Councilmember Kristy Marmorato's Weekly Newsletter

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

Latest News from Councilwoman Marmorato!

Welcome to our Weekly Newsletter!

Dear Friends/Neighbors,

This week has been lively in District 13, marked by a variety of festive events!

My office and I participated in toy giveaways, tree lightings ceremonies, and winter holiday distributions during this joyous season.

In this newsletter, you will find further details regarding committee hearings and the legislative work I have been engaged in.

It is an honor to represent you in the New York City Council.

Sincerely,

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

District 13, Bronx

Note: Our Upcoming Holiday Office Hours Committee of Transportation & Infrastructure Meeting Councilwoman Marmorato attended last week's Committee on Transportation and Infrastucture's hearing concerning introduced legislation Int 0606, known as 'Priscilla's Law', that aims to mandate the licensing and registration of all electric scooters, electric-assist bicycles, and other legal motorized vehicles.    Councilwoman Marmorato is a proud sponsor of this legislation to promote accountability and enhance the safety of our streets.    The committee also discussed Int 1131, which proposes the creation of a task force to study options for making street design and infrastructure safer in light of the rising use of electric bicycles and related collisions.    For more information and to watch this committee meeting, click here.  Holiday Party at Morris Park  Community Association On Friday, December 6th, the Councilwoman attended the Morris Park Community Association's Annual Christmas Party!    It was a delightful evening that embraced the festive season in the company of local residents and organizations.  In the District: Meeting @ PS721x  This week, Councilwoman Marmorato visited PS721x to meet with their staff!     Thank you all for the remarkable work you do with your students and for the sincere commitment you show towards your school and community.  Allerton Homeowners & Tenants Association  Annual Toy Giveaway  Last Saturday, Councilwoman Marmorato stopped by to the Allerton Homeowners & Tenants Association's Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway!    A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making it possible for families in the district to receive toys and create cherished memory with photos alongside Santa.  PS304's Winter Holiday Giveaway with  Giving Friends Org. Last Saturday, Councilwoman Marmorato stopped by PS 304's Winter Holiday Giveaway. This amazing event was hosted by the Giving Friends Organization, which distributed to families in our district baby essentials, diapers, wipes, bookbags, toys, clothing, hats and so much more! The holiday spirit was also felt with a special appearance from Santa.    A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped organize this and contributed to sharing the holiday spirit.  Throggs Neck Winter Wonderland

Councilwoman Marmorato and her team distributed toys to our NYCHA community members in Throggs Neck!

Together with other local Bronx officials, we are delighted to announce that this event was a great success! We take pride in sharing these joyful moments with our District.

Rally with our Public Service Retirees

Councilwoman Marmorato was downtown to show her support for the public service retirees rallying for the protection of their promised health care coverage. Currently, there is a proposed transition that would to shift over 250,000 city retirees to Medicare Advantage.

The Councilwoman is a proud sponsor of Int 1096, aimed at protecting their health care coverage that was originally promised to our devoted retired employees of the City of New York.

Funds for District 13! 

$5,000 Check for Scouts from Troop 211

On Tuesday, Councilwoman Marmorato presented a $5,000 check to the City Island Cub Scouts Troop 211!

We take great pride in supporting programs within our district that are vital for the growth and development of our youth. These programs help shape them into active and engaged citizens of our community, and we remain committed to funding valuable programs that benefit our District 13 community!

Thank You to Our Amazing Constituents 

for Supporting Our Toy Drive!

Shout out to all of our amazing and generous constituents who have supported our toy drive efforts.



We are incredibly grateful to all who contributed, helping spread joy to children in our community this holiday season. 

CONSTITUENT CASEWORK  CORNER

Constituent Casework Highlights

This week, we are highlighting this solved casework case! We had received a message from a constituent expressing concern about a Con Ed pole that was blocking her driveaway and causing damage to her car. Con Ed assessed the situation, determined that the pole was unnecessary, and successfully removed it!

More Casework Highlights!

This week, the NYPD 49th precinct removed several abandoned vehicles that had been reported to our office.We appreciate their efforts in resolving this issue for our constituents!

Serving You! If you live in District 13 and need help with a City Agency contact my office at: 718-931-1721. We are open from Monday - Thursday 9 AM - 5 PM and Fridays from 9 AM - 2 PM. We offer FREE casework services to help our residents of District 13. Bronx Teens Saturday Program

FREE Holiday Toy Giveaway w/ Santa and Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr.

 

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why…

SANTA CLAUSE is coming to town! 

 

That's right friends—Santa is making an early appearance at the Allerton Library on Monday, December 23rd.  Join us for hot chocolate, cookies, take pictures with Santa, and a FREE toy giveaway for kids 16 and younger. 

 

When: Monday, December 23, 2024

Where: Allerton Public Library - 2740 Barnes Ave.

Time: 12pm - until supplies last 

 

This is a FREE toy giveaway for children in the community 16 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

 

Happy Holidays and good cheer to all!

John Zaccaro, Jr.

Assemblymember John Zaccaro - Santa is Coming To The Bronx this Saturday!

 

Friends, 

One of my many responsibilities as your Assemblymember is to remain in constant communication with the North Pole. Well, I am proud to announce that following a long discussion with Santa, Christmas will begin early here in the Bronx. 

 

Join me on Saturday, December 21st, when Santa and I will hold two FREE Toy Giveaways for our communites. Take your picture with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and welcome the holidays with friends and neighbors.

 

When: Saturday, December 21, 2024

Time: 12:00pm - until supplies run out

Where: Mosholu Public Library 285 E. 205th Street

I wanted to let you know that I heard that there are a lot of very good children in the mighty 80th Assembly District and I've decided that they shouldn't have to wait until Christmas to see me. So come down to the Morris Park Community Association on Saturday, December 21st, and join me for a holiday celebration. We will have toys, music, hot chocolate, and cookies for everyone and all for FREE! 

 

When: December 21, 2024

Where: Morris Park Community Association 1824 Bronxdale Ave

Time: 4:00pm - until supplies run out

 

This community holiday toy giveaway is for children 16 years old and under and everyone must be accompanied by an adult. 

 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Happy Holidays!

John Zaccaro, Jr. and Santa

NYC Comptroller Audit Finds that Evictions in NYCHA’s PACT Properties Take Place at a Significantly Higher Rate than Traditional NYCHA Developments

 

After the pandemic, filing and execution of evictions at a faster pace for PACT developments; eviction rates now match citywide private rental housing more closely than traditional NYCHA units

NYCHA failed to ensure standard operating procedures, leaving outreach, eviction filings, and eviction rates to vary widely among PACT managers

Comptroller’s NYCHA Resident Audit Committee recommended the audit to provide NYCHA residents with more details as they consider options for their future

In a new audit recommended by his Office’s New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Resident Audit Committee, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander found that eviction rates for Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) properties were significantly higher than rates at traditional NYCHA developments. After the pandemic eviction moratorium expired, filing and execution of evictions increased across all rental housing. However, these occurred at faster rates in PACT developments, matching the rates of private rental housing more closely than that of traditional NYCHA units.

The audit also found that NYCHA failed to ensure that PACT operators followed standard operating procedures for pre-eviction outreach and tenant protections. Moreover, the rates of eviction filings and executions varied significantly across PACT managers.

Comptroller Lander’s NYCHA Resident Audit Committee, established in 2022, recommended this audit. Resident engagement included a series of roundtables and listening sessions, surveys of more than 1,000 residents across 44 developments in all five boroughs, and the establishment of the first-ever resident audit committee. The committee, which was created to incorporate resident voices and experiences into the oversight and accountability process to deliver change at NYCHA, voted to recommend two audit topics for the Comptroller’s Audit Bureau: (1) the recently-released audit on NYCHA’s oversight of repair vendors, and (2) this audit comparing eviction rates in PACT developments with those in traditional NYCHA developments.

The audit also provides NYCHA residents with more detailed information as they consider options for their future, including entry in the PACT program or transfer to the newly created Public Housing Preservation Trust. Both options were established to provide additional resources for rehabilitation and repairs, given NYCHA’s nearly $80 billion capital backlog and the lack of federal capital funding to address it, or to remain as traditional public housing.

“NYCHA residents deserve genuine input into decisions about their future, and clear information about their options,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. “That’s why we created the NYCHA Resident Audit Committee and followed their recommendation to conduct this audit. Given the massive repair needs, likelihood of funding cuts over the next four years and everyday living conditions that so many residents are facing, NYCHA residents need multiple pathways to comprehensive rehabilitation. Residents can choose to enter the new Preservation Trust, work with a PACT partner or stay in the Section 9 program and keep pushing for a comprehensive modernization, like the one I was proud to fight for and win for Gowanus and Wyckoff Houses in Brooklyn. But they can only do that if they have clear, accurate information about each potential pathway, which many residents told us they don’t have. This audit provides valuable information – both for NYCHA to better oversee the PACT program, and for residents to be empowered to make decisions about the future of their housing.”

Background

Federal disinvestment over decades has contributed to a deterioration of New York City’s public housing, with current capital needs estimated to be nearly $80 billion. Residents regularly live without heat and hot water, experience elevator outages and are exposed to mold and lead. Declines in federal funding are likely to continue in the Trump Administration. During Trump’s first term, he proposed eliminating the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Public Housing Capital Fund for infrastructure upgrades and reducing Operating Funds by 37%.

The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, established by HUD in 2011, allows public housing authorities such as NYCHA to convert the federal subsidy supporting developments from the public housing program to the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program, in order to access new funding sources in the form of debt and equity to make capital improvements to preserve and rehabilitate public housing. NYCHA’s RAD program is known as PACT.

According to the City’s Fiscal Year 2024 Mayor’s Management Report, NYCHA has converted 87 developments to PACT, with 23,312 units housing 41,475 residents. NYCHA’s stated goal is to convert 62,000 units to PACT by 2028.

Actual and Projected NYCHA Conventional Public Housing and PACT Units

After identifying developments that have the highest capital needs and operating challenges, NYCHA approaches resident leaders to gauge their interest in participating in the PACT Program. If resident leaders are interested, NYCHA then proceeds with resident engagement. No formal vote of residents is required for conversion to PACT, as is required by New York State law for conversion to the Public Housing Preservation Trust, which was created in 2022 and authorized to provide rehabilitation for up to 25,000 units. Several developments have voted to enter the Trust, beginning with Nostrand Houses; however, none have yet been transferred to Trust operations. This audit therefore could not compare eviction rates in Trust developments.

Findings

• PACT property managers evict tenants at higher rates than traditional NYCHA developments. Filing and execution of evictions increased after the pandemic eviction moratorium expired across all rental housing, but at a faster rate in PACT developments, which rates now match citywide rental housing more closely than traditional NYCHA units.

Evictions Executed, by Housing Type

Eviction Filings, by Housing Type

• Eviction rates again varied dramatically among PACT Property Managers, ranging from 0% to 1.11%. C+C Management had an eviction rate of 1.11%, which is almost twice the Citywide rate. The remaining PACT Property Managers had eviction rates which were lower than the Citywide rate, but which significantly exceeded the NYCHA conventional development rate.
• NYCHA did not ensure that PACT Property Managers developed standard operating procedures for each of their sites covering pre-eviction outreach, eviction notices and filings, and evictions. The only guidance provided to Property Managers is NYCHA’s Housing Stability and Retention Guidelines, which are deficient. Specifically, the Guidelines do not provide guidance or set parameters for non-payment thresholds to initiate formal rent demand, and as a result, practices vary considerably between PACT Property Managers. Each Property Manager establishes its own minimum threshold for non-payment of rent, which is expressed as a minimum dollar amount or the number of months of rental arrears.
• PACT Property Managers failed to perform adequate outreach, including making a minimum of two attempts to contact residents at risk of eviction, informing residents they may qualify for financial assistance, using on-site social service providers to engage with residents, or entering into repayment agreements.
• PACT Property Managers did not report all eviction and pre-eviction activity, and NYCHA Asset Managers did not adequately review reports to ensure accuracy. As a result, NYCHA was unable to ensure that PACT Property Managers made the minimum required outreach efforts or attempted to connect tenants to resources.

Auditors acknowledge that NYCHA has taken some important steps to better include residents in the process. If residents choose to participate in PACT, NYCHA representatives meet with them to explain what the PACT Program is and to discuss community needs and priorities as part of the PACT community planning and engagement process. NYCHA consults with the residents to select PACT Project Teams. Beginning in 2021, Resident Review Committees were formed to participate in the Project Team selection process. Along with NYCHA, the Resident Review Committee interviews PACT Teams and determines which team is best suited to meet the community’s needs. After the conversion to PACT, NYCHA works with the residents and selected PACT Project Teams to prepare detailed rehabilitation, property management, and social services plans. Previously, NYCHA was solely responsible for reviewing and selecting Project Teams.

The audit made several recommendations including that NYCHA track the performance of PACT property managers on issues such as compliance with set guidelines on eviction proceedings and improve internal processes to ensure effective oversight and tracking of pre-eviction outreach conducted by PACT property managers.

Read the full audit report on NYCHA’s eviction processes here.

Safer Streets and Subways: Governor Hochul, MTA and Law Enforcement Officials Provide Update on Keeping New Yorkers Safe on the Subway Ahead of the Holidays

Additional 250 New York National Guard Members Deployed in New York City to Bolster Safety

Governor Accelerates Installation of Security Cameras in Every Subway Car, 100 Percent Complete With Over 15,000 Cameras Installed

Builds on Governor’s Robust Five Point Subway Safety Plan Including Investment in Mental Health Outreach Teams

Since January 2021, Subway Crime is Down 42 Percent and Ridership has Increased 148 Percent

Ahead of the holidays, Governor Kathy Hochul briefed New Yorkers alongside Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Leiber and law enforcement officials on continuing efforts to increase safety within the subway system for all riders. Since announcing a robust five-point subway safety plan in March of this year, crime within the New York City Transit system is down 10 percent. Since January 2021, subway crime is down a total of 42 percent while ridership in the system has increased 148 percent. As part of this continued effort to make the subway system safer for riders, Governor Hochul has directed an additional 250 members of the New York National Guard to be deployed to Joint Task Force - Empire Shield. The Governor also announced that the MTA has installed 15,396 security cameras which are now included in 100 percent of all subway cars.

“Earlier this year, I promised to make our subways safer for the millions of people who take the trains each day, and today we are continuing our efforts by putting more National Guard members on the ground and installing security cameras on every car,” Governor Hochul said. “By working hand-in-hand with the MTA and New York City, we are deterring crime, making it safer for all riders and restoring public confidence in the system.”

In March, Governor Hochul announced a five-point plan that would utilize state resources to increase passenger safety on the subway. This plan included deploying additional members of the National Guard, accelerating the MTA’s installation of security cameras throughout the system, increasing coordination between the City and the State, and expanding mental health outreach programs which include the number of Subway Co-Response Outreach (SCOUT) teams and Safe Options Support (SOS) teams.

Subway ridership has increased five percent in 2024 compared to 2023 and continues to reach record levels — this past Thursday, Dec. 12, a single-day post-pandemic record of 4.5 million riders was reached. As ridership continues to soar, increased safety measures are necessary to ensure the wellbeing and protection of each passenger that enters the system. The MTA Police Department, New York Police Department (NYPD) and the National Guard will work together to monitor the city’s busiest stations and prevent security threats within the subways. Protecting the subway system and its passengers is the only way to keep New York moving.

In addition to protecting passengers, the Governor’s five-point plan has laid a strong foundation for enhancing the safety and protection of transit workers across New York City. Governor Hochul is committed to ensuring the safety of over 40,000 members of TWU Local 100 and other transit workers who keep our city moving.

Additional National Guard Members Deployed to City’s Busiest Subway Stations

Governor Hochul has deployed an additional 250 New York National Guard members to bolster safety and security in New York City through Joint Task Force - Empire Shield [JTF-ES]. Joint Task Force Empire Shield is an element of DMNA partly responsible for the military defense of New York City, primarily the deterrence and prevention of internal security threats. It is composed of personnel from the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Guard and the New York Naval Militia.

Installation of Security Cameras in Each Car Completed

At Governor Hochul’s direction, the MTA has accelerated its installation of security cameras throughout the system — this includes customer areas of trains to protect passengers and conductor cabins to protect MTA employees. The MTA has installed security cameras in all subways cars throughout the system.

Improving Coordination Between the City and the State Over Safety Measures

As a part of the five-point plan, Governor Hochul pledged to initiate regular meetings between stakeholders to coordinate information sharing and ensure that dangerous and repeat offenders within the system are held accountable. Law enforcement, transit personnel and prosecutors have been meeting regularly to share information and work collaboratively to hold offenders accountable. This effort has assisted district attorneys with their casework and with keeping violent offenders out of the subways. These meetings will continue into 2025 as the stakeholders work to keep our subways safe for the millions of people who regularly use our transit system.

Expanded SCOUT and SOS Program

Mental health initiatives are a critical focus to Governor Hochul as a part of the robust five-point plan to decrease crime in the subway. Governor Hochul has established and supported SCOUT and SOS teams throughout the system in an effort to address the most severe cases of mental health crises occurring within subway stations. In March, Governor Hochul directed $20 million to scale the SCOUT team pilot program — in partnership with New York City and the MTA — and bring the total number of rapid response SCOUT teams to 10 by the end of 2025. That effort remains on track. 

DEC Encourages Anglers to Safely Enjoy Ice Fishing this Season

 

Review Ice Safety Guidelines before Heading Out

With the onset of winter and colder temperatures, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar reminded ice anglers to be safe when venturing onto the ice this season, especially given recent variations in weather conditions. Outdoor enthusiasts considering ice fishing should always be aware of essential safety guidelines and make sure ice is thick enough before heading out.

“The possibilities of affordable outdoor adventures are endless across New York’s abundant natural areas and winter is no exception,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar. “I encourage those recreating on ice to exercise caution by routinely checking ice thickness when navigating around water bodies. Understanding ice thickness safety is essential, so be sure to ‘know before you go’ and adapt to conditions as necessary.”

Before leaving shore, ice anglers are advised to check the thickness of ice. Four inches of solid, clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure thickness. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming. Checking the ice can easily be done with an auger or “spud bar” (a long, metal tool with a chisel on one end) at various spots. Local bait and tackle shops are a great resource for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching. In addition, fishing with family and friends is also encouraged for safety.

 

An interview about ice safety with Forest Ranger Ashly Carabetta is available for download here: https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/fs/programs/press/ForestRangers/IceSafetyRangerInterview1080p.mp4

 

Those interested in trying ice fishing for the first time should mark the weekend of February 15-16, 2025, on their calendars. As a designated free freshwater fishing weekend, the freshwater fishing license requirement is waived during these days. Free Fishing Days are also a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce someone new to fishing.

For some fish species, ice fishing can be more productive than open-water fishing. Given good ice conditions, anglers normally limited to shore fishing can access an entire waterbody. Beginner ice anglers can download the Ice Fishing Chapter of DEC's I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing for helpful information on how to get started.

 

For a more interactive options, DEC released a series of six ice fishing videos on the agency's YouTube channel. Visit the playlist to check out the brief instructional videos. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can be found on the DEC ice fishing webpage, and also through the Tackle Box feature in DEC's HuntFishNY app. With the app, fishing regulations, access information, fish species present, and more can be accessed from a map-based interface, all from the convenience of a smart phone.

 

The use of bait fish is popular when ice fishing and may be used in most, but not all, waters open to ice fishing. For more information on baitfish regulations visit DEC's website. To protect New York's waters from invasive species and the spread of fish diseases, anglers are advised to take these critical steps when using baitfish while ice fishing:

• Review and follow DEC baitfish regulations;
• Ensure the use of baitfish is permitted in the waterbody by checking the special 'regulations by county' section of the fishing regulations guide;
• Use only certified, disease-free bait fish purchased from a local tackle store (buyers must retain the receipt provided to them while in possession of the baitfish);
• Personally collected bait fish may only be used in the same waterbody from which they were caught; and
• Dump unused baitfish and water in an appropriate location on dry land.
  

DEC reminds anglers to make sure that they have a valid fishing license before heading out on the ice. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.