Senator Klein releases new investigation on New York City’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ buildings;

Disproportionate number of Bronx  Legionnaires’ cases could be result of underlying conditions caused by bad, indoor air quality

State Senator Jeff Klein, joined by State Senator José M. Serrano, Assemblyman Victor Pichardo, community leaders and experts, today released, “The Dirty Dozen: Dirty and Infested Air in Subsidized Apartments in New York City.”

The scathing investigative report tracked subsidized developments in New York City with the highest number of mold and pest violations, conditions which cause diminished indoor air quality and lead to asthma or other respiratory illnesses.

Bronx developments topped the “Dirty Dozen” list, shedding new light on why a disproportionate number of Legionnaires’ disease cases likely claimed the lives of 12 and sickened over 120 people in the South Bronx this summer. Legionnaires’ struck again last month and took a life in Morris Park.

“It is no wonder that The Bronx has suffered a disproportionate number of Legionnaires’ cases, when you look at these subsidized buildings left in fetid conditions. This filth is scientifically connected to asthma and other respiratory illnesses, which also leave residents at a higher risk for Legionnaires’, and numerous other diseases. Unscrupulous landlords are giving these tenants squalor for our dollar and it’s unacceptable. Leaving residents in taxpayer subsidized buildings wallpapered in mold and crawling with roaches and mice is simply not going to be tolerated. These dirty conditions lead to asthma and respiratory illnesses and my report established that the worst violators are in The Bronx and other areas where we see high asthma rates,” said Senator Klein.

“Senator Klein's report shines a strong light on the disreputable landlords and unacceptable living conditions that far too often exist in our community. Many of the chronic ailments seen in The Bronx — such as asthma and other respiratory conditions —  can be linked to mold and other deplorable living conditions that many residents are forced to live with. I applaud Senator Klein for publishing the ‘Dirty Dozen’ report and for calling for immediate remediation of these unsafe living conditions,” said Senator Serrano.

“Exposure to mold and pests has a direct and detrimental impact on health. Conditions such as these are unsafe and unlivable, and no tenant, subsidized or not, should have to live like this. I am not shocked that asthma is linked to these conditions and disproportionately affects The Bronx and my very own constituents. Today, I stand alongside my colleague, Senator Klein, to stress the importance of clean and safe housing conditions, as I refuse to let my neighbors continue to be susceptible to disease. I thank him for his leadership on this issue,” said Assemblyman Pichardo.

“The health of Bronx residents is not expendable, and residents of subsidized housing cannot be given anything short of top priority by the city’s health and housing code inspectors. I applaud the invaluable work of Senator Klein and Assemblyman Pichardo to expose the ugly truth about the heightened health risk in The Bronx — especially to seniors, children, and those with suppressed immune systems — from unmitigated filth and unchecked, hazardous air quality,” said Assemblyman Sepulveda.

The analysis focused on pest and mold violations issued to 2,528 publically subsidized developments. The “Dirty Dozen,” accounted for nearly 20% of all violations, 543 of 2,736 total violations issued to these buildings.

Mold exacerbates asthma symptoms and can cause other respiratory illnesses. The World Health Organization determined that mold could increase the risk for asthma.

Cockroach infestations also are linked to asthma, according to the World Health Organization. Allergens from roach droppings, eggs and shed shells worsen asthma attacks and respiratory problems.

Rodents, particularly mice inside buildings, produce allergens that irritate asthma sufferers. Allergens like shed fur, dried urine and droppings significantly reduce indoor air quality.

Low-income neighborhoods that face high asthma hospitalization rates correlated with areas that had concentrations of high numbers of violations for pests and mold: the South Bronx, Harlem, North Brooklyn and the North Shore of Staten Island.

“There is an urgent need to address common housing problems that affect health. This investigative report and its recommendations represent an important step in tackling mold and pests to protect the health and safety of our most vulnerable community members. Measures like this are needed to reduce asthma onset and exacerbation. I commend Senator Klein for his leadership on this issue,” Dr. Diana Hernandez, Assistant Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.

“In addition to the oversaturation of industrial, waste transfer and other diesel truck-intensive facilities disproportionately impacting our health in the South Bronx, it is important to look at housing conditions contributing to the problem, particularly when such developments receive subsidies,” said Mychal Johnson, co-founder of South Bronx Unite. “While the dirty dozen fall outside of Community Board 1, we, too, have a host of bad actors in the area of housing and look forward to greater accountability.”

Senator Klein made a series of recommendations for New York City’s unscrupulous landlords to cleanup their acts:

• Department of Health should be empowered to eradicate cockroach infestations if derelict landlords fail to take action. Currently, the DOH can only eradicate bedbugs and rodents.
• The Housing and Preservation Department (HPD) should heighten tenant awareness on pest and mold prevention and reporting through campaigns in buildings that rack up three or more violations.
• HPD should develop a Mold and Pest Taskforce to monitor buildings that accumulate five or more violations in two years.
• Serial violators should post bonds to ensure compliance with regulations. This money would be used to finance any cleanup efforts the city needed to make if a landlord failed to take action on a complaint. It would be refunded if a building remained violation free for three years.
• The City should be allowed to impose civil fines on serial violators above fines for violations.
• The State Senate and Assembly must pass S.1105, sponsored by Senator Klein, and A.6505-A, sponsored by Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, to create a statewide asthma disease management system to better track asthma, its triggers and direct education and preventative care to targeted areas.

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein addresses the problem of air quality in federal and state subsidised buildings.

Below Assemblyman Victor Pichardo speaks as the group is in front of 1725 Andrews Avenue in Bronx Community Board 5 ( the district manager and board chair are the first two people on the left) State Senator Jose M. Serrano and Democratic Female District Leader Yudelka Tapia are also in the two photos. 

It appears that there may be other underlying problems in the building at 1725 Andrews Avenue, as you can see watermarks under some windows and near the pointing of the roof.

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Senator Jeff Klein, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Chamber of Commerce announce free job training & certifications for victims of domestic violence

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Klein & Diaz launch second annual Bronx H.I.R.E. Survivor Program

Senator Jeff Klein, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce today announced free job training and certifications for victims of domestic violence through the Bronx H.I.R.E. Survivor Program. The launch of the jobs program coincided with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  

Senator Jeff Klein said: “All too often, victims of domestic violence lack the financial independence to leave harmful, and sometimes, life threatening relationships and start over for themselves and their children. The Bronx H.I.R.E. Survivor Program is the first of its kind in the community and plays a significant role in creating a bridge to employment for victims of abuse who have felt disconnected from the workforce. I’m proud to provide life-changing opportunities for women who have suffered great hardship and I look forward to working together to help victims of domestic violence achieve long-term stability, success and financial freedom.”

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said: “As we grow our borough's economy we must make sure we create jobs for everyone, including our most vulnerable populations. The Bronx H.I.R.E. initiative provides necessary training and other resources to help victims of domestic violence find employment and take steps towards financial independence, thereby allowing them to make a clean, permanent break from their abusers. As we launch the second year of this program, I want to thank State Senator Jeff Klein and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for their continuing commitment to the Bronx H.I.R.E. Survivor Program and the critical population it serves.”

With the inception of Universal Pre-Kindergarten and the need for two-income households in New York, the demand for qualified day care has never been greater. This year, the Bronx H.I.R.E. Survivor program will work to provide free certifications and job placement for 10 victims of domestic violence.

The five-month training course will be conducted by Childcare Support Services in conjunction with the Children’s Corner Learning Center. The certification program will include a documented 120 hours of training, formal observation of an early child care professional, an oral interview, and written feedback via parent opinion questionnaires.

Curriculum will include lessons on how children learn and grow, positive ways to support children’s social and emotional development, steps to advance children’s physical and intellectual competence and much more. The comprehensive training course will be held at the Hutchinson Metro Center from October 19 to February 22, 2016.

Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro, executive director of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce said: “Sen. Jeff Klein’s grant allows us to assist domestic violence survivors in their return to the workforce and help them to achieve a life of self-sufficiency.  Under H.I.R.E, we will implement a comprehensive program for these women by providing them with skills to become employable in the workforce, and financially independent.”

Cecilia Gaston, executive director of the Violence Intervention Program said: “The Bronx H.I.R.E. Survivor Program is one of the best examples of collaboration between government, nonprofits and the private sector.  We reach a survivor and help her a get a paid internship and help employers improve their policies and treatment of DV survivors.  It has the potential of changing the lives of everyone it touches.”

Margarita, a domestic violence victim and Bronx H.I.R.E. survivor, said: “The Bronx H.I.R.E. Survivor Program has opened so many new doors and given me the opportunity to create a stable, secure life for me and my family. With my new job, I look forward to going to work everyday and take great pride in knowing that I am able to provide for my little ones. Thank you Senator Klein, Borough President Diaz, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and Teddy Nissan for your ongoing support and efforts to help victims of domestic violence across New York.”

MaryBeth Abrams, of Children's Corner Learning Center said: “Child Care Support Services is proud to hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) course at the Hutch Metro Center to help connect victims of domestic violence with good-paying jobs.  The CDA course offers training in education for children ages 0 to 5-years-old and will lead to a credential that is nationally recognized. This class is helping women who have not had the same opportunities and can further their career or jumpstart a career in the child care industry.”

The Bronx H.I.R.E. Survivors Program is a comprehensive job training program aimed connecting victims of abuse with full-time employment opportunities. The initiative is part of Senator Klein’s larger jobs program Bronx H.I.R.E. Since 2014, Senator Klein has secured $400,000 in state funding for the Bronx H.I.R.E. program.

For more information or to enroll in Bronx H.I.R.E, visit: http://www.bronxchamber.org

PHOTO (right to left): Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro, executive director of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce; Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; Margarita, a domestic violence survivor; Senator Jeff Klein; Maria Martinez, Bronx non-residential program coordinator  at the Violence Intervention Program; Charito Cisneros, president of the Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce; domestic violence service providers.

Just two of the services that were provided to those who were in attendance.

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Darcel Clark Announces Plan to Restructure Bronx District Attorney’s Office

Darcel Clark Announces Plan to

Restructure Bronx District Attorney’s Office

Clark’s VISTA plan to increase efficiency and expand accountability

THE BRONX - Today, former Supreme Court Justice Darcel Clark, the Democratic candidate for Bronx District Attorney, announced the VISTA Plan - her vision on how to modernize the office, improve operations and move cases forward on a more timely basis.

“The VISTA plan I am announcing today will lay the foundation for giving Bronx residents the confidence they deserve in a District Attorney,” said Clark. “With DA Johnson leaving office, I hope to be blessed with the opportunity to move this office forward and address longstanding concerns about the timely disposition of cases and internal operations with new approaches and ideas.”

Focused on improving office operations and reducing the case backlog through structural changes and increased accountability, the VISTA plan includes:

• Vertical Prosecution Model: The District Attorney’s office will be restructured to minimize case transfers between Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) by assigning one ADA to handle a case from start to finish.  Currently, multiple ADAs handle different aspects of a prosecution, leading to miscommunications or delays that hinder prosecutions.
• Internal Controls: A CompStat-style system will be introduced to help hold Bureau Chiefs and their subordinates accountable for the timely disposition of cases. Junior ADAs will work side by side with experienced ADAs and both will have access to Supervisors, Deputies and Bureau Chiefs at all time, allowing for greater training opportunities.
• Standing Up to Corruption: If elected, Judge Clark will make the aggressive pursuit of public corruption a top priority, and will create a Public Integrity Unit within the District Attorney’s office to root out corruption and protect the integrity of public offices and agencies.
• Time Sensitive Solutions: Needless delays hamper ADAs from mounting successful prosecutions and deny justice for both victims and defendants.  A stronger emphasis will be made on ensuring that ADAs swiftly prepare for trial, answer motions and provide all discovery to defendants on time and on schedule, and present strong legal arguments to counter any effort to unduly delay a trial.  Special task forces will be established to examine old misdemeanors and indictments with a goal towards eliminating backlogs with fair dispositions or speedy trials.
• Active Investigations: The Bronx District Attorney will actively collaborate with federal, state and local law enforcement, community leaders and the entire justice system to proactively investigate matters of concern in every corner of our borough.

“My focus will entirely be on making this office the best it can be,” said Clark. “I believe that the VISTA plan will help to achieve exactly that, and I hope to be honored by the voters with their support.”

A lifelong resident of the Bronx, Judge Clark was raised in Soundview Houses and attended Bronx public schools before going to college and law school. She served as an Assistant District Attorney for 13 years before being appointed a Criminal Court Judge by Mayor Giuliani.  Elected as a State Supreme Court Justice in 2005, Judge Clark was elevated to the Appellate Division by Governor Cuomo in 2012.

This year’s general election will take place on Tuesday, November 3rd.

For a full biography of Judge Clark please click here. 

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State Senator Jeff Klein Presents 1st Ever: "TASTE OF MORRIS PARK EVENT" Sunday, October 18th 1 pm - 4 pm Loreto Park

TASTE OF MORRIS PARK Food Festival

This Sunday, October 18th 1 pm - 4 pm Loreto Park

For More Information call Senate Klein’s Office 718-822-2049

Register Now For The Tour de Bronx!

The 21^st Annual Tour de Bronx Registration is Now Open

-         The largest free cycling event in New York State to take place
on Sunday, October 25^th.

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and The Bronx Tourism Council are encouraging cyclists from all over the region to register for the 21^st Annual Tour de Bronx, the largest free cycling event in New York State. The event was established in 1994 by the office of the Bronx Borough President and The Bronx Tourism Council as a means to promote a healthier lifestyle, an alternate mode of transportation and a way to tour the burgeoning neighborhoods, scenic waterfronts and greenways of the borough.

Participants come from all over the country to ride one of two possible routes: The 25-mile ride takes riders through the south, east and mid portion of the borough including the Mott Haven district, Clason Point along the East River, and Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in New York boasting nearly 3,000 acres of natural forest; The 40-mile route includes a visit to the historic Fort Schuyler on the Throggs Neck peninsula, the nautical community of City Island and the northwest communities such as Woodlawn and Riverdale. Both rides conclude at the iconic New York Botanical Garden where riders receive a complimentary souvenir T-shirt and enjoy a live musical performance as they relax from the day’s festivities.

The New York City Department of Transportation will fit and distribute free bicycle helmets from 8am to noon (while supplies last) and Metro North Railroad will waive their bicycle permit requirements and quantity limits for the day.

“Tour de Bronx is a great event for people of all ages, especially for visitors to our vibrant borough. It gives everyone an opportunity to explore historical sites, see beautiful waterfronts, and ride through our amazing local neighborhoods,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Once again, we are welcoming riders from across the region and around the globe to see The Bronx as they had never seen it before.”

Throughout the years, the event has grown exponentially. In 2014 the Tour de Bronx saw a record-breaking 7,000+ participants from all over the country as well as a few who come from abroad.

“It’s exciting to watch this event continue to evolve as we see more and more tourists joining New Yorkers to experience The Bronx in a unique way.” Says Olga Luz Tirado, executive director of The Bronx Tourism Council.

“Montefiore is proud to partner with the Bronx Borough President and The Bronx Tourism Council on the Tour de Bronx,” said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., President and CEO of Montefiore Health System. “This annual event sends an important, positive message about our community and being physically and mentally active. It’s a unique, dynamic, and inspirational way to tour our home borough with its rich history.”

The Tour de Bronx is made possible by Montefiore Medical Center; Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center and St. Barnabas Health System. Additional support is provided by Transportation Alternatives, The Coca Cola Company, Domino’s Pizza and Clif Bar.

A host of community services and discounts will be available for each participant rider who cycles in the Tour de Bronx.

Riders looking to hang out in The Bronx after the tour, can find a fantastic culinary experience with authentic Italian flair on Arthur Avenue, the real Little Italy.

Emilia’s Restaurant is offering riders a select complimentary appetizer, while Blue Mediterranean Restaurant will discount 15% off your food order. Mike’s Deli is offering a free glass of homemade wine, Peroni Beer, or homemade iced tea with your purchase of a sandwich or a pasta dish.  You can also take the “Your Experience of The Little Italy in The Bronx” home with you by stopping at DeCicco Brothers Novelties and get three Arthur Avenue Tees for $24.99.

Or come back and join us as the Bronx Opera Company is offering $10 off of all tickets for this year’s performances. Riders must show their bibs to receive these offers.

For more information and to register for the 21^st Annual Tour de Bronx, visit www.ilovethebronx.com. 

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SENATOR KLEIN ANNOUNCES $1.5M IN STATE FUNDING FOR THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN EDIBLE ACADEMY

  $1.5M state grant to support construction of new facility and program aimed at addressing childhood obesity and teaching healthy eating practices to NYC families

      

BRONX, NY  - State Senator Jeff Klein, joined by Gregory Long, Chief Executive Officer and The William C. Steere Sr. President of The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), announced Wednesday that he has secured a $1.5 million state grant which will go toward the construction of a new Edible Academy campus at The NYBG aimed at addressing childhood obesity and teaching healthy eating habits to New York City students and their families. The announcement was made as dozens of P.S. 24 students visiting the Family Garden were harvesting fall vegetables in anticipation of the first frost in coming weeks.

Senator Jeff Klein said: “By investing in our children’s health and wellness from an early age, we are providing a solid foundation for the future and improving health outcomes for generations of New Yorkers. Throughout my career, I have made combating childhood obesity and encouraging a healthy lifestyle a top priority – including advocating for funding for physical fitness programs and introducing legislation to improve access to fruits and vegetables in underserved communities. I’m proud to have secured $1.5 million in state funding for the new, state-of-the-art Edible Academy and look forward to working with The New York Botanical Garden to provide students and their families with the tools they need to connect with nature, and lead long, healthy and happy lives.”

Gregory Long, Chief Executive Officer & The William C. Steere Sr. President of the New York Botanical Garden, said: “The New York Botanical Garden is proud to be a leader in garden-based education for teachers and children from The Bronx and throughout the New York metro region. To address childhood obesity and other health issues caused by poor nutrition, and with the help of funding secured by State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, the Garden is expanding its edible gardening education to a larger-scale program, The Edible Academy.  This state-of-art complex will allow the Garden to increase the number of people served annually by its edible educational programs from 50,000 to more than 100,000, and expand to year-round instruction. We thank all the funders of this project and deeply appreciate that New York State, through the leadership of Senator Jeff Klein, chose to invest in this important project that will improve lives and the health of Bronx schoolchildren and their families.”

The Edible Academy, a leading garden-based education platform, provides hands-on activities, and interactive programs that help children, their families, and their teachers learn more about growing and preparing vegetables, fruits, and herbs while helping them gain a lifelong interest in gardening and healthy living.

The Edible Academy project will allow The NYBG to expand existing programs through the winter months by constructing a cutting-edge, environmentally friendly facility with ample classroom space. The new facility will offer year-round edible gardening programs and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities related to cooking and growing.

The $1.5 million state grant secured by Klein will help support City funds already allocated for the construction of the new facility – effectively doubling NYBG capacity and incorporating new opportunities for nutrition education and cooking activities to over 100,000 individuals a year.

The project will also include the construction of an innovative green roof, teaching greenhouse, 300-seat amphitheater, solar pavilion and sprawling meadow garden.

The NYBG is expected to break ground on The Edible Academy in the fall of 2016, with the facility’s expected completion date slated for the spring of 2018 – just in time for planting season.

National Women's Political Caucus Bronx Chapter Meeting on October 13

National Women's Political Caucus Save the Date Bronx Chapter Meeting Tuesday, October 13, 2015 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Mercy College  1200 Waters Place, Bronx, NY 10461 RSVP by Friday October 9th at varahnbrnx@aol.com

Agenda Call to Order  -  Varahn Chamblee Greetings  -  Lenny Caro, Mercy College Welcome to the Bronx - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj About NWPC - NYC - Sharon Nelson State Senator Ruth Hassell Thompson About the Membership to NWPC - Paul Wilson Questions/Acknowledgement For more information about the National Women's Political Caucus, please click here.

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Bronx Chamber of Commerce October 14th - Rambling House and Upcoming Events

Please join the  Bronx Chamber of Commerce  for our  upcoming events  SPACES ARE FILLING UP Don't Miss Out  Reserve Your Spot Today     Country Bank Dinner Network FREE FOR MEMBERS!  6:00PM Wednesday Oct.14th   ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- Members Exclusive Business Breakfast   8:00AM Wednesday, Oct. 21st     Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Workshop 5:30PM Monday, Oct.26th ---------------------------------------------------- For More Information Please Email: EVENTS@BRONXCHAMBER.ORG