Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Council Member King to Host Funding Workshop on Monday, Jan. 26th


 New York City Council Member Andy King will hold a workshop on Monday, Jan. 26, for community-based organizations that would like to apply for discretionary funding from his office.

The applications for Council Discretionary Member Item funding, which is awarded each year by council members to non-profits and other eligible groups in their districts, must be completed online. But the workshop will help to make sure those applying for funding to fully understand the process.

Those organizations applying for funding from Council Member King are strongly urged to attend the  workshop on Monday, 6-9 p.m., at the Williamsbridge NAACP ECE Center, 680 East 219th St., Bronx.

Applications must be completed online in one session and applicants cannot save the information as they work or navigate away from the page while they are working. But the application does not time out, and applicants can go back to correct mistakes.

Applications are currently available on the city council website – http://council.nyc.gov (click pull down button `Budget’).

The FY 2016 timetable is as follows:
•           Currently – FY 2016 applications available on the city council website (applications may only be submitted online);
•              Feb. 20 - FY 2016 discretionary expense funding applications must be completed no later than 5 p.m.;
•              Feb. 26 - FY 2016 capital funding applications to the borough president and city council for the same project must be completed no later than 5:00 p.m.;
•             March 26 - The deadline for FY 2016 capital applications to the city council only must be completed no later than 5:00 p.m.

For more information on the applications or budget process, please contact Brian Melford, Special Assistant to Council Member Andy King at (718) 684-5509.


Tenant Forum on Heating, or Lack Of


Is your apartment COLD?

Are your calls to your landlord going unanswered?

Do you want to DO something about it?

Let your voice be heard at the

Simply Better Homes

Tenant Forum


Tuesday, January 27, 2015 7:00 PM

Sister Annunciata Senior Center

243 E. 204th Street | Bronx, NY 10458

(at Valentine Avenue)

Sponsored by:

West Bronx Housing

In collaboration with:

Council Member Andrew Cohen,

 Council Member Fernando Cabrera, 

& Bronx Community Board 7


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Croton Filter Project - Continued Closure of Eastbound Right Lane on Sedgwick Near Goulden through Winter 2015


Thus cane in from the DEP about the current lane closures on Sedwick and Goulden Avenas.


        A small portion of the right eastbound lane on Sedgwick Avenue was closed in April 2014 in order perform work at an existing  100 year old water supply structure that lies partly beneath the closed lane at the corner of  Sedgwick Avenue and Goulden Avenue. It was originally expected that this work would take six months.
        A traffic analysis was performed before starting this work.  Based on this analysis and after consultation with the DOT Bronx Borough Commissioner and OCMC, a plan was developed to make the traffic impact minimal and manageable. Three (3) Traffic Agents are assigned to control traffic and help pedestrians from 7 AM to 10 PM on weekdays.  Signs are installed to guide traffic and pedestrians. A well-lighted pedestrian corridor was constructed through the work area and later paved to improve pedestrian accessibility.
        The delay in construction is due to age of the water supply structure and the equipment in it. We are taking additional precautions to prevent damage to the equipment that remains and we are replacing parts of the structure that were discovered to be in poor condition when we excavated.
        We anticipate that the traffic lane will be re-opened by mid- April 2015.  NYCDEP also intends to improve the sidewalks in this location, which may take another month. Included in the sidewalk improvements are removal of the existing above-ground black painted entrance structure that is on the corner of Sedgwick/Goulden Avenues.
        The Contractor is actively working to complete the work and if the lane was re-opened (even temporarily at this time), the work could not be completed and would only get delayed more. Note that a significant portion of the work since April 2014 has been performed underground inside the water supply  structure and this may have given the impression that no work was being done. That having been said, the contractor did give the workmen a break at Christmas/New Year. Current working hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday with overtime when deemed productive by the contractor.
        The water main work on Sedgwick Avenue at Hillman is being performed by NYCDEP but is unrelated to the Croton project. Also. the long term work that is being performed by Con Ed on Sedgwick Avenue is unrelated to this project.
        This work has no impact on starting the Croton Plant.
        This work is completely unrelated to the schedule for the  Mosholu Golf Course Club House at the Croton Plant.


Any comments for the DEP?


NYCHCC Empowerment Seminar


Below are two sizes of the same event, as I could not size it to fit the area.


I'm running for Congress by Adam C. Powell


This came in from Adam Clayton Powell for Congress.

Hello my friend, I hope the new year is treating you well.
 
Now that Congressman Charlie Rangel has begun his last term, it's time to begin the journey to replace him.  The 13th Congressional District covers most of Northern Manhattan and parts of the Northwest Bronx.  It has been represented by two legendary figures:  my father, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (who created the seat and became the first African American Congressman from NY 1944-1970) and Charles B. Rangel (1970-Present).  We need a progressive voice to preserve the rich history of these last 70 years.  I intend to run for that seat.
 
This is not an exploratory committee;  I've been exploring this district for over 20 years.  It's time to run.  I know this congressional district as well as anyone.  From El Barrio to Harlem to Washington Heights & Inwood to the Bronx, I've represented various parts of this district in the City Council and in the State Assembly.  Most of the leaders in these various neighborhoods are people I know and have worked with throughout the years.  I hope you pray for me and join me in this exciting journey.
 
All the best,
 
ADAM
 
 
 
 
 
Paid for by Powell for Congress
Adam Clayton Powell for Congress
420 E. 117th St
Suite 2
New York NY 10035

Monday, January 19, 2015

Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr


These three reflections of Martin Luther King Day come from Public Advocate James,  Bronx Assemblyman Sepulveda, and Brooklyn City Council member Williams


.Friends,

Today, Americans from coast to coast are honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

We're doing so because our country - and our world - would not be the same without Dr. King's unmatched success in advancing civil rights and equal opportunity. 

Whether it's racial justice, economic justice, or criminal justice, Dr. King's example is not academic. It's a road-map for us to expand fairness for ourselves, our communities and our country. It's a call to action for all of us.

But, just as Dr. King didn't march alone, we too must act with arms locked, heads held high, and a gaze towards a brighter tomorrow where opportunity is present and prosperity shared.

May this day inspire us to recommit ourselves to work together for the betterment of all.

Sincerely,
 






   A civil rights leader, community activist, humanitarian and Nobel Laureate, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remains a remarkable and influential figure. As we observe Martin Luther King  Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19, it is important to remember Dr. King’s legacy and how we can continue to honor it with our actions. In the words of Dr. King himself, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” It is up to us as individuals to follow his lead and embrace his values as we work for the betterment of others and our community as a whole. 
Addressing inequality ingrained in society, Dr. King gave a voice to those who needed it the most, tirelessly advocating for civil rights and social justice. He encouraged change through peace and discourse, respect and unity, and he remained committed to these principles. In 1964, Dr. King became, at the time, the youngest recipient of the Noble Peace Prize. His work was integral to the passage of such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Though his life was cut tragically short in 1968, his philosophy and vision live on.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” said Dr. King. These words ring as true today as they did nearly 50 years ago. Although strides have been made in the fight for equality and social and economic justice throughout our state and our nation, there are still many problems we cannot ignore. As Dr. King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” In facing and dealing with these issues head on, we must act as Dr. King did. By acknowledging our problems and working together, we can enact positive change and restore trust. Only by working together, can we achieve this important work.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only a time to reflect on the tremendous achievements of a remarkable man and national hero, but also a day to think about our own actions and how we can contribute to bringing Dr. King’s vision to life today. It’s a vision to embrace as we address those concerns of humanity and rise above the differences that divide us.
Your Assemblyman,
Luis R. Sepulveda


 
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER 
JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Deputy Leader and Chair of the Council's Housing and Buildings Committee, released the following statement on the occasion of the 29th celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

  "Dr. King once said 'Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.' As our City addresses difficult social issues affecting communities of more color, those words spoken half a century ago couldn't be more applicable to our lives today. Dr. King's agitation and resistance against systemic injustice helped point America in the direction of peace, healing and unity. To celebrate his life and legacy, I encourage community members to see the powerful film 'Selma,' which reminds us that we must all strive to advance his work on civil rights for those in our own communities and beyond. Let us not use this day to sanitize Dr. King's message, but instead, use it to remember that we cannot be afraid to stand up and stand out for what's right. Only then will we reach the mountaintop that he envisioned for all of us."




INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE LAUNCHES 2015 POLICY AGENDA


  “INVEST NEW YORK”

IDC Unveils 15 Innovative Investments that will Create Long Term Stability, Security and Sustainability for all New Yorkers

Proposals Invest in New York Workers, Students, Seniors and Families and Support a Significant Expansion in New York State Schools, Housing, and Communities
Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) formally announced the IDC's policy agenda, Invest New York, for the 2015 legislative session. Last month, the IDC laid out a comprehensive plan, A New Deal for New York, for investing the $5 billion financial settlement monies due to New York State. Continuing on the IDC’s commitment to invest in New York and New Yorkers, the IDC is unveiling 15 smart investments that will serve to better the everyday lives of the New York worker, student, senior and family while putting more money back in their pockets and promoting common sense programs and policies that create long-term prosperity. The Invest New York agenda also includes key investment in schools, housing and communities to ensure the viability and sustainability of New York cities and counties for many years to come.  
Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein said: Invest New York is a bold and ambitious agenda that meets the challenges facing working families head-on. We have a unique opportunity to fundamentally transform the lives of working men and women who ask nothing more than the opportunity to work hard, send their kid to college, and save for a long and prosperous retirement. Each of these investments reflects IDC priorities of making our state more affordable, making our citizens’ lives better, and ensuring that a brighter tomorrow exists for generations to come.”
The Invest New York Agenda is outlined through a combination of five thematic categories that include: 1) investing in a first-rate workforce, 2) investing in educational excellence, 3) investing in vibrant and sustainable communities, 4) investing in New York housing, and 5) providing financial relief for and investing in New York’s working families and our seniors.
Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) said: “I am committed to providing the hard working people of Rockland and Westchester County with good paying jobs and real tax relief. The Invest New York policy agenda is focused on ensuring our seniors, veterans and the struggling middle class have access to safe and affordable housing, fair wages, and the opportunities they need to live successful and enriched lives."
Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida) said: “Jobs, education, child and family care, and infrastructure are all issues of great importance to our constituents across the state. Invest New York  is a comprehensive, common-sense policy agenda that will make a tangible difference in the lives of New Yorkers for years to come.”
Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens) said: Invest New York is more than an agenda – it’s a map for New York’s future. Through these common sense programs and 15 investments we can improve the lives of each and every one of our working families, students, and seniors. Whether it’s ensuring that New York’s families have the security they need to take time off work to care for a loved one or providing our most vulnerable populations the support they need, Invest New York is our chance to build a better state.”

Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) said: "Whether it is investing in middle class housing, making college more affordable or creating the next generation of classrooms, Invest New York is a blueprint for meeting the challenges of 21st century realities. This agenda will establish the Empire State as a leader once again in making the critical investments necessary to help working families live, work and raise a family in an affordable environment. We are fully invested in these ideas and along with our signature New Deal for New York plan, we're ready to bolster our workforce and ensure greater security for the middle class for years to come."
The Invest New York agenda incorporates the following proposals:

Investing in a First-Rate Workforce

Raising the Minimum Wage

As demonstrated by years past, the IDC has always been at the forefront of advocating for raising the minimum wage.  Thanks in large part to the IDC, New York was only among a handful of states that agreed to raise the minimum wage in the 2013 budget. Going forward, the IDC believes we can go further and supports giving cities and counties throughout the State the power to decide whether they want to increase the minimum wage in their respective localities. Under legislation originally introduced in 2014 by Senator Savino (S7743A), which will shortly be reintroduced in the 2015 session, cities and counties would be given the power to increase their own local minimum wages by up to 30% higher than the State minimum wage. That means that by 2016, a locality could decide to raise their own minimum wage up to $11.70 per hour, based on the $9 per hour statewide minimum wage.

Establishing Paid Family Leave and Raising Temporary Disability Insurance Benefits

As other states like New Jersey and California have already done, the IDC continues to advocate for the adoption of a meaningful paid family leave program in New York that truly meets the needs of working families. The IDC proposal would allow workers to claim a weekly benefit for up to six weeks per year equal to half their weekly wage to care for a new child or take care of a sick loved one. This plan extends to both public and private sector employees and ensures that businesses do not bear any direct out of pocket costs.

In addition, under a bill sponsored by Senator Tony Avella (S.7752), families would be able to secure greater flexibility by allowing workers to use accrued sick time benefits for the purpose of taking care of ill members of one’s family.
In order to meet the rise in cost of living, the IDC proposes increasing the weekly TDI benefit for workers through a gradual yearly phased-in process. Through a small increase in employee contributions and with the assistance of a State subsidy, working families will gain expanded financial benefits of up to a $250 a week maximum in order to accommodate their time away from work. Under the plan, New Yorkers would still be able to claim the benefit at the current maximum duration of 26 weeks per year.
Agricultural Resurgency Program
The IDC recognizes that agriculture has traditionally been a leading industry in New York State, but could be on the radical decline as the current population of farmers ages and there are no newcomers to fill the gap. Therefore, the IDC envisions the creation of a Agricultural Resurgency Program (ARP), a matching grant program which would be developed to assist new and beginning farm businesses with start-up or expansion costs. Funding would be used to purchase equipment, seed and/or stock, infrastructure, or other expensive capital improvements that present a barrier to opening or expanding a farm in New York and making it a viable business option. This program would ensure that high initial capital costs would no longer be a major impediment, especially to young entrepreneurs who want to open farms or expand existing family farms.

Investing in Educational Excellence
Student Loan Debt Relief and Prepaid College Tuition
With the cost of student tuition skyrocketing faster than inflation and drowning students in debt, the IDC proposes a grant program that would compensate students who graduated from an undergraduate or graduate school based in New York and are employed in public service in the state. A grant of up to $2,000 per individual would be applied towards the outstanding student loan balance. Additionally, New York would create a state tax deduction for interest paid on an undergraduate loan to match the federal deduction at 100%.
In addition, the IDC proposes strengthening tuition affordability in New York State by enabling parents and students to pre-pay college tuition. This would be accomplished by locking-in present day tuition rates at public and private colleges statewide. Already other states like Florida and Texas have implemented similar programs, and in doing so, will ensure that parents get a head start on financial planning for decades to come. This will ultimately save working families thousands of dollars of their own hard earned money.
Creating an Education Investment Tax Credit (EITC) for Public and Private Schools
When it comes to effectively educating our children, New York’s schools need every dollar they can get. The IDC believes in rewarding New Yorkers which opt to voluntarily donate to their local public or private school by finally making these donations tax deductible. In order to make sure every dollar is spent fairly and effectively, tax deductible donations made to private schools must be used to fund scholarship opportunities that qualify.
 
School Construction Trust Fund

The IDC proposes $400 million for the creation of a School Construction Trust Fund that would be a dedicated revenue stream for school improvements and expansions. The fund would address downstate issues of overcrowding in classrooms and accommodate upstate issues with regards to aging infrastructure of schools.

Investing in Vibrant and Sustainable Communities
The Sustainable Communities Program

In order to combat the effects of sprawl and decaying urban infrastructure, the IDC proposes the creation of a $150 million fund that would provide matching grants for smart-growth investments that create communities that are more pedestrian focused, use environmentally friendly construction techniques and revitalize waterfront property.

Green Homes Tax Credit

In order to spur development of environmentally efficient and green friendly homes the IDC proposes a refundable tax credit that would be offered to offset the cost of green development or retrofitting.
Zombie Property Act
The Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act of 2014 would expand the 2009 signature law requiring lenders to maintain foreclosed properties from falling into disrepair. It would now require lenders to frequently inspect delinquent properties to determine if they are abandoned, while also requiring to maintain them regardless if a foreclosure judgment has been issued.
Investing in New York Housing
Enhance funding for Mitchell-Lama 2020 & Middle Income Housing Tax Credit
The IDC continues to believe that a cornerstone plank to making New York more affordable is through the availability of affordable middle class housing.  That said, the IDC proposes investing $675 million in middle income housing: $650 million in the Mitchell – Lama 2020 program that would provide capital subsidies of up to $125,000 per unit for the construction of middle class housing that remains affordable for 30 years; and $25 million for the Middle Income Housing Tax Credit which would provide tax credits for developers financing the construction of middle class units.

Public Housing Revitalization Plan
A significant portion New York City Housing Authority units are in vital need of an upgrade. The IDC proposes a three-point plan that will provide much needed funds for NYCHA to repair and maintain current units. This includes (1) $500 million through a Public Housing Revitalization Fund for repairs, rehabilitation and upgrades (2) a restoration of $12 million in annual State operating subsidies for NYCHA, and (3) a long-term revenue generating strategy that will ensure NYCHA’s long-term viability through redevelopment of underused NYCHA land for affordable housing and mixed use.  The IDC also supports giving preferences to disabled veterans (S.1702, sponsored by Senator Avella) and victims of domestic violence who meet all other requirements to apply for a public housing unit.

Making Housing Available for Our Vulnerable Populations
In order to ensure that those who are physically challenged, have mental health issues and our seniors have a safe and comfortable place to call home, the IDC calls for: (1) a $40 million fund dedicated to providing a direct subsidy for developers to incentivize housing for middle and low income seniors; (2) a REPAIR 2015 tax credit of up to $7,500 for repairs to seniors’ homes where the resident cannot afford the cost of the project; (3) the creation of a $25 million housing disability fund that would be used to leverage up to $180 million in private financing to be used to develop or retrofit up to 1,400 housing units for people with disabilities.

Investing in New York Families & Seniors

Dependent Tax Credit

The IDC understands that today’s economy requires both parents to work to make ends meet. Critical to both working parents and single parent families is affordable child care. Therefore, the IDC proposes continuing New York State’s effort to aid these families in their child care costs by increasing the Child and Dependent Care Credit by approximately 50 percent.

Senior Support Package
New York senior citizens face rising costs, yet most have to survive on a fixed income, therefore the IDC proposes reducing their financial burden through a senior utility circuit breaker program. This refundable tax credit would be available starting tax year 2015 and allow senior filers to be able to claim a credit equal to 50% of out-of-pocket utility expenses, over 7% of their income.

The IDC is also proposing providing a 10% discount on senior DMV transactions since one must pay registration and reregistration fees to drive in New York.
Child Care Subsidies
The IDC believes strongly in the importance of affordable child care and is calling for not only a full restoration of funding for the block grant back to 2010 funding levels, but an increase beyond that level to take into account rising needs. The IDC supports spending $100 million more in child care subsidies than we spent in the 2014 budget. The IDC also proposes an expansion of Facilitated Enrollment subsidy to $25 million within the NYS Child Care Block Grant into those cities that have demonstrated both need and momentum.


Sunday, January 18, 2015

State of the State Budget Address




  Just some of the items to be discussed in the State of the State Address by Governor Andrew Cuomo will be the proposal to increase the state minimum wage to $10.50 an hour. There would also be a provision for the minimum wage in New York City to be $11.50 an hour at the same time, but would not allow the city to change the minimum wage without state approval as is currently done. 
  
  There will be mention opf giving small businesses a tax break. The current 6.5 percent rate would be lowered over a three year period down to 2.5 percent. This would cost the state 32 million dollars in tax revenue, and be the lowest tax rate for small businesses since the tax was imposed on small businesses in 1917. 

  As for his planned trip to Cuba, Governor Cuomo replied the following at a press conference. "I want to be one of the first to open trade with the Island of Cuba. New York has much to offer the people of Cuba."