MAYOR DE BLASIO, DEPUTY MAYOR THOMPSON LAUNCH CITYWIDE PUSH TO HELP MINORITY AND WOMEN- OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES WIN CONTRACTS

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives Phil Thompson announced that the City will connect Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) to City agencies with active business opportunities through a new event series called M/WBE Borough Forums. The series also will provide an opportunity for M/WBEs to learn about the benefits of doing business with the City. The M/WBE Borough Forums will kick off on September 26th in Flushing, Queens.

“Our City works best when everyone – regardless of race, gender or ethnicity – have the resources they need to participate in our economy,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With this series, we’re bringing business opportunities directly to our diverse and talented New Yorkers who provide our City with a variety of goods and services. It’s just another way we’re creating the fairest big city in America.”

“With this first-time series, we’re stepping up the City’s already aggressive efforts to increase opportunities for M/WBEs,” said Phil Thompson, NYC Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. “Mayor de Blasio is investing in minority and women-owned businesses at record levels because we know that when these types of businesses succeed, so do communities.”

“This Administration continues to breakdown historic barriers faced by minority and women-owned businesses, specifically barriers to accessing government contracts,” said Jonnel Doris, Senior Advisor and Director of the Mayor’s Office of M/WBEs. “M/WBEs are vital to their local economies and communities, this new event series brings much needed resources and opportunities directly to these firms allowing them to continue to grow and thrive.”

“The City’s commitment to building a more inclusive local economy is evident. Under Mayor Bill de Blasio’s leadership, we’ve reached a record number of over 6,000 certified M/WBEs,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “Now, we’re going one step further by bringing opportunities for success directly to M/WBEs’ neighborhoods through our borough forums.”

The event series, which will be run by the Department of Small Business Services and the Office of M/WBEs, is part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's larger commitment to increase M/WBE participation in City contracting, which includes:

• Awarding $20 Billion to M/WBEs by end of FY 2025.
• Certifying 9,000 M/WBEs by end of FY 2019.
• Awarding 30 percent of the value of all City contracts by end of FY 2021.

At the forums, M/WBEs will be able to connect with City agencies to learn about current and upcoming contracting opportunities. M/WBEs also will have the opportunity to learn how to certify their business with government entities; sign up for mentorship programs and workshops; market their business to City government; and access affordable loans to perform on City contracts.

The M/WBE Borough Forum in Queens is being hosted in partnership with the Flushing Business Improvement District (BID). The event will take place on September 26^th from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom, 135-20 39th Ave Flushing, NY, 11354. Representatives from the following 13 City agencies will be available at the forum to discuss contracting opportunities.

• Administration for Children’s Services
• Department of Citywide Administrative Services
• Department of Correction
• Department of Environmental Protection
• Department of Homeless Services
• Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications
• Department of Parks and Recreation
• Department of Sanitation
• Department of Small Business Services
• Department of Social Services
• Fire Department of the City of New York
• Human Resources Administration
• New York Police Department

The M/WBE Borough Forums will then move to the Bronx in October, Manhattan in November, Brooklyn in January, and Staten Island in February.

For more information or to register to attend the Queens forum, visit queensforum.eventbrite.com.

For more information on forums in all other boroughs, contact bizhelp@sbs.nyc.gov.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Fox News is Obsessed With Us

Wow, talk about a swing and a miss.

Last weekend, Fox & Friends took aim at our campaign once again — but this time, their target was definitely a little weird.

Piggybacking off the comments of alt-righters on Twitter, Fox News decided it’d be a good idea to critique my outfit of all things. An outfit that, to be clear, I do not own, and was supplied as a part of a photoshoot for an article talking about our campaign, our goals, and our vision for the future.

But they weren’t concerned with the facts, or the policies designed to help working class Americans that our campaign is all about. Fox News cared more about continuing their smear campaign against our movement — by painting every activist and leader who demands better treatment for working class families as hypocritical. Their endgame? To scare people about the spectre of socialism by any means necessary.

It’s this type of disingenuous behavior that causes middle class Americans to see right through their act — because when we should be talking about important policies, like ensuring Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, or the abolition of private prisons, Fox News is talking about an outfit instead.

Remember, Republicans aren’t going to let us reform our broken political system without a fight. They’re willing to use any low blow to try and derail our movement, because they’re scared of what we can accomplish.

That’s why we can’t let up, not with only seven weeks left before the general election. But with you on our side, I know that we’ll make it to Washington to fight for a vision of the future where people are more important than corporate profits.

Pa'lante,

Alexandria

Let's See What U. S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand Are Doing

09.13.18

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE: FOLLOWING THEIR PUSH, $190 MILLION TO COMPLETE LAST PHASE OF CANANDAIGUA VA CAMPUS EXPANSION INCLUDED IN JUST-PASSED VA/MILCON APPROPRIATIONS BILL; SENATORS SAY $190 MILLION WILL COMPLETE LONG-SOUGHT UPGRADE, GUARD AGAINST FUTURE CLOSURE THREATS, AND BOOST QUALITY OF CARE FOR VETERANS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO ROCHESTER REGION

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND SECURE $80 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB IN FISCAL YEAR 2019 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS BILL; $80M IN FUNDING REJECTS ADMINISTRATION’S MISGUIDED BUDGET PROPOSAL TO CLOSE LASER LAB AND CUT HUNDREDS OF ROCHESTER JOBS

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $600K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR LEGAL SERVICES OF THE HUDSON VALLEY

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE INCLUSION OF THEIR AMENDMENT IN FINAL MUST-PASS DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL AUTHORIZING $20 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO REIMBURSE LOCAL WATER AUTHORITIES AND NEW YORK FOR CLEAN UP OF PFOA/PFOS AT NEWBURGH

EDITOR'S NOTE:

As we look at press releases from U.S. Senators for New York State we come across items like the four above dated 9,13,2018. Like the four above we see hundreds of millions of dollars the two (New York) U.S. Senators appropriate for upstate New York State, but rarely see any appropriations for New York City.  

We have to wonder who (New York) U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand really are representing.

Council to Vote on Comprehensive School Planning and Siting Package

Council will also vote on the Speaker’s legislation allowing individuals to change the sex designation on their birth records by self-attestation

  The New York City Council will vote on a comprehensive school planning and siting legislation package, which would aim to eliminate overcrowding at city schools by increasing transparency about the process. Next, the Council will vote on Speaker Corey Johnson’s bill allowing individuals to self-attest when changing the sex designation on their birth record to conform to their gender identity and allow individuals who don’t identify as exclusively male or female to change the sex designation on their birth certificate to “X”.  The Council will also vote on a number of bills regarding the upcoming L-train shutdown. In addition, the Council will vote on a resolution calling on the federal government to abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Finally, the Council will vote on several finance and land use items.

School Planning and Siting Package

Requiring DOE to Post Subdistrict Maps Online

Introduction 449-A, sponsored by Council Member Daniel Dromm, would require the Department of Education (DOE) to post online maps showing the geographic boundaries, known as subdistricts, used by the DOE and the School Construction Authority (SCA) to identify where new capital funding will be targeted for building new schools.

Requiring the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to notify the DOE and the SCA When City-owned or Leased Property of an Adequate Size is Determined to Have No Current Use

Introduction 461-A, sponsored by Council Member Daniel Dromm, would require the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to provide written notice to the DOE and the SCA within 30 days after city-owned or leased property of at least 20,000 square feet is determined to have no current use.

Requiring DOE to Post Information Regarding the Process Used in Determining Identified Seat Need

Introduction 729-A, sponsored by Council Member Ben Kallos, would require the DOE to post online the process, data and criteria used by the DOE and the SCA to calculate the number of seats needed to be built to meet future enrollment needs.

 Creation of a School Siting Task Force

Introduction 757-A, sponsored by Council Member Vanessa Gibson, would require the Mayor to create an interagency task force on school siting to identify potential city-owned properties for school siting and identify vacant lots that may be good candidates for school siting.

“I am proud to join Speaker Johnson and my Colleagues in passing today’s comprehensive package of legislation, including Int. 757-A, aimed at siting new schools in our City. As the population grows and there is a greater demand for school seats, our legislation recognizes the need to create an inter-agency task force to include the School Construction Authority, the Department of Education, the City Council and the Mayor’s Office to collaborate on ways to identify potential school sites and opportunities to expand our network to address school overcrowding. I am grateful for the support of my Colleagues, Education Chair Mark Treyger and school advocates for their commitment and partnership to address overcrowding and create more schools in the City of New York,” said Council Member Vanessa Gibson.

Calling on the NYS Legislature to Give NYC the Authority to Utilize Design-Build

Resolution 286, sponsored by Council Member Ritchie Torres, calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation that would give New York City, and any public authorities or public benefit corporations operating within the City, including the School Construction Authority, broad authority to utilize the design-build delivery method for capital projects.

“In order to more effectively and expeditiously improve our City’s public infrastructure- particularly public housing, schools and transportation system- the State should authorize design-build that would streamline processes and cut red tape,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

Calling on the SCA to more clearly communicate to the general public how city residents can submit potential school sites and the guidelines used in considering whether a suggested school site meets the evaluation standards used

Resolution 289, sponsored by Council Member Paul Vallone, would call on the SCA to more clearly communicate to the general public how city residents can submit potential school sites and the guidelines used by the SCA in considering whether a suggested school site meets the authority’s evaluation standards.

Amending Sex Designation on Birth Records and the Issuance of Birth Records

Introduction 954-A, sponsored by Speaker Corey Johnson, would allow individuals to self-attest when changing the sex designation on their birth record to conform to their gender identity. The bill would also allow individuals who don’t identify as exclusively male or female to change the sex designation on their birth certificate to “X”.

“Introduction 954-A will make New York birth certificates more inclusive for all and will send a powerful signal to the world that New York City government works for everyone, and now more than ever, it’s important for us as elected officials to show our constituents that we see them, we have their backs and we respect them for who they are. That starts today with voting on this bill, and I thank all my colleagues for their support,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.

 Requiring the Department of Correction to Report on the Rate of Emergency Lock-ins

Introduction 447-A, sponsored by Council Member Daniel Dromm, would require the Department of Correction (DOC) to post quarterly and yearly reports on departmental, facility and housing area lockdowns. Such reports include information on average duration of lockdowns, the average number of individuals affected by such lockdowns, mandated services either cancelled or delayed due to a lockdown and the reason for lockdowns.

Resolution 513, sponsored by Council Members Helen Rosenthal and Carlos Menchaca, calls upon the U.S. Congress to pass and the President to sign the Establishing a Humane Immigration Enforcement System Act (H.R. 6361), legislation that would abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

L-Train Shutdown Package

Designating community information centers in the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn during the course of the 2019 Canarsie Tunnel reconstruction

Introduction 989-A, sponsored by Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, would require the Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to designate at least one community information center in each of the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn during the 2019 Canarsie Tunnel Reconstruction (also known as the L-train shutdown). These community information centers would provide resources and information to members of the public regarding reconstruction.

Establishing an Ombuds within the Department of Transportation

Introduction 990-A, sponsored by Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, would require the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation to designate an ombuds to receive and investigate complaints and comments in connection with the Canarsie Tunnel closure starting in 2019 (also known as the L-train shutdown).

“Just about every New Yorker is aware by now that the L train will be shutting down in April 2019 for no less than 15 months. Understandably, New Yorkers on both sides of the East River are getting more and more anxious about what some are calling the L-pocalypse. I understand their concerns and I share them. I ride the subway all the time, and frequently ride the L. It runs through my district. It runs cross-town, so even people who don’t live along it often use it. Its closure is going to be a huge loss for the system. There will be significant disruption to straphangers and to residents. That is my primary concern – mitigating the pain for these subway and bus riders, pedestrians, cyclists and neighborhood residents. The Council is proud to vote on these bills as the first step toward relief for L-train riders,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.

Calling on the Governor and the MTA to Provide Alternative Service During the L-Train Shutdown

Resolution 377, sponsored by Council Member Rafael Espinal, would call upon the Governor and the Metropolitan Transit Authority to commit to an expeditious transition to an electric bus fleet and to use electric buses as a robust part of the replacement service during the L-train shutdown.

The City Council will also vote on the following finance item(s)…

 The Council will vote on Article XI Property Tax Exemptions at the following locations:

501 West 143rd Street in Manhattan, in Council Member Mark Levine’s district.

The purpose of this exemption is to preserve the 37 existing units of low income affordable housing which are slated at 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).

Morningside Apartments in Manhattan, in Council Member Mark Levine’s district.

The purpose of this exemption is to preserve 49 units of existing affordable, low-income housing which are set at 50% of Area Median Income (AMI).

9 Argyle Road in Brooklyn, in Council Member Mathieu Eugene’s district.

The purpose of this exemption is to preserve the 12 existing units of low-income affordable housing which are set at 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).

The City Council will also vote on the following land use items:

1601 Dekalb Avenye, Brooklyn

The Council will vote to approve with modifications an application for a rezoning from M1-1 to R7A to facilitate a residential development at 1601 Dekalb Avenue in Bushwick in Council Member Rafael Espinal’s district. During Council review, the project was changed from a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing project under Option 1 to a 100% affordable under the Housing Preservation Development’s Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) Term Sheet. The Council’s modifications to zone certain sites R6A will also protect adjacent loft residential tenants from displacement, and by retaining manufacturing zoning on Wyckoff Avenue, existing businesses and future economic development opportunities will be preserved.

55-63 Summit Street Rezoning, Brooklyn.

The Council will vote on an application submitted by Rothkrug, Rothkrug & Spector LLP  for rezoning from M1-1 to R6B to facilitate residential development at 55-61 Summit Street. This rezoning would facilitate the development of a five-story, mixed-use residential and community facility with 14 residential units, including 5-6 affordable units. The proposed rezoning is in Council Member Brad Lander’s district.

5 Bement Avenue L.U. NO. 195, Staten Island.

The Council will vote on an application by Pelton Place, LLC to allow for a one-story commercial development at the corner of Bement Avenue and Richmond Terrace . The applicant has agreed to the modifications proposed by the Community Board and the recommendations made by the Council Member to improve the site. The proposed re-zoning is in Council Member Deborah Rose’s district.  

Firehouse- Engine Cos. 264 & 328/ Ladder Co. 134 Landmarking, Queens.

The Council will vote on an application by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to designate the firehouse at 16-15 Central Avenue as a New York City Landmark. The Firehouse was built in 1910 to serve the people of Far Rockaway and is also an excellent example of early 20th century Renaissance Revival architecture. The Firehouse is located in Council Member Donovan Richards’s district.  

53rd (Now 101st Street) Precinct Police Station, Queens.

The Council will vote on an application by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to designate the Police Station at 16-12 Mott Avenue as a New York City Landmark.  The Police Station was built in 1929 and is a stunning example of Renaissance Revival and Colonial Revival architecture. The Police Station is located in Council Member Donovan Richards Jr’s district.

 NYPD Bomb Squad Headquarters Relocation, Manhattan.

The Council will vote on an application by the New York City Police Department and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to approve the acquisition of a privately-owned property located at 241 West 26th Street to be used as the headquarters of the NYPD Bomb Squad. The site is located in Council Speaker Corey Johnson’s district.

Third-Party Transfer In Rem Actions No. 56 Queens, No. 53, Brooklyn and No. 52, Bronx

The Council will be voting to approve six applications for tax exemptions for properties subject to final judgements of in rem foreclosure entered in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx. The applications include Article XI tax exemptions for unimproved properties and Urban Development Action Area Project approval and tax exemptions pursuant to Article XI of the Private Housing Finance Law and Section 696 of the General Municipal Law for improved properties. These actions will facilitate the transfer, development and preservation of the properties pursuant to the Third-Party Transfer Program.

The affected properties are in Council Members Donovan Richards, Jimmy Van Bramer, Antonio Reynoso, Laurie Cumbo, Robert Cornegy, Rafael Espinal, Mathieu Eugene, Alicka Ampry-Samuel, Inez Barron, Fernando Cabrera, Vanessa Gibson, Rafael Salamanca, Diana Ayala and Ritchie Torres’s districts.

Triple HDFC, HPO, FY19 Manhattan.

The Council will vote on an application submitted by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development for an Article X1 tax exemption to facilitate the preservation of three 100% affordable buildings, totaling 68 units. The properties are in Council Member Diana Ayala’s district.

Nueva Era Apartments, Manhattan.

The Council will vote on an application submitted by New York City Housing Preservation Development for an Article X1 tax exemption to facilitate the preservation of a 100% affordable building with 34 units. The properties are in Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez’s district.                                            

Deshler Apartments, Manhattan

The Council will vote on an application submitted by New York City Housing Preservation Development for an Article X1 tax exemption to facilitate the preservation of two 100% affordable buildings, totaling 60 units. The properties are in Council Member Bill Perkin’s district.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We highlighted your Bronx City Council members where ever they were involved in the legislation being voted on above.

This is not to say they are not doing their jobs in the council if you do not see your city council members name. There may be other legislation that your city council member is working on for your community.

Three Gang Members Sentenced in Connection with the Shooting Death of Carey Gabay During J’ouvert Celebration in 2015

Took Part in Gun Battle on Crowded Street Where At Least Nine Guns Were Fired

  Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that three gang members have been sentenced in connection with the death of Carey Gabay, an aide to Governor Cuomo, who was fatally shot outside the Ebbets Field Houses in Crown Heights on Labor Day 2015.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “In Brooklyn, we will continue to fight against senseless gang violence that in this instance led to the tragic death of Carey Gabay, an innocent, bright young man with a loving family and a promising future. I hope that Mr. Gabay’s family is able to take some solace in the measure of justice delivered with today’s sentences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Micah Alleyne, 26, of Jamaica, Queens; Kenny Bazile, 33, of Canarsie, Brooklyn; and Stanley Elianor, 27, of Brownsville, Brooklyn. Alleyne and Bazile were convicted of second-degree manslaughter and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Elianor was convicted of first-degree reckless endangerment. The defendants were convicted following a jury trial before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Vincent Del Giudice, who today sentenced Alleyne to 20 to 30 years in prison, Bazile to 20 to 25 years in prison, and Elianor to three and a half to seven years in prison.

Another defendant, Tyshawn Crawford, 23, previously pleaded guilty to charges relating to the shooting of Mr. Gabay in exchange for a promised sentence of 14 years in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to trial testimony, the incident took place during the early morning hours of September 7, 2015 in front of 1680 Bedford Avenue, which is part of the Ebbets Field Houses in Crown Heights. At the time of the shooting, the patio and street in front of the building were filled with hundreds of people, many of whom were celebrating J’ouvert, a traditional predawn festival that precedes the annual West Indian American Day Parade.

The building’s large patio was known to be controlled by the Folk Nation street gang, which has been engaged in a years-long war with the 8-Trey faction of the Crips gang, among others. Due to heightened tensions and despite the annual celebration, there were numerous armed gang members in the area that morning with the intention of shooting at rivals on sight, the evidence showed.

At about 3:40 a.m., a group of 8-Trey members walked up from Montgomery Street, apparently heading toward the J’ouvert procession on Empire Boulevard, about two blocks to the south. Their presence in “enemy territory” sparked a gun battle between Folk Nation members and their affiliates, who were shooting from the street and the patio, and the 8-Trey members who fired from the street before fleeing north. An estimated two to three dozen shots were fired in two consecutive volleys from at least eight firearms, according to the evidence.

At the same time, Carey Gabay, 43, a first deputy counsel for the Empire State Development Corporation and a former assistant counsel to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, was walking north on Bedford Avenue with his brother and a couple of friends after attending the J’ouvert procession. They happened upon the front of the patio just as the gun fight broke out. The group ran to a parking lot located between the patio and the street and ducked near parked cars. A bullet struck Mr. Gabay in the head and he was taken to Kings County Hospital Center, where he died on September 15, 2015.

District Attorney Vance Dismisses 3,000 Marijuana Cases Dating Back to 1978

  Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today appeared in court and moved to dismiss 3,042 marijuana smoking and possession cases, thereby preventing unnecessary future contacts with the criminal justice system, eliminating the collateral consequences associated with having an open marijuana case, and empowering New Yorkers to interact with law enforcement without fear of arrest or deportation.

“By vacating these warrants, we are preventing unnecessary future interactions with the criminal justice system, and removing all of the collateral consequences – for one’s job prospects, school attendance, housing applications, and immigration status – associated with an open Criminal Court case,” said District Attorney Vance in Manhattan Criminal Court. “And in so doing, we’re taking one small step toward addressing the decades of racial disparities behind the enforcement of marijuana in New York City.”

The D.A.’s Office identified all cases available in its records dating back to 1978, wherein the only remaining charge was marijuana possession or smoking under PL 221.10(1), a class B misdemeanor, or PL 221.05, a violation. District Attorney Vance today appeared before Supervising Judge Kevin McGrath and made motions (1) to vacate the 3,042 bench warrants en masse, and (2) to dismiss the 3,042 underlying misdemeanor and violation cases in the interest of justice. Carolyn Wilson of New York County Defender Services and Seth Steed of Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem joined D.A. Vance in the motions.

Of the defendants whose cases were dismissed, 79% are New Yorkers of color. 46% were 25 years of age or younger at the time of their arrest.

In moving to dismiss the cases, District Attorney Vance stated the following in court:

As Your Honor knows, we stand here today to address the more than 3,000 open Criminal Court bench warrants for cases my Office no longer prosecutes: marijuana possession and smoking, under Penal Laws 221.10(1), a class B misdemeanor, or PL 221.05, a violation.

It is our experience that outstanding warrants for these low-level cases drive law enforcement and our communities apart: New Yorkers with warrants face unnecessary loss of employment, housing, and immigration consequences, and because they fear that they will be arrested for an open warrant, they sometimes are reluctant to collaborate with the NYPD and District Attorneys. That undermines public safety.

By vacating these warrants, we are preventing unnecessary future interactions with the criminal justice system.

By dismissing these cases, we’re removing all of the adverse collateral consequences – for one’s job prospects, school attendance, housing applications, and immigration status – associated with an open Criminal Court case.

And in so doing, we’re taking one small step toward addressing the decades of racial disparities behind the enforcement of marijuana in New York City.

Because marijuana enforcement has been disproportionately applied to communities of color, it will come as no surprise that a full 80 percent of these cases are for people of color. Nor will it shock you that nearly half of those charged were less than 25-years-old at the time of their arrest.

But it is not only the right thing to do – it’s commonsense. As of August 1st, my Office no longer prosecutes marijuana possession and smoking cases, unless there is indicia of sale or a demonstrated public safety risk.

If anyone was brought in on one of these warrants, my Office would dismiss the case. So dismissing these cases proactively is a matter of judicial economy, which preserves court and prosecutorial resources to focus on more serious crimes.

Those are the reasons why my Office has advocated for the statutory decriminalization of marijuana and for today’s en masse dismissal of marijuana cases, and continues to work diligently with our partners at the New York State Office of Court Administration and the public defenders that stand here today to carry this proposal over the finish line.

Thus, given that we have 3,042 marijuana misdemeanor and violation bench warrants pending in this court dating back to 1978, and that prosecuting any of these cases would benefit not public safety, the People move to vacate the bench warrants for calendar numbers 1 to 3,042. and move to dismiss these cases in the interest of justice.

BP Diaz, Rep. Serrano and Bronx Groups Form Coalition Against Mott Haven Jail

'Justice for the Bronx' unites stakeholders to block 'unjust' jail In low-income community of color

   Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Rep. Jose Serrano joined Bronx community groups and social justice advocates this week to form “Justice for the Bronx”—a coalition to stop the Mott Haven jail.

Last month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his plan to place a new jail in the middle of a diverse, underserved, working class community of color in Mott Haven, Bronx. In response, “Justice for the Bronx” was formed as a unified front to organize against the jail proposal.

"I unequivocally support the closure of Rikers Island. However, this is the wrong site to build a new jail, period,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The administration must come to the table and engage with the community in a meaningful way as part of a process that better meets the stated goals of jail reform and restorative justice that this city seeks to support. Presenting this site as a fait accompli has the potential to undermine necessary reforms to the criminal justice system.”

“While I fully support the closure of Rikers Island, the site selection process for the new Bronx Borough jail has been fatally flawed from the beginning by the lack of community inclusion in the site selection process. The Mayor’s decision to build a new jail in the middle of a growing working-class neighborhood, and his refusal to take the community’s concerns into account, are deeply disappointing. Once again, the Bronx is being unfairly burdened with facilities that other communities are not asked to house. The South Bronx is already home to too many of these projects and is doing its fair share of housing the City’s prison system through the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center in Hunts Point and the Horizon Juvenile Detention Center in Mott Haven. There is no reason whatsoever why our working families should bear the burden of another prison. I am proud to join this coalition as a Founding Member to, in unity, urge the De Blasio Administration to stand on the side of the people. The Mott Haven community deserves the opportunity to implement an economic and affordable development plan centered on the needs of its families,” said Congressman Jose E. Serrano.

“Instead of rewarding the people of Mott Haven for their hard work, Mayor de Blasio is punishing them,”said Arline Parks, CEO of local affordable housing provider Diego Beekman Mutual Housing Association. “The Justice for the Bronx coalition is standing up for the people of the Bronx who are afterthoughts to the Mayor and his administration. Together, we will fight this jail -- and win.”

The Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform also specifically advised new jails should not be placed “in residential areas”.

There is a public hearing at the Bronx County Courthouse about the plan scheduled for October 3rd.

How Alessandra Biaggi Defeated Jeff Klein

 Victory was sweet for Alessandra Biaggi Primary night 2018, with City Comptroller Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, former Councilman Oliver Koppell,  and over 200 people who came to celebrate the the victory of the new Democratic candidate for the 34th State Senate District Alessandra Biaggi.

  So how did Alessandra Biaggi defeat a seven term, fifty-eight year old state senator who became the Fourth Man in-the Room as head of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) in the state senate? Jeff Klein was elected to the state senate the same year that Congressman Joseph Crowley had his last Democratic primary, 2004. 

  With the election of Donald Trump as President in 2016 the old line way of Democratic politics was changing to bring in new younger voters for the first time. Congressman Crowley didn't realize that until it was to late, whereas Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was mobilizing these new young voters, who had moved into the 14th Congressional District. In those fourteen years since Crowley had his last primary the congressional district changed. Then in June of this year Joe Crowley lost the Democratic primary to a 28 year old woman named Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. 

  When looking at the 34th State Senate district, Jeff Klein as the head of the IDC was given extra privileges such as a larger budget for staff, more monies to dole out to his district, and a bigger persona by being the forth man in-the room when it came to state budget negotiations. One of the pitfalls of all that was that he was being accused of keeping Republicans in control of the state senate. 

  When Donald Trump became President in 2016 things started to go wrong for Jeff Klein. In 2017 it seemed that the backlash against Donald Trump was aiming at him. Klein was eventually forced to give up the once coveted position as head of the IDC, disband the IDC, and rejoin the Senate Democratic Conference or face tough primaries for all eight members of his conference. It was well known that Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda was going to replace Ruben Diaz Sr. (now Councilman Diaz Sr.) in the state senate, and it had been rumored that Sepulveda would become the ninth member of the IDC because of his friendship with Klein, but now that would not happened. 

  As Luis Sepulveda got the Democratic nod for the special election in April of 2018, Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Senator Michael Gianaris were in the audience. I asked Senator Gianaris if this deal with Jeff Klein would last through the election. He laughed and said 'not even that long'. Once Alessandra Biaggi and others declared their intentions to run against Klein and other former IDC members things changed again for Jeff Klein. Two months later Congressman Joe Crowley was defeated, and Senator Gianaris came out with the following statement. 'The Senate Democratic Conference is not siding with the former IDC members or their challengers'. That was a slap in the face to all eight former IDC members including Jeff Klein.  

  Momentum continued to build against Jeff Klein and the other former IDC members. It seemed that the Anti-IDC movement had grown so that it was now so large it could not be stopped. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who defeated Congressman Crowley in the June congressional primary and others like Congressman Jerry Nadler and former Riverdale Councilman Oliver Koppell also had endorsed Biaggi. Mayor Bill de Blasio was endorsing two opponents of former IDC members (one in Brooklyn and one in Queens). City Comptroller Scott Stringer and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson then also endorsed Alessandra Biaggi. Oliver Koppell ran against Klein in 2014, but while Koppell edged out Klein in Riverdale, Koppell was badly beaten in the Morris Park and East Bronx side of the district. That however was while Jeff Klein and the IDC were riding high in the state senate.

The Biaggi plan was simple, if Alessandra Biaggi could do better than Oliver Koppell in Morris Park and the East Bronx the plurality of votes from South Riverdale would hold up. There were two target areas, seventy election districts in Riverdale, and seventy election districts in Throggs Neck. Since Ms. Biaggi was from the Pelham area of the Westchester County part of the district it was felt that she would win there also. More and more people joined the campaign for Alessandra Biaggi, and against Jeff Klein. There were mailings and mailings galore from both candidates, but it seemed that the voters wanted a new voice for them as they did in the congressional primary. After the three debates it seemed that Alessandria Biaggi came out ahead in all three. In fact she did so well in the City Island debate that she won the area which had been solid for Jeff Klein in past elections. 

  The September primary day arrived, and voters went to the polls. There was a larger than usual turnout, and it seemed that more younger people were voting. They no longer wanted politics as usual, but wanted new faces in office. The polls closed at 9 PM, and results came in slowly, but Biaggi never trailed. By 10 PM she held a slim but steady lead. After 11 PM there was a huge roar of "BIAGGI, BIAGGI, BIAGGI." it was at that point that Alessandra was being declared the winner of the 34th State Senate District. In all five other former IDC members lost on primary day, leaving only Brooklyn/Staten Island State Senator Diane Savino, and Rockland County State Senator David Carlucci the only two former IDC members in office less than one year after the break up of the IDC.

Scott Stringer on Primary day outside the Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy, (the largest poll site in Riverdale)  with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. Dinowitz was giving out palm cards for Jeff Klein.