Statement by Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, Chairman of the Task Force & Assemblyman Francisco Moya on the Deadly Earthquake in the Republic of Ecuador

   Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Chair of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force and Assemblyman Francisco Moya, the first Ecuadorian-American elected to public office in New York State today released the following statement on the devastating earthquake in the Republic of Ecuador.

“We would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives in the devastating earthquake that impacted the Republic of Ecuador last Saturday. The deaths and lives impacted are tragedies with tremendous significance for the members of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force members.

The loss of life and the many injured saddens us all. The destruction and turmoil created by this force of nature is a source of great concern to New Yorkers, especially the hundreds of thousands Ecuadorian-Americans with family and friends in the region.

‘When I heard of the devastating earthquake that struck Ecuador, my heart sank. Like many Ecuadorians living in New York my first thought was to reach my family and friends still living in Ecuador to know they were safe,’ stated Assemblyman Francisco Moya. ‘Since then I have been working closely with members of the community and representatives from the government of Ecuador to connect families and organize relief efforts.  This disaster will continue to unfold in the days to come and the recovery efforts will likely take months. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with those affected.  Ecuador may be a small country, but its people have big hearts.’

International efforts to help the victims of this natural disaster are well underway.  The Task Force feels confident with the immediate actions of the United Nations Development Programme and with the system the United Nations has set up to accept donations to help with relief efforts.

Contact Guillermo Martinez 518-455-5514 of Assemblyman Crespo's office for more details on donations.

COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS RESPONDS TO PETER LIANG SENTENCING

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS 

"I am deeply saddened and angered by the judge's decision to lessen Officer Peter Liang's charge and sentencing, and thus his accountability in the death of Akai Gurley. What message does this send when an unarmed man can be killed, and the justice system deems probation and community service as appropriate retribution? This lack of reverence for Black life has become too common place in our country. This is not about revenge or looking for a harsh sentence; it's about looking for a fair one. The price for a man's life should not be so little.

I acknowledge this is a frustrating position for Officer Liang, his family and supporters. At the same time and regardless of his intent, a severe crime was committed. As mentioned in my previous statement, the very real issues brought by the Asian community must be addressed, but only as an additive measure not a subtractive on. There wouldn't even be an argument about this, had it been a situation where the unarmed person killed was a white man in a Park Avenue building, as opposed to an unarmed young Black man in a Brooklyn Public Housing complex. We also cannot disregard the intentional decision made not to immediately seek medical attention for Akai Gurley, which could have saved his life. 

There is no doubt that the miscarriage of justice and accountability was aided by the already too lenient sentence suggested by the Brooklyn District Attorney. As I suggested, that recommendation could set a dangerous precedent, which appears to already have been followed. I'm disappointed and saddened not only for his family that was seeking justice, but also for the continued impression this will leave for our young black people about the perceived value of their life in this system. Apparently the punishment for killing an unarmed Black man resembles stealing several pairs of high-end jeans from a store. The lack of accountability has left behind a trail of bodies in their midst, with only the community left to pick up the pieces of broken families and wipe the tears of their victims' loved ones."

Brooklyn Man Arrested For Bribery In Connection With NYPD - Issued Gun Licenses

Neighborhood Safety Patrol Member Bragged In Recorded Conversation of 150 Gun Licenses

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Diego Rodriguez, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and William J. Bratton, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today that ALEX LICHTENSTEIN, a/k/a “Shaya,” was arrested and charged in Manhattan federal court with bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with his efforts to pay bribes to obtain gun licenses through the NYPD’s License Division.  LICHTENSTEIN was arrested by FBI agents and officers from the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau (“IAB”) on April 17, 2016, in Pomona, New York, and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman in Manhattan this afternoon.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said:  “As alleged, Alex Lichtenstein sought to bribe police officers with thousands of dollars to obtain gun licenses.  Just a few days ago, claiming that his prior connections in the License Department were no longer able to help, Lichtenstein allegedly attempted to bribe another officer.  As alleged, Lichtenstein offered the officer $6,000 per license, bragging that he had already used his NYPD connections to obtain 150 gun licenses.  Corruption in any part of government cuts at the very fabric of our society.  But it is particularly damaging when it undermines public safety.  I thank the FBI and the New York City Police Department, particularly its Internal Affairs Bureau, for their dedication and commitment to this ongoing and important investigation.” 

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Diego Rodriquez said, “The requirements for obtaining a legal gun license are there for very specific reasons, and the details of this case illustrate why those regulations are needed.  This bribery scheme allowed a man to obtain a gun who made a threat against someone’s life.  It’s further alarming that Lichtenstein bragged about beating the system and potentially put the general public in danger.” 

NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton said: “This case was developed as part of a long-term joint investigation by the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office. As we have previously stated, this investigation will continue to go where the leads take us.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint filed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

United States Attorneys Available To Receive Election Complaints

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Robert L. Capers, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today that special telephone numbers have been set up to receive complaints of possible violations of federal election laws relating to the upcoming primary elections in New York City and other counties in their districts. 

The United States Attorneys said that their Offices will be available to receive complaints at the following numbers on Tuesday, April 19, 2016:

(212) 637-0840                       (For Manhattan, Bronx, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Westchester counties)

(718) 254-6323                       (For Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk counties)

In addition, complaints of possible violations of federal election laws may be made directly to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (212) 384-1000.

It is unlawful under federal law to deny or abridge anyone’s right to vote because of race, color, or national origin.  Federal laws also require local election authorities to make voting accessible to disabled and elderly voters.  Voters who require assistance because of blindness, disability, or inability to read and write have the right to receive such assistance from a person of their own choosing.  In counties with substantial numbers of non-English speaking voters, federal laws prohibit the denial or abridgement of a voter’s ability to participate in the election process in certain languages other than English (i.e., Spanish, Chinese, Korean).         

In addition, certain activities designed to subvert the integrity of the election process are federal crimes.  It is a federal crime, for example, to deprive citizens of their right to fair elections or to conspire to do so.  Specific election laws also make it a crime to bribe or intimidate voters, to cause ballots to be cast fraudulently in the names of individuals who did not vote (“ballot stuffing”), to vote more than once, or to alter or falsify the vote count.  It can also be a federal offense to challenge qualified voters without cause and in bad faith or to harass persons seeking to vote for the purpose of discouraging their vote.

The United States Attorneys also noted that the following additional telephone numbers are available on Election Day for citizens to call for routine inquiries, such as where to vote or how late the polls are open, or to register complaints that may concern violations of New York State election laws:

IN NEW YORK CITY

City Board of Elections

Main Office                (212) 487-5300

                                     (212) 868-3692

Bronx                         (718) 299-9017

Brooklyn                    (718) 797-8800

Manhattan                 (212) 886-2100

Queens                      (718) 730-6730

Staten Island              (718) 876-0079

IN COUNTIES OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY

County Boards of Elections

Dutchess                     (845) 486-2473

Nassau                       (516) 571-2411

Orange                       (845) 291-2444

Putnam                       (845) 278-6970

Rockland                    (845) 638-5172

Suffolk                        (631) 852-4500

Sullivan                       (845) 794-3000

Westchester                (914) 995-5700

Assistant United States Attorney David J. Kennedy is responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of voting rights abuses and election fraud for the Southern District of New York.

Assistant United States Attorney Catherine Mirabile is responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of voting rights abuses and election fraud for the Eastern District of New York.

Bronx Democratic County Committee - Spring Gala - Wednesday April 20

Bronx Young Dems' Spring Gala When:   Wed. 4/20/16 from 7 - 10p Where:    Michaelangelo's - 2477 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY

The Bronx Young Democrats' request your attendance at their first Spring Gala. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the New York State Young Democrats Convention, hosted in the Bronx this May. The Gala will honor the following Bronx Young Dem Elected Officials: Hon. Michael Blake, Hon. Marcos Crespo, Hon. Vanessa Gibson, Hon. Latoya Joyner, Hon. Victor Pichardo, Hon. Rafael Salamanca, Hon. Ritchie Torres, and BYD Alum Marricka R. Scott-McFadden. To purchase tickets to this event please visitthebyd.org.

The Harlem Chamber Players - FREE Concert at Merkin Concert Hall - Thursday at 7:30 PM

Spring Concert Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 7:30 PM Merkin Concert Hall 129 West 67th Street New York, NY 10036 Between Broadway and Amsterdam Click here for directions. Program Stravinsky Concerto in E-flat "Dumbarton Oaks" Bernstein Serenade after Plato's "Symposium"* Jeffrey Scott A Hug for Harlem (World Premiere) Copland Appalachian Spring Featuring David Gilbert, Conductor Terrance McKnight, Host and Orator Ashley Horne, Solo Violinist with members of The Harlem Chamber Players and special guest performers Tickets This concert is FREE and open to the public, and there are only a few tickets left!  RSVP required. Click here for more info and to reserve your free ticket. About the World Premiere The Harlem Chamber Players and ChamberMusicNY commissioned Jeffrey Scott to compose A Hug for Harlem for orator and orchestra especially for this concert. This piece is inspired by the poetry of various prolific writers of the Harlem Renaissance Era -- Countee Cullen, Zora Neale Hurston and Wallace Thurman. Jeffrey Scott writes what he calls "urban classical music." Scott draws from his experience and joy of composing musical "Hugs" to honor personalities or locales. Most recently, he has composed A Hug for Sharon for bassoon and piano and A Hug for Gonzalo, which, like A Hug for Harlem, fuses strings, winds, percussion and spoken word. Also ... This Weekend in NJ (Click on the images for details.) *The performance of the Bernstein is co-sponsored by The Antara Ensemble and dedicated to the late flutist Harold Jones (March 25, 1934 - January 12, 2015), founder of The Antara Ensemble. The Harlem Chamber Players 2015 - 2016 Season is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; in part by Council Member Inez E. Dickens, 9th Council District, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the New York City Council; in part by a grant from Columbia Community Service; a grant from the West Harlem Development Corporation of Tides Corporation; a grant from the Turrell Fund for educational programs throughout the Newark area; and through the generous donations of our individual supporters. This 2015 - 2016 Season is also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, The Lily Auchincloss Foundation (in honor of the legacy of Janet Wolfe), the Puffin Foundation Ltd., and the Manhattan Community Award Program through Manhattan Borough President, Gale A. Brewer's office.

City Council to Consider On-Street Electric Vehicle Charging Station Pilot

   Legislation sponsored by Council Members Rodriguez and Constantinides Would Create Pilot Program to Make Electric Vehicle Ownership in NYC More Feasible 

    As Earth Day approaches, the NYC Council's Transportation Committee will consider legislation to make it easier to own an electric vehicle in New York City. The committee will also vote on a resolution to officially designate Earth Day this year, Car Free Day, based on the initiative started by Council Member Rodriguez.

Vehicles produce nearly a quarter of the total emission output in New York City. As the city works to reduce emissions by 80% by the year 2030, easing New Yorkers' reliance upon fossil fuel burning cars and trucks can go a long way toward achieving this goal. With electric vehicle charging stations tucked away in sparsely located parking garages, ownership of these energy efficient cars can be burdensome, as anxiety over ample charging accessibility can dissuade potential owners.

Intro 1124, sponsored by Council Members Constantinides and Rodriguez, would establish a pilot program for on street charging stations for electric vehicles in each borough. As gas stations are slowly disappearing in New York City, particularly in lower Manhattan, the opportunity to establish new and more sustainable fuel source locations is ripe.

WILLIAMS CHAIRS HEARING ON MODIFIED CONSTRUCTION CODES AND REGULATIONS

  The New York City Council's Committee on Housing and Buildings, chaired by  Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader, held a hearing to discuss four bills and vote on three others that would modify construction codes and regulations. The Committee heard testimony from representatives of the Department of Buildings (DOB), the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and other interested members of the public. 

"Modifying codes and regulations to reflect the constantly evolving dynamics of construction and buildings' environments is essential to keeping New Yorkers safe," Council Member Williams said. 

The Committee discussed the following four bills:

• Int. No. 918, sponsored by Council Member Margaret Chin,would prohibit construction documents from being subject to less than full examination, and would also require that final inspections be performed by DOB where more than ten percent of the dwelling units are occupied, or where the owner has previously harassed tenants.

• Int. No. 924, sponsored by Council Member Rafael Espinal, would require vacate orders to include a requirement that the conditions for which the vacate order was issued be corrected in ten days or less.

• Int. No. 934, sponsored by Council Member Mark Levine, would create a real time enforcement unit in DOB to enforce construction codes. The bill would also require DOB to publish an annual report on the effectiveness of such unit. 

• Int. No. 944, sponsored by Council Member Helen Rosenthal, would impose certain additional penalties for performing construction work without a permit and would require posting of information concerning the occupancy status of buildings subject to a permit.

The Committee voted on the following three bills:

• Int. No. 831, sponsored by Council Member Jumaane Williams would alter permit filing fees for certain new building and alteration permit applications filed with DOB. The bill would decrease fees for 1-, 2- and 3- family homes and increase fees for larger buildings. I should note that permit filing fees have not been increased since 1991.

• Int. No. 1118 and Int. No. 1119, sponsored by Council Member Jumaane Williams would move the City expiration date for the J-51 program, a tax exemption and abatement program for renovations of residential buildings and single room occupancy housing units, from June 30, 2015 to June 30, 2019.   

"The goal of today's bills is to ensure that the DOB and HPD work together in updating and implementing construction codes that will create the safest spaces for NYC residents."