New York City Comptroller Stringer Releases Fiscal Year 2017 Popular Annual Financial Report

  New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for Fiscal Year 2017. For the third year in a row, the report presents information on the City’s revenues, expenses, budget, and capital projects in 27 easy-to-understand pages and includes dozens of graphs, charts, and plain-language explanations to help everyday New Yorkers understand the budget.

“In a world of ‘alternative facts’, it’s more critical than ever to deliver digestible information directly to New Yorkers. Our City’s finances are complex — last year, we spent $86.2 billion – and sunlight matters. New Yorkers deserve to know where that money comes from and where it’s going. This report breaks down important data in an accessible way and I encourage every New Yorker to take a look,” New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer said.

The two previous reports have received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting. The Fiscal Year 2017 PAFR has been submitted for the same award this year.

The majority of the data in the PAFR comes from the Comptroller’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which is released every year on October 31st. This year’s PAFR highlights information including:

New York City Saw its 7th Consecutive Year of Job Gains

• The City added 69,600 private-sector jobs in FY 2017, a gain of 1.9 percent;
• Approximately 45% of the new private-sector jobs were in mid- to high-wage sectors;
• All five boroughs had their lowest unemployment rates since FY 2008 – 4.2 percent in Manhattan, 4.2 percent in Queens, 4.8 percent in Staten Island, 4.9 percent in Brooklyn, and 6.5 percent in the Bronx;

Taxes and Revenue

• Overall, the City brought in more than $85 billion in revenues in Fiscal Year 2017, split between program revenues – such as grants – and general revenues, like taxes.
• In FY17, New York City received nearly $29 billion in grants – primarily in the form of state and federal aid, and program revenues such as charges for services – $3 billion above the previous year. The largest associated revenues were from grants received for education programs, which received over $12 billion, and social services grants, which brought in more than $5 billion. General government grants were the third highest category at $3 billion, an increase of over $1 billion compared to last year.
• Another $56.3 billion came in from general revenues, an increase of $1.7 billion from the previous year. Sources included $24.5 billion in real estate taxes, $11.3 billion in personal income taxes, and $8.3 billion in sales and use taxes.
• In the last year, 45 percent of tax revenues came from real estate taxes, compared to 20 percent from personal income tax, 15 percent from sales and use tax, and 20 percent from other taxes.

Expenses Grew

• In FY17, the City spent $77 billion from its general fund – an increase of roughly $3.3 billion from FY16.
• The largest share of resources was dedicated to education, at $23.3 billion.

Capital Project Commitments Rose

• Capital commitments totaled $10.86 billion, about $2.4 billion — or 28% — more than in FY16.
• The surge in capital commitments was led by the Department of Environmental Protection, which saw an increase of $901 million, and the Department of Education, which had an increase of $632 million.
• Nearly one-third of the FY 2017 capital budget – $3.1 billion – was dedicated to the Department of Education. The Department of Environmental Protection was next with $2.5 billion, or 23 percent, followed by the Department of Transportation at $1.6 billion, or 15 percent.

Peer-City Comparisons

• In 2016 – the most recent comparison available – New York City had 60.3 million tourists, outpacing Chicago, which had 54.1 million, and Philadelphia, which welcomed 42 million.
• New York City boasts more than 39,800 acres of parkland, compared to roughly 12,900 in Chicago and 10,800 in Philadelphia.
• Each City provides different types and levels of service for its residents. In FY 2016, New York City spent over $10,800 per resident, while Philadelphia spent about $4,100 and Chicago spent $2,700.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

MEMBERS OF CONEY ISLAND STREET GANG INDICTED FOR MURDER, RACKETEERING CONSPIRACY AND UNLAWFUL USE OF FIREARMS

Three Defendants Responsible for Fatal Shooting Outside Mermaid Houses in Brooklyn 

  Four members and one associate of the West End Enterprise, a street gang based in three apartment complexes in Coney Island, New York, will be arraigned this afternoon in federal court in Brooklyn on an indictment charging them with crimes including murder in aid of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, unlawful use of firearms, witness tampering and robbery. The 12-count superseding indictment relates to the defendants’ alleged criminal activities between 2011 and 2017. The defendants, Tysheen Cooper, also known as “Billz,” Maurice Washington, also known as “Moe” and “Flaco,” Sharod Liburd, also known as “Pop,” and Gabriale Herbert are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom. The defendant Michael Liburd, also known as “Mike Mike” and “Mitty,” is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday, November 21, 2017, before Magistrate Judge Bloom.

 Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Mark G. Peters, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.

 As detailed in the superseding indictment and other filings, Cooper, Michael Liburd, Sharod Liburd and Washington were members of the West End Enterprise, a street gang composed of individuals residing in and around the Sea Rise Apartments, the Gravesend Houses and Surfside Gardens, also known as the “Mermaid Houses,” located in the western end of Coney Island. During that time, Cooper, Michael Liburd, Washington and other coconspirators allegedly engaged in narcotics distribution, witness intimidation and acts of violence, including retaliatory shootings against members of a rival gang, known as “Sex Money Murder,” and the January 17, 2016 murder of Antwon Flowers. Flowers was shot to death as he left an apartment building in the Mermaid Houses development in retaliation for the murder of a West End Enterprise leader, who had been killed in the East New York section of Brooklyn less than a day earlier. Herbert, Cooper and Sharod Liburd are also charged with a gun-point Hobbs Act robbery.

 “As alleged, the defendants and other members of their street gang have subjected the residents of Coney Island to violent conduct, including murder, over a period of years,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rohde. “The indictment sends a clear message that this Office, together with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will use every available resource to rid our communities of gangs, and the crimes they commit, by prosecuting gang members to the fullest extent of the law.” Ms. Rohde extended her thanks to the Drug Enforcement Administration for its assistance in the investigation.

 “People usually think of Coney Island as a fun place to ride the rides, and have a hot dog on the beach. The men charged in this case created a dirty underbelly in a family oriented place, accused of murder, violence and criminal behavior,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “Not only did they allegedly commit these crimes, they did their best to make sure no one would testify against them. These dangerous gangs don’t have a place on Coney Island, or in any community, and the FBI won’t relent in pursuing cases targeting their leadership.”

 “Ridding drugs, gangs and violence from New York City public housing is essential and this joint investigation resulted in just that,” stated DOI Commissioner Peters. “Public housing tenants deserve what all New Yorkers want: a safe home for themselves and their children. DOI is proud to work with our federal and city law enforcement partners to expose and stop these crimes.”

 The charges in the superseding indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants each face a sentence of life imprisonment.

 The superseding indictment is the fifth indictment in the government’s ongoing investigation into gang violence in Brooklyn’s Coney Island neighborhood.

The Defendants:

TYSHEEN COOPER (“Billz”) Age: 26 Residence: Brooklyn, New York

GABRIALE HERBERT Age: 20 Residence: Brooklyn, New York

MICHAEL LIBURD (“Mike Mike” and “Mitty”) Age: 27 Residence: Brooklyn, New York

SHAROD LIBURD (“Pop”) Age: 20 Residence: Brooklyn, New York

MAURICE WASHINGTON (“Moe” and “Flaco”) Age: 28 Residence: Brooklyn, New York

DOI INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF CITY SANITATION SUPERVISOR AND LIFEGUARD ON CHARGES OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

  Mark G. Peters, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced today the arrest of a Department of Sanitation (“DSNY”) Supervisor and Department of Parks and Recreation (“DPR”) Lieutenant Lifeguard on charges that he inappropriately touched his subordinate on two occasions while working at a pool in Manhattan. The investigation began after an employee at DPR alerted DOI to the alleged conduct. The Office of New York County District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., is prosecuting the case. 

  Commissioner Mark G. Peters said, “This alleged conduct serves as yet another disturbing reminder that unwanted sexual advances can happen anywhere and to anyone. DOI encourages people who feel that they’ve been victimized by a City employee, or have potentially witnessed such inappropriate conduct, to come forward and report these incidents. Forcible sexual behavior has no place in government, and no place in New York City.”

 FRANCISCO LORENZO, 44, of the Bronx, N.Y., was arrested today and charged with Forcible Touching, a class A misdemeanor, Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a class B misdemeanor, and Harassment in the Second Degree, a violation. Upon conviction, a class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year’s incarceration, a class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to three months’ incarceration, and a violation is punishable by up to fifteen days’ incarceration. 

 LORENZO began working at DSNY in October 1999 and receives an annual base salary of $98,370. LORENZO has also worked as a Lieutenant Lifeguard seasonally since 1990, making $23.16 per hour, and received an annual salary of $18, 492 in 2017. LORENZO was suspended by DPR on September 2, 2017 after the alleged incidents occurred. DOI has notified DSNY of LORENZO’s arrest.

 According to the criminal complaint, on September 1, 2017 and September 2, 2017, while working at the Asser Levy Pool on East 23rd Street in Manhattan, LORENZO allegedly inappropriately touched a 24-year old lifeguard without his consent. 

 Commissioner Peters thanked New York County District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., and his staff for their partnership on this investigation. Commissioner Peters also thanked DPR Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver and DSNY Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, and their staffs, for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation.

A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce "Meet Up" Business Networking Event

Our last MEET UP of the year will include
A raffle by Tatiana Day Spa

and
A brief DMWBD presentation
by the Governor's office

Phil Cardone Events, Communications & Grants Director Bronx Chamber of Commerce "The Network for Business Success" 1200 Waters Place, Suite 106 Bronx, NY 10461 718-828-3900

BP DIAZ HOSTS RE-OPENING OF ZARO’S IN PARKCHESTER

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. today joined the Zaro family and other community leaders to host the grand re-opening of the new Zaro’s Family Bakery retail location in Parkchester.

The new space will mark Zaro’s official return to the neighborhood following the closure of their original Parkchester location on Hugh Grant Circle, which had originally opened in June 1959, at the end of 2015. 

As part of the grand opening celebration, the Zaro family announced they would donate 25 percent of the proceeds from the first day of sales to ongoing humanitarian efforts in Puerto Rico following the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria earlier this year.

“Zaro’s Family Bakery is a Bronx institution, and I am proud to welcome this bakery back to its Parkchester home,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “It is especially gracious of the Zaro family to use their first day back in business to benefit the people of Puerto Rico, which is a cause that so many Bronxites have already thrown their full support behind. I congratulate Zaro’s on their return to Parkchester, and wish the company and the Zaro family continued success.”

“We’re thrilled to be back in the old neighborhood and to see so many warm and familiar faces again. As we heat up the ovens once more we do so in aid of our friends and family in Puerto Rico who are dear to so many of our valued customers – in Parkchester and throughout the City,” said Brian Zaro, Executive Vice President of Zaro’s Family Bakery.

“I am thrilled to be celebrating the return of Zaro’s bakery, and the return of the aroma of freshly baked goods, to Parkchester in The Bronx. I am also very pleased that the Zaro family is offering considerable financial support to our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, and I thank them for their community spirit during this difficult time for so many Puerto Ricans,” said Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

Zaro’s first opened in The Bronx on Edward L. Grant Highway in 1927, and has maintained a constant retail and commercial presence in the borough for 90 years. The company’s Port Morris facility opened in 1982, following previous commercial facilities in Hunts Point and on Kingsbridge Road.

In addition to returning to Parkchester, Zaro’s has also announced that the company would add a retail location at their current Port Morris commercial baking facility in spring 2018.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO ON NET NEUTRALITY

  “Access to a free and open internet is a fundamental right of every citizen. Repealing net neutrality would stifle opportunity for individuals, students and small businesses, while letting huge corporations profit at our expense.New York City stands with other cities against the repeal of Net Neutrality. We will do everything within our power to keep the internet open and accessible for all. New Yorkers, I call on you to not be silent. Contact your representatives and make your voice heard.”

State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz - THANKSGIVING DINNER FOR THE COMMUNITY

  You should know that The Christian Community Neighborhood Church and it's Pastor, New York State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz will be serving hot Thanksgiving meals for residents of local shelters and members of the community in celebration of the traditional Thanksgiving Day. 

This activity will take place tomorrow Thursday, November 22, 2017 at 12:30 pm in the Christian Community Neighborhood Church; located at 1437 Longfellow Ave (bet. Freeman and Jennings St) in Bronx County.  

As a way of teaching our children the importance of serving and caring for others, the church has chosen to designate the children to serve those in attendance.

For more information please feel free to call my office at 718-991-3161.      

                 

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