MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS MARISA LAGO AS NEXT DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING AND CHAIR OF CITY PLANNING COMMISSION

Carl Weisbrod to become Chair of Trust for Governors Island

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced Marisa Lago will serve as the next Director of the Department of City Planning and Chair of the City Planning Commission. Carl Weisbrod will step down from these roles next month and assume new responsibilities as Chair of the Trust for Governors Island.

Lago brings nearly 30 years of public service to City Planning, where she began her career in City government in 1983 as an aide to Chairman Herb Sturz. She has served as President and CEO of the New York Empire State Development Corporation, Commissioner of the NYS Department of Economic Development, and the Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, which is the city’s chief planning and economic development agency. Lago also served as the General Counsel to then NYC Economic Development Corporation President Carl Weisbord. She is currently the US Department of the Treasury’s Assistance Secretary for International Markets and Developments.

Lago will be charged with expanding the City’s efforts to secure more affordable housing in changing neighborhoods, to plan for growth responsibly and equitably, and to use the land use process to strengthen industries, businesses and communities. She will further a legacy built by Chair Weisbrod over decades.

Weisbrod’s achievements include the revitalization of Times Square, the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan after 9/11 and the negotiation of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, widely regarded as the best sports complex deal ever secured by a municipal government. Weisbrod co-chaired Mayor-Elect de Blasio’s 2013 Transition, and departs City Planning following one of the most remarkable years in its history. His recent record includes the passage of the nation’s strongest Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program and the most sweeping overhaul of the zoning text since 1961, which lowered the cost of building affordable housing and will foster a new generation of homes for seniors. The rezoning of East New York, approved in April 2016, represents a new template for comprehensive neighborhood planning. Just yesterday, the City Planning Commission certified the rezoning of East Midtown as part of a transformative plan to keep New York City competitive and invest in the area’s public transit and open spaces.

As the new chair of the Trust for Governors Island, Weisbrod will be a steward of the island’s open spaces and historic assets, and foster its development into a dynamic 24-7-365 community that includes education and innovation hubs.

“This is a bittersweet moment. Carl helped to build our administration and has been part of its bedrock. His contributions have earned him a place as one of our city’s great civic leaders, and we are honored that he has agreed to take on the task of continuing Governors Island’s incredible transformation,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Marisa comes to our administration with unmatched experience building neighborhoods and planning for the future. She worked side-by-side with Carl helping spur the city’s revitalization twenty-five years ago, and has a record of bringing communities together. We look forward to her taking up the reins as we build more affordable homes and foster the good jobs New Yorkers need.”

“It’s a great honor to come home to the city I love and be given the chance to make it ever stronger and more equitable,” said Marisa Lago. “Change is the one constant in New York, and it is never easy. I’ve had the privilege of learning how to make change work for people and businesses by watching leaders like Carl Weisbrod, and I have spent my entire career finding smart solutions to the tough problems that come with a growing, changing world. We can and we will keep our neighborhoods affordable, our economy competitive, our businesses thriving and our communities strong.”

“I am so proud of what we’ve achieve these past three years. From East New York to East Midtown, we are laying a foundation for truly affordable neighborhoods, world-class business districts and smart transit-oriented growth. It has been an incredible run, and I couldn’t be more thankful to the mayor and to my talented colleagues at City Planning,” said DCP Director and CPC Chair Carl Weisbrod. “I’ve spent my career fighting for New York City, and it’s fitting that my next chapter will take me to the new frontier on Governor’s Island. I am excited to shape into an iconic space of which all New Yorkers can be proud.”

About Marisa Lago

Marisa Lago currently serves as Assistant Secretary for International Markets and Development at the U.S. Department of Treasury, where she is responsible for the department’s portfolio on international financial services regulation, development assistance, climate finance, trade and technical assistance. She began her career in City government working for then-City Planning Commission Chair Herb Sturz in 1983. She later served as General Counsel at the City’s Economic Development Corporation under Mayor Dinkins.

Lago has extensive experience in economic development – leading the Empire State Development Corporation and serving the city of Boston as both Chief Economic Development Officer and Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, which is the city’s chief planning and economic development agency. She has also worked in the private sector with Citigroup and as an attorney.

Lago holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Cooper Union and a law degree from Harvard Law School. She is fluent in Spanish. Lago was born in Brooklyn, and is 61.

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS 20 JUDGES TO FAMILY, CRIMINAL AND CIVIL COURT

   Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the appointments of 15 judges to Family, Criminal and Civil Court. The Mayor also reappointed 5 judges to Criminal and Civil Court. Collectively, these judges have years of experience serving New Yorkers in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

“New Yorkers deserve judges who are impartial and who are committed to fighting for justice and fairness,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I look forward to working with these 15 new judges, and I welcome back the five judges I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’m confident that they will fight for New Yorkers’ best interests across the five boroughs.”

The Mayor appointed the following judges:

FAMILY COURT

Judge Mildred Negron was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in March 2016 and has been serving in Family Court. She formerly served with The Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Division for over 10 years as Assistant and Deputy Attorney-in-Charge of the Manhattan and Queens offices respectively. Judge Negron was also a Court Attorney-Referee for over 13 years in Kings County and Queens County Family Court. Judge Negron graduated from CUNY City College and received her law degree from CUNY School of Law.

Judge Judith Waksberg was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in July 2015 and has been serving in Family Court. She had been with the Legal Aid Society her entire career for 32 years primarily in the Juvenile Rights Appeals Unit where she last served as the Director for 17 years. Judge Waksberg graduated from Brandeis University and received her law degree from New York University School of Law.

CRIMINAL COURT

Judge Phyllis Chu served most of her career with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for 23 years holding various positions including Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Homicide Bureau. Judge Chu received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law.

Judge Toni Cimino was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in June 2016 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she was a criminal defense attorney in private practice, then served with the New York State Unified Court System for nearly 17 years including as a Court Attorney in Supreme Court, Criminal and Civil Term. She graduated from St. John’s University and St. John’s University School of Law.

Judge Charlotte Davidson was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in June 2016 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, Judge Davidson served with the New York State Unified Court System for 13 years holding various positions including as Counsel to the former Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals Jonathan Lippman. She is a graduate of Harvard University and received her law degree from Columbia Law School.

Judge Eugene Guarino was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in June 2016 and has been serving in Criminal Court. He formerly served with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, was in private practice and a Principal Court Attorney in Queens County Criminal and Supreme Courts. Judge Guarino received his undergraduate degree from Fordham University and his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law.

Judge David Kirschner was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in June 2016 and has been serving in Criminal Court. He served with the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for over 17 years, was in private practice and served as a Principal Court Attorney in the Bronx County Supreme Court. Judge Kirschner is a graduate of Florida State University and received his law degree from Hofstra University School of Law.

Judge Michael Kitsis had been a career prosecutor with the New York County District Attorney’s Office for 33 years in various positions including Bureau Chief of the Frauds Bureau and Senior Investigative Counsel of Major Economic Crimes. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and from the University of Virginia, School of Law.

Judge Margaret Martin spent most of her career with the Legal Aid Society for over 21 years including as Senior Staff Attorney in the Capital Division. She was also an Assistant Deputy Counsel in the Office of Court Administration’s Office of Policy and Planning. She graduated from Boston University and the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law.

Judge Herbert Moses had been a solo practitioner for 20 years specializing in criminal defense. Prior to that, he was a prosecutor for five years in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. Judge Moses received his undergraduate degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and his law degree from CUNY School of Law.

Judge Kim Petersen was most recently the Bureau Chief of Criminal Court of the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office. Prior to that, she served with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office and was a Principal Court Attorney in the Appellate Division, First Department, Departmental Grievance Committee as well as in Supreme Court, Criminal Term in Queens County. Judge Petersen graduated from Queens College and Brooklyn Law School.

Judge Bahaati Pitt was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in June 2016 and has been serving in Criminal Court. She formerly served with The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Division for seven years, was a Court Attorney in Bronx County Family and Civil Courts, and a Principal Law Clerk in Bronx County Supreme Court, Civil and Criminal Divisions. She graduated from Morgan State University and received her J.D. from State University of New York at Buffalo.

CIVIL COURT

Judge Beth Beller spent most of her career as a prosecutor in the New York County District Attorney’s Office for 17 years including the Sex Crimes Unit and Child Abuse Bureau. She then became a Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court, Criminal Division in Bronx County. Judge Beller graduated from New York University and St. John’s University School of Law. Judge Beller has been appointed to Civil Court and has been assigned to Criminal Court.

Judge David Frey served for 19 years with the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office where he last served as Bureau Chief of Investigations and was previously Unit Chief of Computer Crimes and Identity Theft Investigations. He received his B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his law degree from Brooklyn Law School. Judge Frey is appointed to Civil Court and has been assigned to Criminal Court.

Judge Frances Wang spent eight years as a prosecutor in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office in the Criminal Court and Appeals Bureau. She subsequently served as a Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court, Criminal Term in Bronx County. She received her undergraduate degree from St. John’s University and her law degree from Hofstra University School of Law. Judge Wang has been appointed to Civil Court and has been assigned to Criminal Court.

The Mayor reappointed the following judges:

CRIMINAL COURT

Judge Tamiko Amaker was appointed as a Criminal Court Judge in January 2010. She is currently an Acting Supreme Court Justice and has been serving as the Supervising Judge of New York County Criminal Court since 2013. Judge Amaker spent her entire legal career in the Bronx District Attorney's Office where she last served as Deputy Chief of the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Bureau. She received her undergraduate degree from Vassar College and her law degree from Fordham Law School.

Judge Alexander Calabrese was first appointed to the Criminal Court in April 1997. He currently serves as an Acting Supreme Court Justice and has presided in the Red Hook Community Justice Center since April 2000. He began his legal career with the Legal Aid Society and subsequently served as a court attorney to the Honorable Leslie Crocker Snyder. Judge Calabrese received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and received his law degree from Fordham Law School.

Judge Barry Kron, an Acting Supreme Court Justice, was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in August 1988 and subsequently appointed to the Criminal Court in December 1991. Most of his legal career was spent serving with the Supreme Court, Appellate Division’s Second Department as a law secretary. He received his undergraduate degree from Lehman College and graduated from Columbia Law School.

Judge Martin Murphy spent 18 years with the Legal Aid Society where he last served as an Attorney-in-Charge. Prior to that, he served with the New York City Criminal Justice Coordinator's Office. Judge Murphy, currently serving as an Acting Supreme Court Justice, was first appointed to the Family Court in April 1997 but has presided in Criminal Court and the Criminal Term of the Supreme Court. He formerly served as the Supervising Judge of New York County Criminal Court from 2000 to 2005. He graduated from Seton Hall University and received his law degree from Brooklyn Law School.

CIVIL COURT

Judge Ben Darvil, Jr. was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in March 2016 and has been serving in Family Court. Prior to his appointment, Judge Darvil served with Family Court Legal Services of the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, and as a Court Attorney and Law Clerk with Supreme Court, Appellate Division’s Second Department. He received his undergraduate degree from Long Island University and his J.D. from St. John’s University, School of Law.

About Family Court

The Family Court is part of the New York State Unified Court System and was established to take action in the lives of children, parents and spouses. Family Court judges hear cases related to adoption, foster care, guardianship, custody and visitation, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency and abused or neglected children.

About Criminal Court

Criminal Court handles misdemeanors, lesser offenses and conducts arraignments and preliminary hearings for felonies. The Criminal Courts of the City of New York are located in all five boroughs. The Mayor appoints judges to 10-year terms in the New York City Criminal Court, which is part of the New York State Unified Court System.

About Civil Court

Civil Court of the City of New York has jurisdiction over civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000 and other civil matters referred to it by the Supreme Court. It includes a small claims part for informal dispositions of matters not exceeding $5,000 and a landlord and tenant/housing part for landlord-tenant matters of unlimited amounts and housing code violations.

IDC releases its ‘Changing New York Agenda’;Dynamic policy package addresses education, housing, jobs and quality-of-life for all New Yorkers

Dynamic policy package addresses education, housing, jobs and quality-of-life for all New Yorkers

The Independent Democratic Conference on Wednesday unveiled the Changing New York Agenda, a comprehensive policy package focused on improving the lives of working- and middle-class New Yorkers across the state.

The dynamic plan shapes policy in six categories: education, employment, housing, providing for families and seniors, criminal justice reform and quality-of-life. This new, bold agenda builds on the IDC’s past visionary plans Invest New York, Affordable New York and A Blueprint for a Better New York to continue to address the most salient issues in the state.

Chief among the IDC’s proposals are:

• College Affordability for All - With ever-rising college tuition costs, increasing Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards will help all students who reside in New York obtain a degree. By raising the income eligibility cap from $80,000 to $200,000  thousands more students will benefit from state aid. TAP awards would also become available to any resident, regardless of immigration status.

• Raise the Age - The stain of a criminal record prevents 16- and 17-year-olds treated as adults in the justice system from leading productive lives later on. New York trails behind 48 states that treat teens as juveniles. The IDC will be working with stakeholders to craft legislation to finally raise the age in New York.

• Made by New Yorkers - Manufacturers must stay in the state, but one reason they close up shop, taking away good-paying jobs,  is burdensome property taxes. Currently these firms receive a 20% property tax rebate, which should be increased to 100% to incentivize manufacturers staying here. The IDC also seeks to provide grants for smaller businesses looking to expand in the state and create a new, knowledge exchange program to help businesses connect with experts in the state to advance their ventures. The IDC will  push for Buy American provisions for state contracts, by working to create the Made in America Rating System (MARS) to protect American workers from unfair competition. The IDC also envisions a “Made By New Yorkers” label for products created in the state, with New York State products using the “Made in the USA” standard.

• Accelerate the Phase-in of Foundation Aid - In response to a ruling by State Court of Appeals that New York State had underfunded its primary school system by billions of dollars, the Foundation Aid formula was created in FY 2007-08, however its funding was interrupted by the 2007-09 recession. The IDC proposes making a $1.47 billion investment directly to the Foundation Aid formula, for the first year of a three-year commitment to achieve complete funding.

• Protecting Immigrant Communities - Immigrants are the fabric of New York State. Nearly two-thirds of defendants in the US immigration court system face a judge without legal help because immigrants have no right to counsel. Last year, the IDC secured $250,000 in funding for the Vera Institute of Justice for services and expenses related to assisting detained immigrants facing deportation. The IDC proposes increasing funding to $11.1 million to ensure that all immigrants, regardless of status, have access to legal representation. The $11.1 million in funding represents an increase to New York City of $870,000 and state funding by $3.35 million. By funding legal services for those facing deportation we can ensure that immigrants are afforded due process and equal treatment while eliminating disparities and enhancing the integrity of our current justice system.

• Combatting Homelessness - The homelessness crisis in New York City, in particular, cannot be solved by spending taxpayer dollars to place homeless families and individuals in temporary hotels and motels. The expensive, unstable and sometimes unsafe settings do nothing to solve the crisis. The IDC supports the creation of the Home Stability Support program to subsidize housing for homeless families and individuals, those on the brink of homelessness and families facing domestic violence or hazardous conditions. The program would save taxpayers money, while creating stability for families and individuals by giving them a place to call home.

“New Yorkers want real results and solutions to their everyday concerns. The IDC is going to make a positive change for New York’s working- and middle-class families who struggle to send their children to college through our College Affordability for All plan, make sure our teenagers are treated as such by Raising the Age of criminal responsibility and create good-paying jobs through our Made by New Yorkers vision,” said IDC Leader Jeff Klein.

“The IDC has always changed New York for the better. After finally closing the Gap Elimination Adjustment last year, this session we will work towards accelerating the implementation of foundation aid to fairly fund our schools. Our visionary agenda also seeks to bring good-paying jobs upstate through the Made by New Yorkers program to keep manufacturing jobs here and showcase products made in this state,” said IDC Deputy Leader David Valesky.

“The IDC is a voice for all New Yorkers and I’m especially proud that our agenda advocates for property tax rebates for vulnerable seniors, college affordability for our students and protections for our workers.  When policy can make an impactful change — ensuring a senior can afford to live at home, making sure a student receives tuition assistance and shielding workers from bad actors— it is worth fighting for,” said Senator Diane Savino.

“Each of these proposals have very clear positive impacts for so many communities throughout New York.  From expanding access to affordable higher education to incentivizing manufacturers to stay here through property tax rebates, the IDC policy agenda represents a comprehensive plan to help our economy grow and thrive in the future,” said Senator David Carlucci.

“Our legislative priorities this upcoming session show the IDC’s commitment to investing in New York families who have helped solidify this State as the progressive beacon that it is today. Our commitment to making the State more affordable, more fair, and more prepared for the future shines through in this year’s ‘Changing New York’ agenda. The creation of a Class 1-A for condo and coop owners will result in fairer tax treatment and will keep condos and coops affordable, establishment of a property tax cap in New York City will provide the City with the same tax cap provisions enjoyed by other cities across the State, the IDC’s homelessness package will allow for the creation of more affordable housing units to keep families out of shelters and in their homes, and the ‘Made By New Yorkers’ program will help grow new ideas in the State of New York. It is clear, this session the IDC will invest in our State in ways that most others would not in order to create real, progressive change for our future,” said Senator Tony Avella.

“This year’s ‘Changing New York’ agenda is one that will vastly improve the lives of all New Yorkers.  Important criminal justice policies, like raising the age of criminal responsibility, will have a real impact on our young people, especially in our communities of color. Our No Worker Left Behind proposal will bring justice to car wash workers who have long experienced wage theft in their industry. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the IDC to see the change that these policies will bring,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton.

“As I begin my first legislative session I am excited to get to work on the ‘Changing New York’ agenda that the IDC has put forth. We are ensuring that all young New Yorkers have bright futures by making college more affordable, including undocumented immigrants. At the same time we are protecting our vulnerable immigrant community by providing those in immigration court with legal counsel so that they can have a fair hearing. These are policies that when enacted will make our communities stronger and fairer for all New Yorkers,” said Senator Marisol Alcantara.

Other signature issues include:

• Increasing civil defense funding for housing court litigants - Many tenants who find themselves in housing court are unaware of their rights and lack access to sufficient legal counsel. The IDC will work with legal groups throughout the state to identify the necessary amounts.

• No Worker Left Behind- While home health aides care for our most vulnerable citizens they earn a meager $10.75 an hour and personal care aides make just a little more at $11.73 a hour. Subpar wages in this fast-growing industry have lead to a high-turnover for health care workers, making it hard for consumers to build enduring relationships with their aides. Half the human service workers, like social workers or child care workers, earn less than $15 per hour, even though two thirds require college degrees to work. These workers often use their personal vehicles to commute long distances to meet their clients, without reimbursement. While New York State raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour, it is still an inadequate rate for caregivers. The IDC proposes raising their wages incrementally over six years so their earnings reach above the statewide minimum wage. These workers are paid through Medicaid and it would cost the state $45 million in the first year and by its final implementation $270 million a year. The IDC also proposes making workers hired through the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program eligible under the Wage Parity Law so they will be paid at the same rate as other home care workers.

Workers in the car wash industry receive tips differently than in other industries such as restaurants. Because tracking worker hours and tips is difficult and time consuming, workers are subject to wage theft by employers who fail to make up the difference between their wages and tips. Senator Hamilton’s proposal, S.2541, would make car wash workers eligible for the full minimum wage, without the tip credit.

• Enhancing the Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) - The SCHE/DHE programs help senior and disabled residents remain in their homes through exemptions on property taxes. However, the qualifying income limits remain astoundingly low. While income thresholds for similar programs, such as SCRIE/DRIE, were increased by the IDC to help more seniors and disabled tenants, the SCHE/DHE benefit remains at a combined income limit of just $29,000, with a “sliding scale” option for those making over $29,000, but less than $37,400. In order to restore parity between these programs, and reflect the rising cost of living in New York, the IDC would enhance SCHE/DHE by increasing the income limit to $50,000, with the “sliding scale” ceiling being $58,400 for lesser tax relief.

Leaders and experts agreed that the IDC’s plan would change the state for the better.

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: Gov. Cuomo's College Tuition Proposal

  “I want to congratulate Governor Andrew Cuomo on his announcement of a groundbreaking new initiative designed to provide free tuition for college through a supplement aid program that helps middle-class families and individuals achieve their academic goals.

“Making college more affordable has been a priority of mine throughout my career as an elected official. Not only do I support exploring a change to make CUNY tuition free, I believe that the Department of Education should be paying for remedial classes at CUNY for graduates of public high schools.

“By investing in free college education for New Yorkers, we are equipping our students and families with the skills they need to join the workforce of the future. Governor Cuomo has put our great state in position to be one of the leaders in the nation on this issue through this proposal,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION CHAIR RODRIGUEZ ANNOUNCES PACKAGE AIMED AT ERADICATING FATAL HIT AND RUNS FOLLOWING THREE IN THREE DAYS

   Joined by advocates and fellow elected officials, Council Member Rodriguez, Chair of the Transportation Committee, announced the introduction of a new bill to curb hit and runs in NYC as well as plans to introduce several others shortly. The legislation to be introduced would establish a hit and run reward fund, to compensate members of the public who provide information leading to the apprehension, prosecution or conviction in the case of a hit and run.

The start of 2017 has been grueling, with three separate fatal hit and run crashes in the first three days of the year. In late 2016, a popular DJ from the radio station 97.9 FM, La Mega, Jean Paul "DJ Jinx Paul" Guerrero was killed in a hit and run in Brooklyn. These deaths have shaken New Yorkers and further exposed the cost of hit and run crashes in New York City.

In 2017, Council Member Rodriguez announced that it should be a priority to do everything the City can do eradicate hit and run crashes in 2017:

"Every fatal hit and run that occurs in our city leaves a family in mourning," said

Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez. "Hit and runs occur with far too great a frequency. Today we are sending a message that we're willing to put our money where our mouth is to catch and prosecute cowardly individuals who leave people for dead as they flee the scene. 2017 should be the year we say enough is enough and make ending hit and run crashes a priority."

Council Member Rodriguez also announced plans for two other bills aimed at curbing hit and runs, including a citywide hit and run alert system that informs the public about relevant information such as makes and models of cars involved in hit and runs; and stepped up investigations for all property damaged in hit and run crashes.

Council Member Rodriguez also signaled his intention to advocate for more officers to be assigned to the Collision Investigation Squad unit in the NYPD that investigates traffic crashes.  These measures aim to increase enforcement to deter drivers from fleeing the scene of a crash, knowing they will be caught.

As Chair of the Council Transportation Committee, Council Member Rodriguez has facilitated the passage of legislation he co-sponsored to increase civil penalties against hit and run drivers and increase reporting of hit and run crashes, delineated by the severity of the crash and resulting damage, including whether the investigation yielded an arrest and led to a conviction. He has also introduced legislation to include hit and run alerts on Taxi TV screens to bolster the number of eyes looking for suspects on the street.

Nearly 40,000 hit and run crashes occurred in 2015. 4,000 involved pedestrians, cyclists or other drivers and over 1 per week resulted in serious injury or death, of which just over half led to arrests. These staggering numbers show how great this crisis is on our streets and are what the measures introduced by Council Member Rodriguez aim to address.

NYPD Press Release: New York City Experiences Historic Drop in Crime in 2016

New York City Experiences Historic Drop in Crime for 2016

Fewest Annual Index Crimes Ever Recorded

Annual Shooting Incidents Fall Below 1,000 For The First Time Ever

   New York City has experienced a consistent and significant reduction in overall crime during the last twelve months.  Several index crime categories have posted historic reductions. Among the new benchmarks for 2016 are overall index crime, and shooting incidents.

For 2016, there were 101,606 crimes reported in New York City, compared with 105,921 in 2015. This is a reduction of 4,315 crimes in 2016, or -4.1%. This marks the fewest annual index crimes ever reported in the modern Compstat-era. For 2016, there were 998 shooting incidents reported, compared with 1,138 in 2015. This is a reduction of 140 shootings in 2016, or -12.3%. This marks the fewest annual shooting incidents ever reported in the modern Compstat-era.  

For 2016, there were 335 murders reported, compared with 352 in 2015. This is a reduction of 17 crimes, or -4.8%.  There were 1,436 rapes reported in 2016, compared with 1450 in 2015. This is a reduction of 14 crimes, or -1%.   There were 15,489 robberies reported in 2016, compared with 16, 971 in 2015. This is a reduction of 1,482 crimes, or -8.7%. There were 20, 807 felonious assaults reported in 2016, compared with 20,375 in 2015. This is an increase of 432 crimes, or +2.1%. There were 12,969 burglaries reported in 2016, compared with 15,183 in 2015. This is a reduction of 2214 crimes, or -14.6%. There were 44,236 grand larcenies reported in 2016, compared with 44,263 in 2015. This is a reduction of 27 crimes, -0.1%. 

“2016 was the safest year ever in the history of New York City. We have been working hard at reducing crime to historic lows, when many said it could not be done. And we have reduced crime despite upticks in violence in many other cities across America,” said Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “Our Neighborhood Policing program has enabled us to fight crime, address the community’s concerns, and build trust. In 2016, we had laser like precision in tackling gangs, with more arrests just this morning. I am thankful to the men and women of this department who put on the uniform every day—and to those members of the public who join us in the collective responsibility we all share in keeping this great city safe.”

“2016 marks a record year in crime reduction, made possible by the greatest police department in the world and transformative crime-fighting strategies that have built trust between police and communities and enabled New Yorkers to take an active role in ensuring the safety of their neighborhoods.” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Three years ago, countless onlookers scoffed at the notion that New York City could reduce crime from already record lows. Yet we’ve done it, all while working toward a more just city by reducing arrests and curtailing the overuse of stop and frisk. I want to thank Police Commissioner O’Neill and the entire New York City Police Department for their tireless spirit and hard work to make New York the safest big city in America.”

There were 2,419 crimes reported in the Transit Bureau in 2016, compared with 2,507 in 2015. This is a reduction of 88 crimes, or -3.5%. There were 5,211 crimes reported in the Housing Bureau in 2016, compared with 5,088 crimes in 2015. This is an increase of 123 crimes, or +2.4%

Note: All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revisions, or change.  

PARKCHESTER TOWN HALL MEETING ON MAINTENANCE HIKE

WHAT: Senator Ruben Diaz and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda will hold a Town Hall meeting to update residents of Parkchester South Condominiums on the status of the court case involving a major one-time maintenance hike by management.

The two electeds have been working with legal counsel in a lawsuit to modify the one-time 15.19 % increase, which management has said it needs to cover the cost of emergency repairs to roofs and other portions of the spawling condominium development.

They have already won concessions from management, including extending the maintenance payment over a four-year period for those who qualify based on their financial status.

WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017

WHERE: St. Paul's Church (Gymnasium), 1891 McGraw Ave., Bronx.

Council Member Andy King to Host Open House For 12th District Constituents Jan. 15, from Noon to 3 p.m.

  City Council Member Andy King will hold an open house and community “meet and greet” at his 12th District offices at 940 East Gun Hill Road on Sunday, Jan. 15, from Noon to 3 p.m. 

Joining Council Member King will be his staff and representatives from city agencies, who will be available to answer community questions.

The open house also celebrates the observance of the birthday of the slain civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“It’s only fitting that on the day of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s actual birthday that we open up our house as Dr. King had opened up his heart and gave his life to improve the lives of others. That true commitment to service is what we strive for in the 12th District,” said Council Member King.

This event is free and open to the public.