New York State Homes and Community Renewal Celebrates Construction of the First LGBT-Friendly Seniors Affordable Housing Development in the Bronx

Financed with State and New York City resources, developed by HELP USA, SAGE, $41.4 Million, 84-Apartment Affordable Development Features LGBT Support Services for Tenants; 26 Units Reserved for Homeless Elders

  New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas broke ground today for the Crotona Senior Residences, the first LGBT-friendly, low-income senior housing apartment building in the Bronx. Of the 84 apartments, 26 will be reserved for seniors who have been homeless. Any individual who is age and income-qualified can apply to live in Crotona Senior Residences regardless of sexual orientation or gender identification.

HCR Commissioner Visnauskas said “All New Yorkers deserve a safe, affordable home with the support and companionship that a robust community offers. Crotona Senior Residences will offer all of that while expanding its neighborhood’s diversity and strengthening its economy. We are proud to be working with SAGE and HELP USA to serve the needs of the aging LGBT community – and all seniors – here in the Bronx.”

Under construction in the Bronx’s Tremont neighborhood, the $41.4 million development reflects Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s commitment to providing all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing through the State’s unprecedented $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan. The plan makes housing accessible and combats homelessness by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 of supportive housing.  The plan is a comprehensive approach to statewide housing issues and includes multifamily and single-family housing, community development, and rent stabilization.

The Crotona Senior Residences will have 84 apartments for very-low income tenants aged 62 years and older. An on-site SAGE Center, run by the nation’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older adults, will provide health and cultural programs, meals, and a computer center. The SAGE Centers at the sites will be open to both building residents and community members, regardless of sexual orientation. SAGE will also offer social services for residents living in the 26 units targeted to homeless seniors.  Located in the Tremont section of the Bronx, with easy access to public transportation, pharmacies, grocery stores, and public parks, the seven-story building will feature energy efficient construction, including windows, fixtures, and an integrated solar array as well as a rooftop terrace and community garden.   

New York State Homes and Community Renewal provided $1.5 million through the Community Investment Fund. HCR’s annual federal tax credit allocation generated more than $16.7 million in equity for the development. The Community Preservation Corporation is providing $10 million in permanent financing through its funding agreement with the New York City Retirement System (NYCRS).

New York City’s Housing Preservation and Development SARA Program provided $10.2 million, including project-based Section 8 vouchers. This is a piece of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s 2016 Housing New York: A Five-Borough, 10-Year Housing Plan and the Mayor’s “Seniors First” initiative, developed to increase the amount of affordable housing programs for New York City seniors. The Office of the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and the Office of New York City Councilman Ritchie Torres contributed $600,000 each.

Since 2011, in the Bronx HCR has financed 13,794 apartments in affordable multifamily developments – including 790 supportive units – with more than $982 million in HCR resources, which have leveraged more than $3 billion in other private and public sources.

President & CEO of HELP USA Tom Hameline says, “For 30 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to serve communities who are under-resourced and under-served. We are so proud to stand with SAGE and our partners at the state and city levels, as allies of New York’s LGBT population. A stable home and a supportive community can make all the difference, and we’re happy to provide both with this new development.”

This project is a continuation of HELP USA’s 30-year commitment to developing affordable housing with targeted services that ensure people remain housed. To date, the agency has developed 15 affordable housing programs across the country – with more than 950 units – which are home to underserved populations including veterans, survivors of domestic violence, people living with HIV, and the formerly homeless. HELP USA’s affordable housing developments can be found in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada.

“Crotona Senior Residences will provide crucial housing and supportive services to the many older New Yorkers who are in desperate need of an affordable place to live.  SAGE is thrilled to break ground on this development with our partners, HELP USA, and all of our supporters,” says SAGE CEO Michael Adams. “Finding welcoming housing is one of the most difficult challenges faced by our LGBT elders. Thanks to this development, many LGBT pioneers and allies who fought for recognition and civil rights will now have a place to live and thrive. This development will be more than a building – it will be a community of trailblazers.”

Across the nation, older people have extremely limited options for housing that is both LGBT welcoming and affordable. The Crotona Senior Residences, and the Ingersoll Senior Residences in Brooklyn, are part of SAGE’s National LGBT Elder Housing Initiative. Launched in 2015 to address the housing crisis faced by LGBT elders, the multi-year initiative encourages model inclusive housing like Ingersoll and Crotona, policy advocacy, consumer education, cultural competence training for providers, and technical assistance to communities seeking to address LGBT elder housing issues.  

“All seniors deserve the opportunity to thrive in a safe, accessible, and affordable environment. Crotona Senior Residences will create 84 welcoming homes for extremely low-income seniors and provide supportive services while creating a safe space for LGBT elders” said HPD Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer.  “I want to thank HELP USA, SAGE, and our partners in government for their collaboration in providing desperately needed affordable housing for our seniors who helped to build this city.”

"I sincerely commend HELP USA, SAGE, and all the agencies and organizations that have made the opening of the Crotona Senior Residences possible," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "The first of its kind in the Bronx, the Crotona Senior Residences provides affordable housing and support to LGBT seniors, a population that is often overlooked and under-served in our community. The hard work and contributions of these organizations will go a long way in helping us combat homelessness in our City, particularly within the LGBT community. I look forward to continued success and collaborative work with HELP USA and SAGE in my district."

"Today, SAGE and HELP USA have once again demonstrated their commitment to seniors and the LGBTQ community with the launch of the first affordable housing development for LGBT seniors in the Crotona Park North section of our district. It is an exciting step forward in advancing housing justice for some of the most vulnerable members of our community," said Assemblymember Michael Blake. "LGBT seniors face unique challenges as they are more susceptible to facing housing discrimination, slipping into homelessness and living in isolation. Every New Yorker deserves equal access to safe and affordable housing. As we make great strides in safeguarding civil rights for all, we remain committed to creating open, accepting and inclusive spaces in the Bronx where everyone, regardless of color, creed, religion or sexual orientation, can live and thrive. Living comfortably without discrimination and supporting LGBT seniors is how we continue #BuildingABetterBronx."

“Creating affordable housing units for our LGBTQ senior citizens is very important to me and to our community,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “It is with great pleasure that I support the development of SAGE and HELP USA’s senior housing in the Bronx, and I am proud to have provided $600,000 in capital funding for construction of this worthy project.”

Wave Hill Events May 31‒June 7 Turtle Day!

  Sat, June 2    Family Art Project: A Turtle’s Pace

Marvel at the beautiful patterns that cover the protective shell of the local box turtle. Use fabric and leather scraps to design and decorate a stuffed, wearable turtle-shell backpack. Make a turtle egg-shaker and, wearing your shell, gather outside to waltz in an oh-so-slow parade. Sunday is Turtle Day! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, June 2    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Sat, June 2    Meet the Artist: Austin Ballard

Join us at this artist talk in the Sunroom Project Space. Artist Austin Ballard will discuss his installation Rumors with Curator of Visual Arts Eileen Jeng Lynch. Fabricating furniture using cane webbing and epoxy clay, Ballard constructs an immersive domestic setting. Intended as functional sculpture, the forms are reminiscent of Victorian furniture and recall Wave Hill’s history as a private home. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, June 3    Family Art Project: A Turtle’s Pace

Marvel at the beautiful patterns that cover the protective shell of the local box turtle. Use fabric and leather scraps to design and decorate a stuffed, wearable turtle-shell backpack. Make a turtle egg-shaker and, wearing your shell, gather outside to waltz in an oh-so-slow parade. Free with admission to the grounds. Turtle Day event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, June 3    Yoga in the Garden

Enjoy a morning yoga class in the gardens, offered in partnership with Yoga Haven. All levels welcome; please bring a mat and be on time. Meets indoors in case of rain. Online registration suggested, or register day-of at the Front Gate. Yoga sessions continue through July 29. $25 per session. Wave Hill Members save 10%.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10–11AM

Sun, June 3   In the Shop: 20% off Folkmanis Turtle Puppets

Enjoy a special discount on delightful turtle puppets—from sweet little finger puppets, to larger, classic, 13” hand puppets—and encourage your kids’ imaginative pretend play and sense of discovery. California-based Folkmanis has been making innovative, realistic and engaging specialty puppets since 1976, delighting imaginations and inspiring connections to the natural world. Turtle Day event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM‒4PM

Sun, June 3    Turtle & Shell Show and Tell

Our youngest visitors and their families are invited to drop by this informal info station to see turtle shells, eggs and meet a live turtle. Ages four to six welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. Turtle Day event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1‒1:30PM

Sun, June 3    Nature Presentation: Turtle Talk

June is an active time for turtles, as the females strike out on land in search of safe places to lay their eggs. Join environmental educator Carl Heitmuller from the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum for an informative (and humorous) foray into the world of turtles. Meet rotund reptiles from the museum’s collection. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. Turtle Day event. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

Sun, June 3    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, June 4

Closed to the public.

Tue, June 5    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, June 5    Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. Avifauna: Birds + Habitat features artworks that delve into the relationship between birds and their habitats—from the role birds play in propagating plants to changes in how natural and built environments affect migration patterns. Artists working in photography, video, artist books, wall painting, installation, drawing and sound include Tatiana Arocha, Tanya Chaly, Marna Chester, Nina Katchadourian,Paula McCartney, Jeff Mertz, Peter Morgan, Sarah Nicholls, James Prosek, Jenna Spevack and Fred Tomaselli. In the Sunroom Project Space, Austin Ballard’s installation Rumors is on view. Fabricating furniture using cane webbing and epoxy clay, Austin Ballard constructs an immersive domestic setting. Intended as functional sculpture, the forms are reminiscent of Victorian furniture and recall Wave Hill’s history as a private home. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM,  March 15–October 31. Closes 4:30PM, starting November 1.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

NYC to Expand Network of Electric Vehicle Chargers, Use New Technology to Charge Cars in as Little as 15 Minutes

Fast Chargers Will Help Keep City Government Vehicles in Continuous Use

  

The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) will today announce a planned major expansion of the City’s network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers. The City currently operates 500 EV chargers, which are used to charge City government vehicles. It is the largest network of EV chargers for any vehicle fleet in the country, and the City expects to add 100 new chargers. The new chargers will also be the City’s first ‘fast electric vehicle chargers,’ which will keep electric vehicles in continuous use by reducing lengthy charging periods that can take vehicles out of commission. The new chargers can charge vehicles in as little as 15 minutes. Most of these new chargers will be located at existing City-managed fueling locations. This project is expected to be funded by $10 million from the City’s proposed capital budget with construction to begin early next year. The EV expansion is part of a series of announcements to be made today at the City’s 30th Annual Truck and Equipment Show presented by the NYC Parks Department and DCAS at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. “New York City government has the cleanest and greenest vehicle fleet in the country, and we’re building upon our success by installing 100 new electric vehicle chargers that will significantly decrease charging times,” said Lisette Camilo, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. “In as little as 15 minutes, we’ll be able to charge environmentally-friendly electric vehicles and get them back on the streets serving the people of New York City.” DCAS will also announce additional enhancements to the City’s municipal vehicle fleet, including: ·     Construction of 50 new solar carports. Solar carports capture solar energy to fully charge EVs without any connection to the electric grid. In addition to environmental benefits, the solar carports offer an important resiliency measure if the City were to lose power and need to charge EVs. The City currently operates 37 carports that were put into operation over the last six months. ·     The City of New York has installed over 12,000 new safety features on City vehicles in the first year of the Vision Zero Safe Fleet Transition Plan. The plan, part of Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero initiative to protect the public by reducing injuries and fatalities stemming from traffic collisions, formalized best practices to integrate vehicle safety technologies into City vehicles. Installed safety features include automatic braking systems, rear-view cameras, sideguards that prevent pedestrians and bicyclists from going under large trucks during side-impact collisions, and adaptive headlights, among other technologies. These advances in greener and safer vehicle technologies are part of record investments in the specialized emergency and heavy fleet units that support NYC government operations. In FY18, over $380 million has been invested in new City fleet vehicles, including 662 sanitation trucks for the City of New York Department of Sanitation. This is the third consecutive year of record investments in the fleet that supports City government agencies. This includes $1.1 billion invested in the last three years alone. “NYC is one of the nation’s largest procurers of safe and sustainable fleet technology,” said DCAS Deputy Commissioner and NYC Chief Fleet Officer Keith Kerman. “At today’s 30th Fleet Show, we celebrate our latest milestones including 1,500 electric vehicles, our first contract for hybrid police vehicles, expanding electric charging, and the safest fleet we have ever ordered. We thank our partner agencies and our vendors at the show.”  The 30th Annual Truck and Equipment Show is free to vendors and the public and offers a chance for the automotive and trucking industry to demonstrate the latest and best in safe, green, and reliable vehicle technology.

About DCAS

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) ensures that all City agencies have the critical resources and support needed to provide the best possible services to the public. It does this in part by working with City agencies on recruiting, hiring, and training; providing facilities management for 55 public buildings; purchasing, selling, and leasing City property; purchasing more than $1 billion in supplies and equipment annually; and implementing conservation and safety programs throughout they City's facilities and fleet.

DiNAPOLI: STATE PENSION FUND VALUE $206.9 BILLION

Earns 11.35 Percent Return on Investments in State Fiscal Year 2018

  New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced that the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) earned an estimated 11.35 percent return on investments in the state fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2018. The Fund ended the year with an estimated value of $206.9 billion, which is subject to change once returns are fully audited. The Fund’s value at the end of state fiscal year 2017 was $192.4 billion.

“The New York State Common Retirement Fund’s value rose with help from strong markets through most of the fiscal year, which ended with a volatile fourth quarter,” DiNapoli said. “Fortunately, our conservative approach for gaining long term, sustainable returns protects the Fund in times of uncertainty. The Fund ended the fiscal year just as it began it, as one of the best funded, best managed pension plans in the nation. The strength and stability of our state’s pension fund is good news for the more than one million individuals in the state retirement system and for New York taxpayers.”

During state fiscal year 2018, the Fund’s public equities, including domestic and non-U.S. holdings, enjoyed overall returns of 15.03 percent. The Fund’s broader approach to fixed income markets over the last year returned 2.14 percent. The Fund’s diversification strategy performed well, with private equity and real estate delivering returns of 18.70 percent and 9.01 percent, respectively.

The Fund is the third-largest public pension fund in the country and is ranked one of the nation’s best-fundedpension plans, according to Pew Charitable Trusts. The New York State and Local Retirement System provides retirement security to more than one million active state and local government employees, retirees and their beneficiaries. Employer contribution rates are determined by investment results over a multi-year period along with numerous other actuarial assumptions, including wage growth, inflation, age of retirement and mortality. The Fund’s long-term expected rate of return is 7 percent. 

Solid returns in recent years have resulted in reductions in employer contributions.

The Fund’s value and rate of return in prior years is available online: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/press/docs/nyscrf_values_chart_2018.pdf

Non-US Equities	17.02%	15.20%
Private Equity	18.70%	8.3%
Real Estate	9.01%	6.7%
Global Equities	17.49%	5.3%
TIPS**	1.25%	3.9%
Absolute Return Strategies	5.90%	2.7%
Cash	1.71%	0.9%
Non-Core Fixed Income	5.23%	1.7%
Opportunistic Alternatives	12.32%	1.2%
Real Assets	10.33%	0.7%
*  Returns are estimated, pending audited data available later this year
** Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities

About the New York State Common Retirement Fund 
The New York State Common Retirement Fund is the third largest public pension fund in the United States. The Fund holds and invests the assets of the New York State and Local Retirement System on behalf of more than one million state and local government employees and retirees and their beneficiaries. The Fund has consistently been ranked as one of the best managed and best funded plans in the nation. The Fund's fiscal year ends March 31, 2019.

Bronx Man Convicted Of 2010 Murder

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSE SANTIAGO-ORTIZ was found guilty of murder, participating in a narcotics conspiracy, and firearms offenses yesterday after a one-week jury trial before the Honorable Lewis A. Kaplan.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “A unanimous jury convicted Jose Santiago-Ortiz of killing Jerry Tide in cold blood.  In addition, Santiago-Ortiz was convicted of narcotics conspiracy and firearms offenses.  We hope today’s verdict will bring some solace to the victim’s family, while also taking a violent offender off the street.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint and the Indictment and the evidence presented in court during the trial:

On September 11, 2010, SANTIAGO-ORTIZ shot and killed Jerry Tide in the vicinity of Jerome Avenue and 182nd Street in the Bronx.  Between 2010 and November 2015, SANTIAGO-ORTIZ was the leader of a violent heroin trafficking enterprise that trafficked kilogram quantities of heroin, stamped “Flow,” in the Bronx and to Rutland, Vermont. SANTIAGO-ORTIZ killed Jerry Tide in part to increase SANTIAGO-ORTIZ’s position within the Flow Heroin Enterprise.  In addition, in 2015, members of the Flow Heroin Enterprise engaged in several shootings with rival drug dealers in the Bronx.

SANTIAGO-ORTIZ, 27, of the Bronx, New York, was found guilty of one count of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison; one count of murder while engaged in a narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of conspiring to distribute one kilogram and more of heroin, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of using firearms in furtherance of a narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the judge.

SANTIAGO-ORTIZ is scheduled to be sentenced on September 18, 2018.

Mr. Berman thanked the FBI’s New York Field Division for their work on the investigation.

Former Bank Branch Manager Charged In $5 Million Fraud Involving Two New York Area Banks

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced today the unsealing of a criminal Complaint charging MOSHE BENENFELD, a/k/a “Michael Benenfeld,” with bank fraud, in connection with hundreds of unauthorized transactions BENENFELD conducted in bank customer accounts when employed by two different New York-area banks.  BENENFELD is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said:  “As alleged, Moshe Benenfeld betrayed his position of trust as a bank branch manager to steal account holders’ money.  Thanks to the Postal Inspection Service, Benenfeld is in custody and facing prosecution for his alleged crime.”

Inspector in Charge Bartlett said:  “Mr. Benenfeld exploited the position of trust granted to him by his employer.  He stole from family and friends to enrich himself and others.  Postal Inspectors encourage customers to keep a watchful eye on their money, no matter who it is entrusted to.” 

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

Between 2000 and 2016, BENENFELD was the branch manager at a branch of a New York-area bank (“Bank-1”).  Beginning in or about 2004 and continuing into 2016, while employed at Bank-1, BENENFELD conducted hundreds of unauthorized transactions involving the accounts of over 20 bank customers, including the accounts of BENENFELD’s relatives.  Among other things, BENENFELD made unauthorized draws on, and payments to, customers’ lines of credit; made unauthorized withdrawals from, and deposits to, customers’ deposit accounts; and used customers’ deposit accounts as collateral for other customers’ lines of credit, without authorization.  To effect the unauthorized transactions, BENENFELD would, among other things, forge the signatures of bank customers and use a document previously signed by a bank customer to create paperwork that falsely purported to authorize a different transaction.  In or about April 2016, after having discovered BENENFELD’s conduct, Bank-1 terminated BENENFELD’s employment.  In or about June 2016, BENENFELD was hired by another bank (“Bank-2”).  At Bank-2, BENENFELD continued to conduct unauthorized transactions involving customer accounts.  As a result of the unauthorized transactions conducted by BENENFELD, Bank-1 sustained losses of over $5 million.

BENENFELD, 49, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s New York Division.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1]  As the introductory phase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez - Amnesty for Fines of Taxi Drivers in New York City

  Monday, May 14th, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, standing with taxi drivers in Inwood, called on the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission to forgive fines issued not related to pedestrian safety for any TLC licensed drivers.

 

This call comes in response to the critical state of the taxi industry. Over the past fourth months, four taxi drivers have committed suicide while medallion values continue to plummet.

 

"We are in the middle of a crisis in the taxi industry that is hurting hard-working New Yorkers, many of whom are immigrants that came to this country in search of a better future for their families. It is incumbent upon us as policymakers to employ any tools at our disposal to make sure we're not abandoning these families to their fate," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez.

 

The proposal would benefit the 180,000 TLC-licensed drivers in New York City. Cumulatively, drivers owe between $2 million and $3 million in TLC fines.

 

TLC Chair Meera Joshi said she would be open to taking a closer look at the council member's proposal. She added that her office has already implemented a policy to warn drivers when they commit minor infractions before issuing a fine. The agency is exploring ways for drivers to be able to pay outstanding fines. The TLC Driver Protection Unit is working closely with drivers to create payment plans and they are not pushed out of the industry because they are not able to pay their fines.

Council Member Rodriguez was a taxi driver himself when he first moved to New York when he emigrated from the Dominican Republic. He has a longstanding history of defending the interests of taxi drivers and fighting to level the playing field for yellow taxis, for-hire vehicles, and liveries. Among many other pieces of legislation and oversight hearings on the industry, the council member spearheaded the efforts to pass Local Law 135 to require FHV bases provided a means to allow passengers to provide drivers with a tip (gratuity) using the same method of payment passengers use to pay for the fare. Local Law 58 changes the tax on the transfer of a taxicab license from 5% of the consideration given for such transfer to 0.5% of the consideration given for such transfer.

Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz - WHAT’S ALL THIS FUSS ABOUT TAXI AND LIMOUSINE COMMISSION (TLC) FINES?

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz

District 18 Bronx County, New York

You should know that on Monday, February 12^th, 2018 I convened my first committee hearing for the newly created “For-Hire Vehicle Committee” (FHV). The topic of this first hearing was TLC enforcement and the manner in which the inspectors treat drivers.   

The Committee heard testimony for seven hours, and it became very clear that the laws enacted in 2011 and 2016 (later codified as Local Laws 35 and 52) have succeeded in creating such excessive fines. These fines were both destroying the lives of drivers as well as violating the 8th Amendment to the US Constitution.  How did they manage to accomplish both?

It is important for you to know what happened in the industry between 2011 and 2018 may best be demonstrated with two statistics.  

First, the number of average rides per day has decreased to the point that in January 2011 the average daily trips for the taxi/FHV industry were 482,811.  Seven years later in January 2018, the figure was 282,565.  In other words in just seven (7) years the daily ridership for all taxi and FHV was decreased by almost half.

Second, in January 2011 there were a total of 39,708 total For-Hire Vehicles, and seven (7) years later there were 102,536.  In seven (7) years the numbers of For-Hire Vehicles rose by more than double and the number of daily trips fell by half.

  

Then in 2011 the New York City Mayor, the City Council, and its Speaker decided to greatly increase fines for taxi drivers and For-Hire Vehicles from $350 to $1,000. Not content, these were raised again in 2016 to $10,000. So while the number of For-Hire Vehicles were increasing to more than 150%, the Mayor, Council, and the Speaker added these huge fines. It is no wonder that a $1,000 fine wipes out a driver’s earnings for a month. 

My dear reader, you should know that my legal counsel has informed me these fines are in violation of the US Constitution, specifically the 8th Amendment. Most persons are familiar with the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, but there's another part which forbids “excessive bail, shall not be required nor excessive fines imposed.” The Supreme Court waited until 1998 to let us know what “excessive” fines are. They are fines which are not proportional to the offense caused.

During the hearing, we learned TLC Inspectors set up drivers by posing as passengers, sometimes as a handicapped individual in need of a taxi. In other situations, the inspector just opens the door and enters the taxi without the driver’s authorization.

  

Could you imagine my dear reader in 2018 that a $1,000 fine is costing a driver his/her monthly take home? It’s even worse to know these fines many times are given when a driver has been set up by the TLC Inspector. Ridiculous!

  

The solution to end this abuse is to repeal the 2011 and 2016 Local Laws 35 & 52. I am not urging lawlessness. I believe anyone who breaks the law should fined, but fines should be proportional to the harm caused. That’s why I have asked for such legislation.  

  

I am Councilman Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.