Attorney General James Sues Ithaca Landlord for Denying Housing to Low-income Tenants

 

Owner of Ithaca Renting Refused to Accept Housing Vouchers at All His Properties

New York Attorney General Letitia James today sued a landlord, Jason Fane, his company Ithaca Renting Company (Ithaca Renting), and his related entities for denying housing to low-income tenants. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Mr. Fane and his real estate agents refused to accept Section 8 vouchers at his properties, in violation of New York’s housing laws against source of income discrimination. The lawsuit alleges that agents at Ithaca Renting repeatedly told renters they do not accept government assistance vouchers. Through her lawsuit, Attorney General James is seeking to require Mr. Fane to stop denying housing to New Yorkers with Section 8 vouchers, pay civil penalties, and set aside five percent of his residential housing units exclusively for Section 8 vouchers.

“All New Yorkers deserve access to fair and decent housing, regardless of their station in life,” said Attorney General James. “Denying housing to New Yorkers based on their source of income is not only illegal, but it’s also worsening the housing crisis. We are taking action to protect vulnerable tenants, keep New Yorkers in their homes, and enforce the law.”

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program provides housing assistance to the lowest income households in New York to rent or purchase decent, safe housing in the private housing market. The program also provides assistance to senior citizens and disabled persons on fixed incomes, displaced families, and homeless individuals with disabilities. New York’s executive law clearly states that it is unlawful and discriminatory to deny housing to individuals based on their source of income.

The OAG opened an investigation into Ithaca Renting and Mr. Fane after receiving complaints from individuals who were denied housing for having a Section 8 voucher. The lawsuit alleges that an individual who was already living in an apartment managed by Mr. Fane was denied housing by Mr. Fane’s agent because of her Section 8 voucher. 

The lawsuit also alleges a housing advocate was assisting a homeless man, who was granted a Section 8 voucher, to find an apartment in downtown Ithaca. The housing advocate contacted two agents who worked at different properties owned by Mr. Fane and both agents told the advocate they do not accept Section 8 vouchers. The lawsuit alleges this led to the homeless man remaining homeless for at least another year.

Mr. Fane and his related entities own 18 properties with more than 500 residential units. During OAG’s investigation, several of Mr. Fane’s agents repeatedly told OAG that they “choose not to participate in the Section 8 voucher program.” These employees, some of whom worked there for years, would not answer where or who they learned this policy from or who created it.

Through her lawsuit, Attorney General James is seeking to require Mr. Fane to stop his illegal practice of denying housing to New Yorkers with Section 8 vouchers, pay $300,000 in civil penalties, reform employee policies and trainings for all agents, and set aside five percent of his residential housing units exclusively for Section 8 vouchers.

Community Shredding Event Saturday November 5, 2022 11AM - 2PM

 

Governor Hochul Announces Home Heating Assistance Available for Eligible New Yorkers November 1

 Eligible Households Can Receive up to $976 in Heating Assistance This Winter

Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program Accepted November 1

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New Yorkers needing help paying their heating bills can begin applying for home heating assistance on Tuesday, November 1. The Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP, can provide up to $976 this winter to help low- and middle-income households and senior citizens keep their homes warm and help defray high energy costs.

"We remain committed to ensuring our most vulnerable New Yorkers have access to assistance and programs that will help address rising costs for heating their homes this winter," Governor Hochul said. "The Home Energy Assistance Program is a vital lifeline for countless New York families, and I encourage all who are eligible to apply for these benefits which will provide much needed financial relief."

The program, overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, is federally funded. Eligible households can receive one Regular benefit per season and could also be eligible for an Emergency benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency benefits will be accepted beginning January 3, 2023.

Eligible homeowners and renters may receive up to $976 in heating assistance, depending on their income, household size, how they heat their home, and if the household contains a vulnerable member. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,485, or an annual gross income of $65,829, and still qualify for benefits.

The value of the Regular HEAP benefits has been increased due the higher heating costs forecast for this winter. The benefit was increased 33 percent for households that heat with oil, kerosene, or propane; 21 percent for households that heat with wood, wood pellets, coal, or corn; and 14 percent for households that heat with electricity or natural gas.

Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents outside of New York City may also apply online for regular heating assistance benefits. New York City residents may download an application and obtain program information here.

Nearly 1.7 million HEAP benefits were issued last winter, the highest in at least the past five years. Similar demand for assistance is expected again this winter.

New Yorkers who receive HEAP assistance this season and continue to fall behind on their utility bills or are running short on heating fuel may also qualify for a one-time Emergency HEAP benefit. Applications for Emergency benefits will be accepted starting January 3.

Help is also now available to assist eligible homeowners if their primary heating equipment is unsafe or not operating and their furnace or boiler must be repaired or replaced. Benefit amounts through the HEAP Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program are based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace the essential heating equipment - up to $4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement. The maximum amounts were also increased from last year, due to higher costs of labor and materials.

Eligible homeowners can also now apply for a HEAP Heating Equipment Clean and Tune benefit to keep their home's primary heating source working at peak efficiency. Applicants for these benefits should contact their local department of social services for more information.

Permits Filed For 275 East 169th Street In Claremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a one-story structure into a seven-story mixed-use building at 275 East 169th Street in Claremont, The Bronx. Located between Morris Avenue and College Avenue, the lot is a short walk to the 167th Street subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Claudio Alba under the 273-275 E. 169th Street LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 70-foot-tall development will yield 16,791 square feet, with 14,196 square feet designated for residential space and 2,959 square feet for community facility space on the ground floor. The building will have 18 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 788 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

Victor Castillo Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the project calls for an expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Councilman Salamanca Faith Leaders Appreciation Lunch

 

In the old lion cage at the Bronx Zoo a room that was converted into a Banquet room Councilman Rafael Salamanca had a well attended lunch  for faith leaders mostly from the South Bronx. He recognized the hard work and contributions to their communities that many Faith Leaders and their congregations play in their communities. 

Councilman Salamanca honored four Faith leaders and their religious houses of Worship for their outstanding service to the Bronx during the past and present hard times. 

Honored were Pastor John Odu-Oken of Word of Life International, Bishop Fernando Rodriguez of Latin African American Chaplains Association, Pastor Malobe Sampon of Thessalonia Workship Center, and Rev. Frederick Crawford of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church. There was also a special presentation to the New York Hispanic Clergy organization.

Mr. John Calvelli the Executive VP for Public Relations welcomed everyone to the Bronx Zoo. 

Councilman Salamanca then poke giving opening remarks as Monsignor Kevin Sullivan and Assistant Chief of Bronx Patrol Phillip Rivera look on.

A photo of the Community Board 2 table where Councilman Salamanca was the District Manager. CB 2 Chair Robert Crespo is seated in the middle of the table.

Councilman Salamanca presents a special award to the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization.

With the event being held in the Bronx Zoo, one never knows who or what they may run into. 

Statement from NYGOP Chairman Nick Langworthy on Joe Pinion Winning Last Night's Debate Against Schumer

 

October 30, 2022 

“Tonight, New Yorkers witnessed just a sliver of how Joe Pinion would fight for them if he were in the U.S. Senate He brilliantly dismantled the failed Biden-Schumer agenda and offered a vision for a better, brighter future for America that left Schumer utterly rattled. Chuck Schumer is the walking, talking embodiment of failed liberal policies. Every solution he offered was to throw more government money at the problem, which is exactly what has led to our 40-year inflation highs. That is, of course, except when it comes to our Constitution, which he happily wants to dismantle. He doesn’t think parents should have a choice in giving covid vaccines to their children, he opened the door to packing the Supreme Court and he doubled down on the disastrous Biden economy. 

“As Joe Pinion said tonight, ‘nothing will change if nothing changes’ and that is why we must retire 42-year failed politician Chuck Schumer and give New Yorkers a U.S. Senator who will fight and deliver change.” 

Early Voting Check-In Day 1, Day 2 - Unofficial and Cumulative

 

November General Election 2022

 

October 29, 2022 - Day 1

 

• New York - 16,314
• Bronx - 5,282
• Brooklyn - 12,688
• Queens - 10,599
• Staten Island - 4,826

 

Total Number of Early Voting Check-Ins 49,709

*Unofficial as of Close of Polls

---

 

October 30, 2022 - Day 2

 

• New York - 32,020
• Bronx - 9,149
• Brooklyn - 26,878
• Queens - 20,079
• Staten Island - 9,029

 

Total Number of Early Voting Check-Ins 97,155

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative

MAYOR ADAMS, DOT COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ ANNOUNCE THAT CITY HAS EXCEEDED COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE 1,000 PRIORITY INTERSECTIONS THIS YEAR

 

Milestone Marks Another Major Street Safety Success for Adams Administration, Following 24/7 Speed Cameras and Nearly $1 Billion Investment in NYC Streets Plan

 

Mayor and Commissioner Set New, More Ambitious Goal of 1,400 Intersections for Safety Improvements by End of 2022

 

DOT Has Employed Full Street Safety Toolkit at More Than 1,200 Intersections, Where 55 Percent of Pedestrian Fatalities and 79 Percent of Pedestrian Injuries Occur

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced that the administration has met and surpassed its goal of making safety improvements at 1,000 intersections in 2022. As of today, DOT had completed safety upgrades at more than 1,200 intersections. Building on this success, Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez set a new, more ambitious target of 1,400 intersections for safety improvements by the end of this year. This major success follows a series of victories and actions taken by the Adams administration in its first year, including turning on speed cameras 24/7 and investing an historic $900 million to carry out the goals of the NYC Streets Plan. Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez made the announcement along 8^th Avenue in the Midtown Theater District, where a dramatic street redesign this year has increased pedestrian and cycling space, making every intersection along the corridor safer.  The administration’s focus on intersection safety reflects a data-driven approach to making the city’s streets safer. Crashes at intersections account for 50 percent of all fatalities and 70 percent of all injuries, as well as 55 percent of pedestrian fatalities and 79 percent of pedestrian injuries. So far this year, New York City has recorded 88 pedestrian fatalities, among the fewest to date in the city’s recorded history.

 

“Earlier this year, Commissioner Rodriguez and I committed to fixing 1,000 of New York City’s most dangerous intersections,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, I’m proud to say we’re not only meeting out goals, but we’re exceeding them — making more than 1,200 intersections safer for all who use them. Traffic safety is public safety, and no New Yorker should be scared to walk our streets. These upgraded intersections are going to reduce the risk of traffic violence, keeping all New Yorkers on our streets safer.”

 

“Today, DOT’s tireless work improving the safety of our city intersections is everywhere, not only meeting the target of improving 1,000 intersections, but surpassing it,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Intersections in our city cannot be a safety gamble. DOT’s work will result in fewer crashes and fatalities for pedestrians and bicyclists, and we will not slow down. There is still much work to do to ensure that all of our streets and intersections are safe havens for all New Yorkers."

 

“In January, we made a commitment: We declared intersections ‘sacred spaces’ and pledged to make safety enhancements at 1,000 of them — and today, we can proudly say both that we exceeded that pledge and that we are not done yet,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “By the end of the year, the great team at DOT will have used its safety treatment toolkit to expand our total commitment. New York City is a model for Vision Zero cities across the country, and these efforts show this administration is committed to deploying our full toolkit to make our streets safer.”

A map of the more than 1,200 intersections where DOT has made safety improvement, protecting road users in every corner of the city. Credit: New York City Department of Transportation

DOT’s approach employs a proven and varied road design toolkit to address intersection safety. From multi-block street re-design projects to daylighted intersections, DOT identified intersections across the city to enhance for pedestrians — the most vulnerable road users — as well as cyclists, drivers, and all other road users. DOT has used the following tools to improve safety at intersections this year.

 

Intersection-Focused Street Improvement Projects: DOT, this year, focused its comprehensive street redesigns on Vision Zero priority areas — locations where fatalities and serious injuries have occurred — and Priority Investment Areas as defined in the NYC Streets Plan. DOT has so far made improvements at more than 200 intersections through individual Street Improvement Projects, including the intersection of West 46^th Street and Eighth Avenue, the site of today’s event.

 

Signal Improvements: DOT’s suite of signal improvement tools includes pedestrian head-starts — known as Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) — as well as new signal installations and left-turn signal treatments. LPIs, which DOT installed more than 500 intersections, are proven to be highly effective — reducing crashes by as much as 60 percent. In addition to these core safety enhancements, DOT has also updated more than 380 intersections with Accessible Pedestrian Signals to bring the full measure of signal safety treatments to people with low vision as part of the city’s larger commitment to accessibility. Intersections that only received Accessible Pedestrian Signals are not counted in the 1,200 intersection tally.

 

All-Way Stops: This year, DOT has dramatically increased its improvements to intersections without signals, adding new stop signs to calm traffic. With a special focus on intersections near schools, DOT has already added All-Way Stops at more than 350 intersections this year, the highest number ever in a single year.

 

Bike Corral Daylighting: DOT pledged to daylight 100 intersections with bike corrals in 2022 as part of its bike parking initiative. Bike corrals help provide visibility for everyone on the road and prevent drivers from cutting corners or making quick turns. With 32 completed and many currently being installed in the heart of construction season, DOT remains on track to meet this goal.

 

Doubling the Turn-Calming Program: DOT committed to doubling turn-calming efforts to force turns at slower speeds through the addition of low-level curbs and other vertical elements. With more than 100 intersections completed so far, DOT is on pace to reach the commitment of 200 intersections.

 

Raised Crosswalks: In January, Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez announced that DOT would begin an ambitious program to ultimately construct 100 raised crosswalks at curb level each year. DOT is partnering closely with the New York City Department of Design and Construction on this overall program and, in 2022, will jointly construct a record number of 40 raised crosswalks at intersections this year, nearly seven times higher than last year.DOT’s approach employs a proven and varied road design toolkit to address intersection safety. From multi-block street re-design projects to daylighted intersections, DOT identified intersections across the city to enhance for pedestrians — the most vulnerable road users — as well as cyclists, drivers, and all other road users. DOT has used the following tools to improve safety at intersections this year.

 

Intersection-Focused Street Improvement Projects: DOT, this year, focused its comprehensive street redesigns on Vision Zero priority areas — locations where fatalities and serious injuries have occurred — and Priority Investment Areas as defined in the NYC Streets Plan. DOT has so far made improvements at more than 200 intersections through individual Street Improvement Projects, including the intersection of West 46^th Street and Eighth Avenue, the site of today’s event.

 

Signal Improvements: DOT’s suite of signal improvement tools includes pedestrian head-starts — known as Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) — as well as new signal installations and left-turn signal treatments. LPIs, which DOT installed more than 500 intersections, are proven to be highly effective — reducing crashes by as much as 60 percent. In addition to these core safety enhancements, DOT has also updated more than 380 intersections with Accessible Pedestrian Signals to bring the full measure of signal safety treatments to people with low vision as part of the city’s larger commitment to accessibility. Intersections that only received Accessible Pedestrian Signals are not counted in the 1,200 intersection tally.

 

All-Way Stops: This year, DOT has dramatically increased its improvements to intersections without signals, adding new stop signs to calm traffic. With a special focus on intersections near schools, DOT has already added All-Way Stops at more than 350 intersections this year, the highest number ever in a single year.

 

Bike Corral Daylighting: DOT pledged to daylight 100 intersections with bike corrals in 2022 as part of its bike parking initiative. Bike corrals help provide visibility for everyone on the road and prevent drivers from cutting corners or making quick turns. With 32 completed and many currently being installed in the heart of construction season, DOT remains on track to meet this goal.

 

Doubling the Turn-Calming Program: DOT committed to doubling turn-calming efforts to force turns at slower speeds through the addition of low-level curbs and other vertical elements. With more than 100 intersections completed so far, DOT is on pace to reach the commitment of 200 intersections.

 

Raised Crosswalks: In January, Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez announced that DOT would begin an ambitious program to ultimately construct 100 raised crosswalks at curb level each year. DOT is partnering closely with the New York City Department of Design and Construction on this overall program and, in 2022, will jointly construct a record number of 40 raised crosswalks at intersections this year, nearly seven times higher than last year.