Comptroller Stringer, State Senator Krueger and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal Introduce Legislation to Raise Awareness of Rent Freeze Program for Seniors and People With Disabilities

State legislation would require that a tenant be given formal notice on potential eligibility for SCRIE and DRIE rental assistance program

Bill would assist many seniors and people with disabilities living on limited incomes and facing high rent burden

New bill could help up to 26,000 seniors and people with disabilities access rental assistance

  New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, State Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal announced the introduction of new legislation (A.7730) to raise awareness of the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disabled Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs that assist seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities who are living on limited incomes in making rent payments. The legislation would require that seniors and tenants with disabilities be given formal notice of potential eligibility for the program at the same time as they receive routine communications from landlords or government agencies regarding such issues as an application for a rent adjustment due to a major capital improvement, a rent increase, or notice of a new lease or renewal of a lease. The programs enable income eligible tenants to have their rents frozen at one-third of their incomes, or the rent paid on the lease before they applied, whichever is greater. Both SCRIE and DRIE are under-enrolled, with less than half of all potential beneficiaries registered in the program. The legislation introduced today would help bolster enrollment in these critical programs and ensure more who qualify for assistance actually receive it.

“We need to help the New Yorkers who built up our communities and ensure they can afford to stay here, with access to affordable housing that will allow them to age in place and thrive in their golden years.” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “That’s why we must tackle our City’s affordability crisis head-on by providing direct support to New Yorkers with disabilities and our City’s seniors — those who are struggling the most to make their monthly rental payments. Increasing enrollment in the SCRIE and DRIE programs is a much-needed subsidy that must be extended to serve every New Yorker that needs it. As the original sponsor of DRIE legislation during my time in the New York State Assembly, I want to thank State Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal for sponsoring this important legislation and for working to ensure that our most vulnerable tenants receive the rental assistance they need to make ends meet.”

”The SCRIE and DRIE programs have allowed thousands of older New Yorkers and people with disabilities to stay in their homes and age in place with dignity,” said State Senator Liz Krueger. “But thousands more are struggling to pay the rent without even knowing these programs exist. This bill ensures that some of our most vulnerable neighbors will get the vital information they need to ease their rent burden. Thank you to Comptroller Stringer and Assemblymember Rosenthal for championing this important effort.”

“The Rent Freeze Program is a critical lifeline for this city’s senior and disabled tenants, but only if senior and disabled tenants know it exists,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “This bill will help promote awareness of the existence of the Rent Freeze program, and provide so many vulnerable tenants with desperately needed rent relief. I look forward to working with Comptroller Stringer and State Senator Krueger to see this bill become law.”

The new bill stems from a 2017 report by Comptroller Stringer, entitled “Aging with Dignity: A Blueprint for Serving NYC’s Growing Senior Population,” which outlined recommendations regarding the City’s plan to respond to changing demographics on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis to better serve New York City’s growing senior population. One of the proposals in the report was to help promote awareness of the City’s SCRIE and DRIE programs to freeze rent levels for eligible seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities struggling to pay their monthly rent.

S.6210/A.7730 also requires routine communication from landlords or government agencies such as an annual certification required by Section 31 of the Private Housing Finance Law, a lease rider, a lease containing an escalator clause, a maximum base rent adjustment or heating fuel cost adjustment, or an annual or otherwise periodic 2.2 percent rent increase for buildings receiving benefits pursuant to Section 421a of the Real Property Tax Law, to include formal notices about potential eligibility for SCRIE or DRIE.

To qualify for the SCRIE program, individuals must be 62 years of age or older, earn $50,000 or less annually, pay more than a third of their monthly income in rent, and reside in an apartment that is hotel-stabilized, Mitchell-Lama, rent-controlled, or rent-stabilized. New Yorkers with disabilities can qualify for the DRIE program if they are not able-bodied and are 62 years of age or younger. Based on New York City Department of Finance (DOF) data, in FY16, 59,524 persons were enrolled in SCRIE and 10,743 in DRIE compared to the population of an estimated 121,729 potentially eligible SCRIE recipients and 33,637 potential recipients eligible for DRIE. A notification expansion of this scale could increase SCRIE enrollment from its current 49 percent participation rate to approximately 70 percent, benefiting 26,000 seniors.

“Aging with Dignity: A Blueprint for Serving NYC’s Growing Senior Population” Report

Comptroller Stringer’s report, “Aging with Dignity: A Blueprint for Serving NYC’s Growing Senior Population,” outlined three main recommendations to address the needs of the City’s growing senior population including creating safe, healthy, and affordable housing options in which seniors can grow old; developing livable communities for seniors, and supporting the wellbeing of older New Yorkers. It also found that:

• Between 2005 and 2015, the City’s population of adults over 65 increased by about 182,000 – from approximately 947,000 to 1.13 million – a rise of more than 19 percent
• In 2015, adults over 65 composed about 13.2 percent of the City’s population, up from about 11.9 percent in 2005 with the population being most significant in Brooklyn, followed by Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island
• Between 2005 and 2015, the number of working seniors in New York City grew by 62 percent, and during that same time, the share of seniors in New York City’s labor force grew from 13 percent to 17 percent
• Over 40 percent of New York City senior-headed households depend on government programs (including Social Security) for more than half of their income, while more than 30 percent depend on these programs for three-quarters of their income
• A higher percentage of seniors receive government assistance than the general population:
  • Nutrition assistance (25.5 percent)
  • Supplemental Security Income (14.6 percent)
• Seniors are more likely to pay in excess of 30 percent of their income on housing than the total population, regardless of whether they rent or own their homes

Luchese Soldier Convicted Of Racketeering And Illegal Gambling Offenses

 Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that EUGENE CASTELLE, a/k/a “Boobsie,” was found guilty of conspiracy to commit racketeering and operation of an illegal gambling business following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “For years, Eugene Castelle used intimidation and threats of violence to line his pockets as a member of the Luchese Family of La Cosa Nostra.  Castelle now stands convicted of serious federal crimes.  Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute members of the Mafia.”

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

Between 2012 and January 2018, CASTELLE acted as a soldier in the Luchese Family of La Cosa Nostra, often referred to as the Mafia.  CASTELLE used his position in the Luchese Family to receive thousands of dollars, over multiple years, from a large-scale illegal sports betting business operating through off-shore websites in Costa Rica.  CASTELLE protected the business from other members of the Mafia, used threats of violence to collect debts owed to the business, and extorted the bookmaker for annual payments of “tribute.”  CASTELLE also committed other racketeering acts, such as holding a “no show” job as a carpenter at a construction project where he was paid a carpenter’s wages for many months without ever settting foot on the jobsite. 

CASTELLE, 59, of Staten Island, New York, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of operation of an illegal gambling business, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years.  The jury acquitted CASTELLE of one count of attempted extortion.  The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  CASTELLE is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Hellerstein on September 20, 2019. 

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Labor, the Diplomatic Security Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York City Police Department, and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.  Mr. Berman also thanked the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.

Mt. Vernon Man Sentenced To 8 Years In Prison For Four Armed Carjackings Of Cabs

  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SAMIR SULLIVAN, a/k/a “S,” was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for four separate armed carjackings of cabs in Mt. Vernon and the Bronx in November 2018.  SULLIVAN pled guilty on January 28, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel, who imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated:  “Four hardworking cab drivers were simply doing their jobs when Samir Sullivan terrified them by pointing a gun at their heads.  After threatening to shoot all four drivers and hitting one with his gun, Sullivan took their cabs, as well as their cash, wallets, and phones. Today’s lengthy sentence sends a message that this violent behavior will not be tolerated in this district.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint, the Information, and statements made during court proceedings:

In the middle of the night and early morning on November 25 and 29, 2018, Sullivan and his partner committed four armed carjackings of cabs in Mt. Vernon and the Bronx.  To complete the carjackings, Sullivan pointed and held a gun at the heads of four scared cab drivers, pushed the gun against the sides of some of the drivers’ faces (at least one of whom pleaded for his life), demanded that the drivers give him everything they had, threatened to shoot if the drivers did not comply, threatened that he would kill one of the drivers, directed his partner to ransack the drivers’ pockets for cash, and hit the shoulders of one of drivers with the gun.  In addition to the cabs, which he would drive away and abandon before finding his next victim, SULLIVAN took the drivers’ cash, wallets, phones, and a jacket.

In addition to the prison term, SULLIVAN, 33, of Mt. Vernon, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit the proceeds of the offenses and pay restitution to his victims.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force and the Mount Vernon Police Department.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR STABBING EX-GIRLFRIEND’S SON WHILE HE SLEPT

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Murder

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for stabbing a 22-year-old man in 2018, leaving him with life altering injuries. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant entered the victim’s apartment through a window as he was sleeping in bed, and stabbed him multiple times over a previous fight. Thankfully the victim survived the vicious attack and has gone on with his life.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Roberto Ortiz, 48, of 4627 Park Avenue, was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Hornstein to 10 years in prison and 5 years post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder in the second degree on May 3, 2019. 

 According to the investigation, on the morning of July 26, 2018, the defendant climbed the fire escape of a building in the Williamsbridge section of the Bronx, entered an apartment and stabbed Cory Smith, 22, multiple times in the neck, head, and torso with kitchen knives. Ortiz then dragged Smith out of the apartment and bashed his head against the walls as he forced him downstairs, leaving the hallway and stairway splattered with the victim’s blood.

 Smith, begging for help along the way, got outside and made his way into a neighboring building where someone called 911. First responding police officers applied pressure to the victim’s neck wound, saving his life. The defendant attempted to flee by re-entering the victim’s apartment and jumping off a fire escape. He landed on his head behind the building, where police found him.

 A month before the stabbing, the victim accused the defendant of stealing a friend’s wallet and they had physical altercation, which resulted in Smith’s mother ending her relationship with Ortiz.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Police Officers Ryan Duffany and Kyron de la Rosa, who first responded to the scene, and Detective Abraham Villavizar, all of the 47th Precinct.

Speaker Johnson and the City Council Launch Interactive Map of Parks in New York City

  Council Speaker Corey Johnson and the City Council launched an interactive map of public parks in New York City Map. The new interactive map offers detailed information on all of the 1,700 parks in the city, including amenities, funding information, and programming at each spot.

Launching just in time for Memorial Day weekend, the map shows where New Yorkers can find playgrounds, basketball and handball courts, running tracks, pools, barbecue areas, food concessions and dog runs. Additionally, the data includes upcoming events taking place at each location within the next 14 days.

This interactive and visual tool details the 2,856 playgrounds, 557 basketball courts, 546 handball courts, 95 pools, 34 running tracks, 69 barbecue areas, 112 food concessions, and 136 dog runs and leash areas. And it also gives New Yorkers information on how much their neighborhood parks receive for maintenance, both in public and private funds.

“It’s the unofficial start of summer, and so we wanted to get this out there for all New Yorkers. Public parks are the lungs of our metropolis and a vital part of our city. We have hundreds of these jewels across our city, and this interactive map will let you explore each one of them individually,” said Speaker Johnson.     

Find additional information at https://council.nyc.gov/data/parks-in-nyc/.

161st Street BID - PIANO PLAYERS WANTED

  A hand-painted piano will arrive at Joyce Kilmer Park Wednesday, June 5. The instrument is part of the citywide, Sing for Hope program, which places 50 pianos across the five boroughs in public spaces and parks. Visitors can play or listen to spontaneous concerts over the next three weeks.

  On June 21 st the 161 st Street BID will host a series of musical performances at the piano by artists affiliated with the Make Music New York program. The first day of summer will ring out with pop, R & B and standards from NYC musicians in front of the Lorelei Fountain.

  This is the seventh year that the 161 st Street BID has hosted a piano. The BID is one of 75 managed by the NYC Department of Small Business Services.

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS SUPPORTS SENATOR BIAGGI BILL TO REMOVE ‘SEVERE AND PERVASIVE’ STANDARD

  Senate Majority Leader Andrea Steward-Cousins said that the Senate will move to pass bill S3817A, legislation sponsored by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi to eliminate the “severe and pervasive” standard applied to sexual harassment cases and harassment based on all protected categories.

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi issued the following statement:

"The Senate is not what it use to be – this body is ready to make changes that put survivors first and protect New Yorkers from future sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The first step is to eliminate the 'severe and pervasive' standard once and for all, and make sure that employers are held accountable for creating safe work environments for their employees. I thank Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for her fervent support on this issue.”

COUNCIL MEMBER TORRES & STUDENTS WILL HOST RIBBON-CUTTING & GRAND OPENING OF TAPCO SCHOOL’S ROOFTOP GARDEN PERFORMANCE SOUNDSTAGE

$2.5 Million Investment Will Allow Students to Utilize Digital Design Curriculum, Use Outdoor Space for Theatre Shows & Grow Produce for Local Food Pantry

Councilman Ritchie Torres presents a check for $2.5 Million Dollars to TAPCo Principal Ron Link.

  Council Member Ritchie Torres and students from the Theatre Arts Production Company School (TAPCo) held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the school’s innovative rooftop garden performance sound stage. This is the first school in the city with a rooftop garden and sound stage built into it that will allow students to hold performances outdoors, grow fruits and vegetables for the local food pantry POTS, and take drawing classes outside. The grand opening featured student performances on the sound stage. Council Member Torres invested $2.5 million in City Council funds towards this project. 

Above - Councilman Torres cuts the ribbon on the new outdoor roof space for TAPCo.

Below - TAPCO students perform on the special dance area of the roof.

Above - A dance presentation by one student on the new dance area.

Below - The band performs.