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, bones, spoons, dobro and more. Concerts at 1:30 & 3PM in the Mark Twain Room.

December 6: Swingtime Big Band 

“Musicians who make the sounds of the pre-rock era rock.”

The New York Times

Welcome the holidays with the 20-piece Swingtime Big Band under the direction of Steven Shaiman. Enjoy the unmistakable sound that defined our nation’s popular music from the 1930s to the ‘50s, that unique combination of -2- reeds, brass and rhythm section, in selections from the American Song Book, Sinatra favorites—in honor of his 100th birthday—and seasonal tunes.

January 10: Hermès String Quartet

“...world-class quartet playing...will likely take their place among the top quartets of our time.”

The Washington Post

Founded in 2008 at the Lyon Conservatory, the Hermès String Quartet is a luminous young Paris-based ensemble and winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions. The Quartet offers an all-French program of quartets by Ravel and Fauré to showcase its “intense and colorful playing” (The New York Times).

January 31: Michael Brown, piano

“...one of the leading figures in the renaissance of performer-composers...”

The New York Times

The honors bestowed upon this brilliant young artist keep mounting—the latest is a 2015 Avery Fisher Career Grant. Join Michael Brown in Armor Hall for another distinctive program of classics paired with his own works, introduced by his insightful commentaries. 

February 21: Rebel Baroque Ensemble

“Rebel enchanted a rapt audience...with virtuoso élan on their instruments...”

The Times Union

Rebel presents an elegant and energized program of works for harpsichord and strings by Bach, Vivaldi and Telemann. Described as “sophisticated and beguiling” by The New York Times, the ensemble originated in the Netherlands and now tours nationally and internationally from its home base in New York. It is well known for its longtime residencies at Trinity Church and with National Public Radio.

March 6: Sweet Plantain

“...not your mother’s string quartet...” wickershamsconscience.com

Sweet Plantain is four immensely talented, classically trained musicians who fuse their skill, diverse backgrounds and eclectic musical interests to bridge the gap between genres and generations. Their sound is unique, the styles spanning classical, Cuban, Venezuelan joropo, hip-hop and rap. The ensemble has toured throughout the US, Europe, Russia and the Caribbean, with local appearances at Carnegie Hall and Birdland.

March 20: Daria Rabotkina, piano

“...talent, poise, technical power and stage presence...”Winnipeg Free Press

Daria Rabotkina’s ascending career has already led to solo appearances with the San Francisco and New World Symphonies with Michael Tilson Thomas, and a North American tour with the Kirov Orchestra and Maestro Valery Gergiev. She is “a pianist full of fire and warmth” (The Plain-Dealer), attributes that will be on display at Wave Hill when she offers works of Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff. The artist is a winner of the Concert Artists Guild Competition.

April 3: Boston Brass Quintet

“...powerful style and grace...lightning flashes of brilliance...”

All About Jazz

The stellar Boston Brass Quintet offers a virtuosic showcase for brass with works by Bach, de Falla, Bernstein and Ellington. Performing together for more than a quarter century, the group has been featured on “The Early Show” on CBS and National Public Radio’s “Performance Today,” and performed in 49 states and 30 countries world-wide.

RECAP--

September 20, 2015 Tanya Bannister, piano concertos

October 25, 2015 Bohemian Trio (saxophone & chekeré, cello, piano)

November 22, 2015 Canal Street String Band

December 6, 2015 Swingtime Big Band

January 10, 2016 Hermès String Quartet

January 31, 2016 Michael Brown, piano

February 21, 2016 Rebel Baroque Ensemble

March 6, 2016 Sweet Plantain

March 20, 2016 Daria Rabotkina, piano

April 3, 2016 Boston Brass Quintet

Performances start at 2PM, and last approximately one hour. 

Programs subject to change. 

WHERE: Armor Hall, Wave Hill House

West 249th Street and Independence Avenue

Bronx, NY 10471

TICKETS: SINGLE TICKETS: 

 $28 general admission, $15 child (ages 8‒18)

Wave Hill Member: $22 adult, $12 child

CREATE YOUR OWN SERIES!

Pick any 4 performances and receive a 15% discount.

ON-SALE DATES: 

 Member pre-sale: Wednesday, August 12

 General public: Wednesday, August 26

Purchase tickets online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. A $2 surcharge will be added to registrations made by telephone. Ticket prices include admission to the grounds. 

The Performing Arts at Wave Hill are supported by the Cathy and Stephen Weinroth Commissioning Fund for the Arts. The buildings and grounds of Wave Hill are owned by the City of New York. Wave Hill’s operations are supported with public funds through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; the Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums Grant Program administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State

Legislature.

SENATOR KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN DINOWITZ & COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN HOST SCRIE/DRIE & EPIC TOWN HALL

Senator Jeff Klein, joined by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Council Member Andrew Cohen, held a Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE), Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) and Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) town hall at Riverdale Neighborhood House on Monday.

“Helping to make life more affordable for Bronx seniors and individuals with disabilities ensures that all New Yorkers are able to lead long, healthy, happy lives. That’s why I led the fight in Albany to raise the income cap to $50,000 for SCRIE/DRIE, and up to $100,000 for the EPIC program. With these important increases, nearly 50,000 additional New Yorkers are eligible to receive discounts and can get the coverage they need. I’m proud to host this SCRIE/DRIE and EPIC town hall and I look forward to many more productive, informative sessions coming up next month where we can spread the word to Bronxites about these vital programs,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

At the town hall, seniors and individuals with disabilities were able to check their eligibility and sign up for the SCRIE/DRIE and EPIC programs. Both the New York City Department of Health and the New York City Department of Finance were on-hand to answer questions, provide information and enroll participants in the programs on-the-spot.

“My office has helped countless people fill out SCRIE forms over the years to help them receive a rent freeze. Despite that, there are still many people who are eligible for SCRIE/DRIE but who have not applied. Last year we raised the maximum allowable income available for the SCRIE/DRIE program causing many additional people to qualify. Given skyrocketing rents, I strongly urge any senior who thinks that they are eligible for a rent freeze to contact my office and we will help you apply,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

“As of November 2014, the Department of Finance (DOF) reported approximately 94,000 eligible seniors and persons with disabilities were not yet enrolled to receive New York City rent freeze programs. These programs are a lifeline for our most vulnerable population. I want to ensure that those who are eligible understand the enrollment process and are getting the help they need. I will continue to coordinate with my colleagues in government and the DOF to host these workshops to make sure anyone who has questions about the process is able to receive an immediate answer,” said Council Member Cohen.  

In 2014, Senator Klein raised the SCRIE/DRIE income cap to $50,000 to help seniors make ends meet. That same year, Senator Klein expanded eligibility for older adults under EPIC by raising the income threshold to $75,000 for individuals, and $100,000 for married couples. Together, these programs offer substantial discounts that can help keep life affordable for seniors living out their golden years in The Bronx.

For more information on upcoming SCRIE/DRIE and EPIC town halls in your neighborhood, please contact Senator Klein’s office at 1-800-718-2039.

Experts on Scrie/Drie and EPIC were on hand to answer any questions, and help fill out the forms for Scrie/Drie or Epic.

Pelham Parkway-Van Nest Library Block Party

   It was The New York Public Library Lion, Spiderman, and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj making a joint appearance at the Barnes Avenue Block Party today. The Block Party was sponsored by the NYPL branch on Barnes Avenue. There were information tables, face painting, balloon figure makers, artists, tenant organizations, the NYFD, and even the NYC Board of Elections on hand as you will see in the photos below.

Above - Chris Pagen a volunteer from the NYPL Barnes Avenue branch and artist illustrated NYPL folders with a personal touch for each child.

Below - Earl the Balloon Man makes a flower out of balloons for a special little girl.  

Above - A young girl gets her face painted.

Below - Some members of the local rent stabilized buildings on Barnes Avenue 'The Barnes Avenue Tenants and Neighbors' complained of a landlord who owns the east side of Barnes Avenue 2146 - 2182 Barnes Avenue who they said was trying to increase the rents of the rent stabilized buildings by not giving the proper services, and harassing many of the tenants, especially those who complained of the said poor building services.   

Above - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj greets those who came to the Barnes Avenue Block Party.
Below - Spiderman gets ready to climb the wall of the Pelham Parkway Van Nest Library building.

There were representatives from the Board of Elections on hand to register voters for the upcoming September Primary, if there is to be one, and the November General Election this year. Don't forget that next year (2016) is the election for a new president of the United States.

Statement from Senator Rivera on the End of Session

  The following comes from State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

THE BIG UGLY

"I am deeply disappointed on the end results of this legislative session. It is appalling that throughout the negotiation process hardworking New Yorkers were used as political pawns to serve special interest. The policies included in this legislation simply fail to adequately address the dire issues facing New Yorkers in the areas of housing, education, and criminal justice reform."

HOUSING

"The failure to make significant changes to the rent-regulation laws ensures that at least 90 thousand apartments will be deregulated during the next four years, further exasperating our housing crisis and leaving thousands of New Yorkers struggling to afford a home. Furthermore, this deal made little effort to fix the 421a tax abatement that is supposed to encourage the development of additional affordable housing.

EDUCATION

At a time when our public schools are struggling, this legislation uses public resources to assist private schools and allows charter schools to continue to determine their admissions process without requiring that they serve an adequate portion of high need students in the communities they are in. It also extends Mayoral Control for only one year, leaving New York City's educational system exposed to the political whims of next year's legislative session.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

It is truly unbelievable that given the current climate criminal justice reform was not addressed during this legislative session.  This legislation completely omits any measure that would help make our criminal justice system more balanced and just - whether we are talking about the implementation of an independent prosecutor for cases involving a police officer that result in the injury or death of a civilian, decriminalizing syringes or raising the age of criminal responsibility.

Editor's Note:

   It seems very interesting that Senator Rivera has adopted the "Our Public Schools are Struggling", instead of admitting that Mayoral Control has done nothing to end or even slow down the fact that more public schools are failing than before Mayoral Control. That is the reason parents, especially those with students who achieve higher scorers on the state tests are looking for a better education system than the public school system.
   As for the other issues Senator Rivera, admit that Speaker Heastie did little if anything, and was outflanked by Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and Governor Cuomo.  Until then you can stand on your soap box and yell at the top of your lungs, but no one will listen to you.

   See the statement from Assemblyman Pichardo that I have placed below.
Which one of the two are correct Senator Rivera?

Assemblymember Pichardo: Rent regulations agreement enhances tenant protections

“My neighbors in the Bronx and families across New York State can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the vital rent laws that help them stay in their homes and neighborhoods will not only be extended, but improved. The final agreement includes a four-year extension of rent regulations, ends loopholes that were detrimental to renters and increases the vacancy decontrol threshold while requiring that it be indexed to future increases.

From day one, the Assembly has been an unflinching advocate for tenants’ rights and I’ve long supported efforts to bolster the laws that protect renters and increase access to affordable housing. We refused the extreme proposals that would have shortchanged tenants and worked to find a compromise because the more than 29,000 families who live in rent-regulated units in my district deserve peace of mind knowing that they will not be forced from their homes. Moving forward, I will continue to be a staunch supporter of pro-tenant measures that protect my constituents and renters across the state.”

Pelham Parkway-Van Nest Library Block Party

  The Pelham Parkway- Van Nest Library will host its second annual Summer Kick Off Block Party on Saturday, June 27 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm, on Barnes Avenue between Lydig Avenue and Pelham Parkway South. The event is co-sponsored by Health First, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Senator Jeff Klein and Councilman James Vacca.

The event kicks off the summer season with a family friendly community resource fair and block party featuring music, BBQ, free raffles, Bounce House, youth activities and much more. All are welcome to attend to enjoy as we welcome the summer.

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING, ON BEING CHOSEN TO CHAIR SUBCOMMITTEE ON LIBRARIES

  "I am humbled and honored to be chosen by my colleagues to chair the Subcommittee on Libraries at this historic time in which the #investinlibraries campaign has forced  us to confront how important these facilities are in our neighborhoods. As a member of the Cultural Affairs Committee, since I entered the City Council in 2012, I have been working on how we, in the Council, can effectively fund and promote the important work our city's three library systems do in our communities every day. I am a Bronx native who grew up going to the New York Public Library and it has helped to make me who I am today. I promise I will remain committed to ensuring our libraries remain the beacons of light they have been for over a century," said Council Member Andy King, the third-ever council member to hold the position.

Simone Developers Celebrate Grand Opening of Marriott Residence at Metro Center Atrium Complex

Left - Simone Development Vice-President Joe Kelleher. 

Right - Simone Developers President Joe Simone. As both stand in front of the new Marriott Residence Inn at the Hutchinson Metro Tech Center. 

Both were very energetic about the new Marriott Residence Inn that is owned by Simone Developers as a franchise from Marriott International. The new Marriott Residence Inn is located in the heart of the Hutch Metro Center just off the Hutchinson Parkway, and within 200 feet of the newly proposed Metro North Station for the Morris Park section of the Bronx. The new Metro North Station when completed will allow residents of this Marriott Residence Inn to get to Midtown Manhattan by rail in less than 30 minutes. Mr. Simone added that people who stay at this Marriott Residence will be able to visit the Bronx Zoo, Bronx Botanical Gardens, Yankee Stadium, and the new Donald Trump Golf Course, all world class destinations for anybody among the other finer things the Bronx has to offer.

Above - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Councilman Jimmy Vacca, and Father Richard Gorman (who gave the invocation, and blessing for the new Marriott Residence Inn) were among those on hand.

Below - Senator Jeff Klein and Assembly members Mark Gjonaj & Michael Benedetto were still up in Albany, as you see representatives sitting in for them. 

Above - The ribbon is about to be cut by Mr. Joe Simone as BP Diaz and others await the ribbon cutting.

Below - At last the ribbon is cut to officially open the new Marriott Residence Inn at the Hutch Metro Center. A tour of the hotel and a small buffet of delicious appetizers followed.