NYC COUNCIL PROPOSES ON THE FUTURE OF THE FOR-HIRE INDUSTRY

Transportation Committee set to hear legislation next week  

   Today NYC Council Transportation Chairman Ydanis Rodriguez and Council Member Stephen Levin announced two pieces of legislation that will allow the city to better respond to the rapidly growing For-Hire sector. 

The first piece of legislation (introduced by NYC Council Transportation Committee Chairman Ydanis Rodriguez) will require the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) to work jointly with other city agencies to determine the impact of the growth of the for hire and black car industries in the following areas: traffic, air quality, noise, and public health). The study will further consider the impact of the increase in the number of drivers, vehicles, and bases. Agencies to work closely with the TLC on this study include but are not limited to the Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection. This study is due to the Council by August 31st 2016. 

The second piece of legislation (introduced by Council Members Levin and Rodriguez will temporarily limit new vehicle licenses to a rate of growth within historic norms to allow for the study described above provides data still relevant to the Council in 2016. According to the legislation bases can add new licenses at a rate based on their size as of June 15th, 2015:

Bases with 2-19 vehicles can increase by a maximum of 15% of cars previously affiliated (maximum increase of 3 cars to a base with 19 vehicles)

Bases with 20-499 vehicles can increase by a maximum of 5% of cars previously affiliated (maximum increase of 25 cars to a base with 499 vehicles)

Bases larger than 500 vehicles can increase by a maximum of 1% of cars previously affiliated. (maximum increase of 260 cars to a base with 26,000 vehicles)

According to data collected by the Taxi and Limousine Commission as well as the Department of Transportation, congestion in Manhattan is rapidly increasing with a 9% decline in traffic speeds in Manhattans Business District saw a 9% decline in traffic speeds over the last year-from 9.35 mph in 2014 to 8.51 mph in 2015. This decrease has had negative impacts on bus speeds and ridership and has lead to a fresh frustrations for commuters. Since 2011, 25,000 new FHV licenses have been issued a 63% jump. These new licenses are issued at a rate of 2,000 per day. In order for the study to produce valuable outcomes, the rate of issuance must be returned to a reasonable rate of growth seen prior to 2011. 

The legislation will be heard by the Transportation Committee next Monday, June 29th at 10am in the Council Chambers. Bills can be made available upon request.

"Acknowledging the existing problems of congestion parking and negative environmental impacts like poor air quality, we must ensure our city moves forward with the best plan that mitigates these negative impacts. In order to achieve just that we need to make sure our city is armed with the information necessary to make lasting change that benefits every New Yorker, driver, pedestrian and resident alike" said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez "This package of legislation will allow us to act from a place of knowledge and I am proud to sponsor these important measures with Council Member Steve Levin." 

"The For-Hire sector has experienced explosive growth over the past few years, putting many more vehicles on the road and raising questions about potential negative impacts. The city needs time  to examine the effects of this unprecedented expansion in depth and determine how it impacts congestion, public transportation, public health and quality of life for New Yorkers. This package will  temporarily limit new licenses to allow the city to conduct an accurate analysis and ensure that we can approach the challenge of curbing potential negative impacts in the most informed and responsible way. I thank Council Member Rodriguez for his partnership in sponsoring this package of legislation and look forward to working with him on this important issue," said Council member Stephen Levin.

  

Senator Diaz Criticizes Mayor Bill de Blasio

What You Should Know
By Senator Rev Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District

You should know that this past Sunday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided to go to Upper Manhattan in the midst of the Dominican community to ask for a tourism boycott against the Dominican Republic based on immigration laws that are in effect in Santo Domingo. 

While we all agree that immigration laws are complicated and that that the situation is very sensitive, I have to say that I have never seen Mayor Bill de Blasio go in front of the White House to criticize the President of this nation for the thousands and thousands of monthly deportations from the United States that leave children orphans, and wives and their spouses unprotected.

As we know, never in this nation have there been so many deportations as now under President Barack Obama. However, if we agree that President Obama has the right to deport people based upon the immigration laws of this nation, then we must also respect - even if we don’t like - the immigration laws in Santo Domingo.

It is nothing less than a double standard to criticize the President Danilo Medina and call for a boycott of the Dominican Republic while keeping quiet about what is done in this nation under this Presidential Administration.

Ladies and gentlemen, I ask Mayor Bill de Blasio: The same way that you went to the Upper Manhattan to criticize President Medina, will you also go in front of the White House and criticize President Obama?

This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

SENATOR KLEIN CALLS ON NEW YORK CITY & STATE TO INVESTIGATE UNSCRUPULOUS BRONX LANDLORDS

Standing in front of 1135 Pelham Parkway North joined by Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and many local community activists and residents State Senator Jeff Klein speaks on the issue of tenant harassment by unscrupulous landlords in the Bronx.

As rent law negotiations loom large, Klein calls for crooked landlords to be stripped of vacancy bonus

Hundreds of Bronx tenants forced out of rent-stabilized apartments while greedy landlords pad their pockets

Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), together with Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj (D-Bronx), Director of Housing and Community Development at the Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corporation Hazel Miura, community activists and nearly 100 Bronx tenants, today called on New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force and the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) to investigate Bronx slumlords Martin Scharf and Phillip Goldfarb for the flagrant harassment and unlawful eviction of residents at 3555 Bruckner Boulevard and the Goldfarb Properties in The Bronx.

As rent law negotiations continue in Albany, Klein also called on the New York State legislature to enact sweeping reforms that strip bad actors of vacancy bonuses.

Senator Klein said, “No tenant should be the target of illegal discrimination or systematic harassment by dishonest, scamming landlords while trying to make a home for themselves and their families. New York State law currently provides landlords with numerous incentives to evict tenants and raise rents. Let me be clear: this type of profit motive has no place in state law. That’s why I’m calling on the New York State Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force to investigate and address all tenant harassment complaints at these properties. My proposal also seeks to strip abusive landlords of vacancy bonuses and any allowable rent increases. I look forward to working together with my colleagues in state government to strengthen and protect the rights of all tenants across New York.”

Assemblyman Gjonaj said, "The tenants in these buildings have endured months of harassment, reduction of services and disruptions that have negatively impacted their lives. The property owners have shown absolutely no respect or consideration for the families that live in these buildings.  I hold the property owners responsible for their actions and fight for the tenants that seek to live in a safe, comfortable and  peaceful home."

Klein’s call echoes the cry of hundreds of Bronx tenants who have been forced out of their homes by Goldfarb and Scharf. For more than a year, residents at the Goldfarb Properties have been the victim of persistent threats by management, dragged to court under false filings, received non-rent regulated lease renewals and had their rents both unfairly and substantially increased. Mr. Goldfarb has repeatedly endangered the health and welfare of tenants – cutting off all elevator access for elderly and disabled residents, removing security systems and pulling out gas lines in his buildings.  

Similar transgressions have occurred at 3555 Bruckner Blvd., where Mr. Scharf and Abro Management have intimidated tenants, refused to make repairs to units, failed to properly credit rent reductions and served residents with false eviction notices. Several tenants received threats from management after reporting the lack of building maintenance to 311.  

Currently, tenant harassment is prohibited under the Administrative Code of the City of New York and enforced by DHCR. With a clear lack of action exhibited by the oversight agency in recent months, coupled with the arrest of crooked Brooklyn landlord Daniel Melamed last week, Senator Klein is calling on the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force to investigate and review all Goldfarb Properties and 3555 Bruckner Blvd. harassment claims filed within the last year.

Senator Klein is also urging the state legislature to strip predatory landlords of any incentives to evict rent-stabilized tenants, including:

• Eliminating the statutory vacancy bonus – an additional 20% rental increase landlords can levy on tenants every time an apartment turns over. Abusive landlords found guilty of tenant harassment in the previous calendar year would be prohibited from increasing rents on any apartment unit in the building where the incident of harassment took place.

In 2009, Senator Klein passed landmark legislation that provided New York State with the toughest tenant protection laws in the nation. Penalties for landlords found in violation of DHCR rules and regulations increased from $250 to $1,000 for the first offense, and $1,000 to $2,000 for the second offense. Fines were also strengthened for landlords found guilty of any form of tenant harassment – regardless of whether their actions were intended to drive tenants from their homes – from $1,000 to $2,000 for the first offense, and $5,000 to $10,000 for subsequent offenses.

Andrew Goebel, Tenant Leader at 1135 Pelham Parkway North said, “I decided to form a tenant association for the purpose of keeping myself and my tenants free from harassment by Goldfarb Properties. Unfortunately, Goldfarb prefers to run their property management company using intimidation, harassment and frivolous lawsuits filed against tenants with the hopes of evicting us from of our rent-controlled apartments. When I met Senator Klein last year, and he listened to our complaints, a suggestion he made which we all pray for is the dismantling of Goldfarb Properties.”

According to Mr. Goebel 1135 had as many as 294 violations after the building was bought last year. currently he said there are 33 open violations at 1135 Pelham Parkway North, as he holds the stack of open violations.

A photo of what is being done to tenants. Terraces are being stripped to the foundation by workers who are wearing protective face gear from possible lead paint or other contaminants that the tenants are not being given.

Here you can see what the terrace looked like before being completely taken apart by workers. There were also complaints of lack of water and heat during winter months, and lack of elevator service all in the name of getting rent controlled tenants to move out so the rent could be increased by the 20% vacancy rule instead of the single digit yearly increases by the rent guidelines board.

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: South Carolina’s Confederate Flag

The above is for illustration only, and is not in any part related to the statement from Bronx Borough president Ruben Diaz Jr.

“The Confederate flag represents a period of time where the American people were shattered and violently divided over how humans should be treated based on the color of their skin, representing a culture that promotes division and discrimination.

“I am happy to see the Republican leadership in the state of South Carolina coming around on this issue in light of last week’s tragic act of hatred and violence, joining the national chorus united against this long-standing symbol of hate, and calling for the removal of the Confederate flag from their statehouse,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Update on East Ramapo

This came in from State Senator David Carlucci

I wanted to share with you an editorial published in the Journal News, and also provide you with an update on recent developments involving the East Ramapo School District oversight legislation. 
Last week, the Senate Republican leadership made it clear to me that the East Ramapo oversight bill I had worked on with Assemblyman Zebrowski and Assemblywoman Jaffee would not be brought to the Senate floor for a vote. After months of lobbying and countless meetings with teachers, advocates, and legislative colleagues, many in the Senate Republican leadership still expressed concerns about the legislation. I was left with two options; attempt to negotiate a compromise, or leave session with nothing passed and allow for yet another year with no help for the children of East Ramapo. Because the 2015 legislative session was originally scheduled to end Wednesday, June 17th, last Sunday was the deadline for submitting new legislation for consideration before session ended, leaving us very little time to work on a new bill. After negotiating with Senate Leadership and working in consultation with East Ramapo advocates, I introduced a new bill based on what Senate Republican leadership informed me they would accept. Working with Assemblymembers Jaffee and Zebrowski, I drafted amendments to get the language of the new bill as close to our original bill as possible. The amended bill provides oversight and real time monitoring. There are strict timelines and deadlines for appeals, and the New York State Education Department will work closely with the monitor to evaluate the measurable progress within academic programs. Additionally, the $5 million in education grants is a lock box that is to be allocated by the Commissioner of Education. It is not in anyway a blank check. I understand and share the frustration that many throughout our community have expressed over the past several days, and I want to make it clear that I have always supported our original bill. My intent was, and always will be, to help the students, parents, and teachers who I have worked with since my first day in office. I will not stop advocating for their needs, and I will do everything within my power to find a solution. I'm in full agreement that this bill is not as strong as my original bill, however, it is a start to get East Ramapo moving in the right direction. Some of us may disagree on the process of how that is done, but we all agree that every child in East Ramapo deserves action as soon as possible.

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For all the latest news and updates, please continue to follow me on Facebook and Twitter.     

Sincerely,

David Carlucci

New York State Senator

38^th Senate District

No to de Blasio "Zoning for Quality and Affordability Plan” from the BROADWAY COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

BROADWAY COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

Community Board 8 Land Use Meeting Thursday Night June 25th at MS/HS 368   -   7:30 PM
2975 Tibbett Avenue off West 230th Street.

Ten Reasons to Say NO to the Mayor's "Zoning for Quality and Affordability Plan”

1. Up Zoning Plan. This citywide proposal is intended to promote a positive goal: new affordable housing for seniors, families, and special needs populations. However, it will undo years of community planning that Community Board 8 fought for in its 197(a) Plan and approved by the City Planning Commission and the City Council in 2003.

2. Overdevelopment. Under the current zoning, developers already have the right to build more densely. This plan allows developers to build taller buildings even in contextual zones, which were designed to restrict building height.

3. Parking Requirements Eliminated or Reduced. Under present zoning, developers of senior and affordable housing are already permitted to provide fewer parking spaces. This plan Eliminates All parking requirements for new affordable housing located within 10 blocks of a subway. The change severely impacts residents of North Riverdale, Kingsbridge, and Marble Hill who live in the Broadway area near the #1 train, as well as Van Cortlandt Village residents near the #4 train. Additionally, Developers will be able to reduce parking for projects more than 10 blocks from a subway to the detriment of Every Neighborhood!

4. Unprecedented Retroactive Zoning. The plan permits developers to build affordable housing on parking lots of current senior housing and nursing homes, which retroactively changes our zoning protections. Among other issues, where will residents, visitors, and staff park?

5. Grass is Past. The plan will eliminate or reduce setbacks, rear and side yards, open space requirements, and more. The result will be a tsunami of new development that will block air, light, and views, and eliminate landscaped area. 

6. Decrease Homeownership. We will witness many smaller buildings and private homes being bought, razed, and rebuilt as behemoths. 

7. Hidden Costs. Will taxpayers get soaked? According to the NYC Independent Budget Office (IBO), the city plans to commit more than 1.6 billion dollars in capital spending to finance the increased infrastructure needs (like sewer and water lines) caused by the additional buildings. "The city has created a $75 million Acquisition Fund it will use to purchase private land, which it will then convey to developers at little or no cost. In exchange, the developers will be required to build affordable housing, "(IBO report, May 2015). Funds for new schools to accommodate increased density are not included.

8. Questionable net increase in Affordable Housing Units. Ironically, the mayor's "Zoning for Quality and Affordability Plan" will not appreciably increase the number of affordable units, as many developers will enjoy many new benefits while building a small percentage of affordable units. Many housing advocates oppose the plan because they believe the mayor's affordable housing goals will not be reached.

9. Where are the Facts? The plan states that it will change our current zoning definitions. It does not say which definitions and what those changes will be. It does not define affordable housing criteria or explain which groups fall under the umbrella of affordable housing. The currently available plan is hundreds of pages long, but short on specifics. 

10. Rush Job. City planning wants a Community Board 8 vote on this rezoning plan this Fall followed by votes taken by the Borough Board, Borough President, and City Council. Where is the time to study and understand the impacts of the rezoning on our community?

A rezoning of this magnitude will definitely have 

For these reasons the "Zoning for Quality and Affordability Plan”

permanent consequences for our community!

Must Be Voted Down!

New Farmers Market Comes to Morrison Avenue

Above - Some of the vegetables available now at the Morrison Avenue Farmers Market.
Below - Some of the Blueberries, Strawberries, and Cherries.

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and City Councilwoman Annabelle Palma welcomed the new Morrison Avenue 'Harvest Home Farmers Market with a ribbon cutting (or vine cutting as you see below) for this first day of selling farm fresh fruits and vegetables to the neighborhood. 

Above - Assemblyman Crespo speaks with Harvest Home CEO Maritza Owens and one of the farmers who is selling his fruits and vegetables.

Below - Assemblyman Crespo speaks with one of the Harvest Home volunteers standing in front of the tomato display.  

Above - There were many varieties of apples on display for sale at very reasonable prices.

Below - Other products that were farm made included Honey, Apple Butter, and several baked goods.

Maritza Owens CEO of Harvest Home thanks Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Councilwoman Annabelle Palma, and the many others who made the Morrison Avenue Farmers Market a reality.