MAYOR DE BLASIO HIGHLIGHTS NYC PARKS’ TREES AND SIDEWALKS REPAIR PROGRAM

 Additional $16 million in funding brings total to $21.75 million to conduct inspections and fix more sidewalks 

  Mayor de Blasio today appeared with NYC Parks Queens Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski to highlight NYC Parks’ Trees and Sidewalks program, which helps homeowners repair severe sidewalk damage caused by the root growth of street trees. Trees and Sidewalks received an additional $15.75 million this year, bringing the total to $21.75 million in funding in the FY18 budget, and more than tripling the previous year’s $6 million allotment.

“Our nearly 700,000 street trees beautify our neighborhoods, clean our air, and cool our environment.  But as they grow, trees can also come into conflict with city sidewalks, creating inconvenient or even dangerous conditions. Trees and Sidewalks supports homeowners by assisting them with sidewalk repairs – and this significant funding increase will make this program even more powerful,” said Mayor de Blasio.

“Loving New York means loving our trees and our sidewalks. And true to its name, the Trees and Sidewalks program improves both, providing crucial aid to homeowners and supporting the strength of our urban forest. Over $20 million will bring smoother sidewalks and healthier trees to homeowners, pedestrians, and tree-lovers all over New York City,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP.

At today’s event, part of City Hall in Your Borough in Queens, Mayor de Blasio and Borough Commissioner Lewandowski met with Flushing resident Peter Kyriakakis to examine the damaged sidewalk outside his house. Mr. Kyriakakis’s sidewalk is slated for repair as part of the Trees and Sidewalks program.

Trees and Sidewalks is offered to owner-occupied one-, two-, and three-family homes not used for commercial purposes. Homeowners may request to enlist in the program by calling 311 or filling out anonline form. NYC Parks foresters then examine the site and assign it a priority rating based on criteria including the vertical lift of the sidewalk, the number of damaged flagstones, the volume of traffic on and width of the sidewalk, and tree condition. Repairs may include tree bed expansion, adjustment of sidewalk grade, strengthening sidewalk materials, and improving drainage.

13 th Council Forum at the Throggs Neck Houses

  Last night there was a forum at the Throggs Neck Houses where the seven remaining candidates appeared. Just like the previous forum however the sparks and barbs were part of this forum as candidates hurled accusations at the two leading candidates. This time candidate Marjorie Velazquez was the subject of most of the comments by those who went after Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj at the previous forum.

   Candidate Victor Ortiz said that his petition was challenged by Ms. Velazquez, and was angry about it. He said that her husband works for the mayor so how could she represent the district fairly. Velazquez answered by saying that she has been fighting the mayor on some issues that are important to the district. It got to a point that candidate Velazquez answered Mr. Ortiz in the same language   he spoke several times that being Spanish. 

  

  It got to a point that Ms. Monique Johnson President of the Throggs Neck Houses Tenants Association Said to the candidates that she asked them to stop going after certain candidates and answer the questions that they were not. It got to a point that Ms. Johnson was accused of having a candidate that she favored. the candidates tried to prove why they were the best choice for the council seat, but some fell short. Photos of the forum are below.

The candidates who arrived early either spoke to each other or to the people in the audience.

Above - One candidate hands out voter registration cards,

Below - You can see how the room was filled to capacity, but was less than half of this later as people walked out for one reason or another.

Above - the seven candidate (l-r) John Cerini, John Doyle, Mark Gjonaj, Alex Gomez, Victor Ortiz, Edidio Sementili, and Marjorie Velazquez,

Below - Candidate Doyle gives his opening speech as to why he is the better candidate.

Above - Candidate Mark Gjonaj speaks of his experience in the state assembly.

Below - Candidate Sementili talks of empowering people as he holds a voter registration card.

Above - Candidate Velazquez answers criticism of her by one candidate, and responds also in Spanish.

Below - Ms. Johnson is telling the candidates the reason why people are leaving. That they are attacking certain candidates, not fully answering the questions, and going way over on their allotted time to speak.

 My take on this forum was, yes there are several qualified (if not all) candidates to fill the soon to be vacant 13th City Council seat, but several failed to connect with the voters on the issues, and chose to try to get even at other candidates who are in the lead.

2ND Annual Bronx 12th Council District Community Engagement Parade Saturday, Aug. 5

  Bronx residents are excited about the second annual Bronx 12th Council District Community Engagement Parade, which will kick off at 12 noon on Saturday, Aug. 5^th , at the intersection of Eastchester Avenue and East Gun Hill Road, Bronx.  Attendance in the parade will include New York City Council Members Andy King, Fernando Cabrera, Andrew Cohen, James Vacca and Ritchie Torres. In addition will be the appearance of marching bands, professional athletes, local schools, steppers, sororities, colorful costumes and cars, FDNY and more than 1500 participants from various businesses, churches and community-based groups.

  Rain Barrel Giveaway Set for Saturday, August 5

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Council Member Andy King will hold a rain barrel giveaway on the Evander Childs High School football field, 800 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, on Saturday, August 5^th ,  during the 5^th annual 12th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert.

Fifty rain barrels will be distributed to local residents at 10 a.m. However, because of the limited number of barrels, residents must call and reserve their barrel --  one per person per household.

“This somewhat, old-fashion technique is very effective for homeowners who want to ensure that their plants don't suffer in summer heat and for business owners looking to manage storm water runoff from rooftops. Not only will harvesting rainwater safeguard plants and keep the sewer pipes from overflowing but it’ll help many save on their water bill. You can’t beat that!” said Council Member Andy King, 12th CD.

The 60-gallon rain barrels are easy to install and connect directly to a property owner's downspout to capture and store the storm water that falls on the rooftop. The water collected in the rain barrel can then be used to water lawns and gardens, or for other outdoor chores.

Rain barrels should only be used for non-potable purposes, such as gardening, and must be disconnected from the downspout during the winter months to avoid freezing.

For more information or to reserve a rain barrel, phone King's office at 718-684-5509.

12th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert

It will all happens on Saturday, August 5, 2017, starting with a community parade that kicks off at noon at the intersection of Eastchester Road and East Gun Hill Road and culminates at Evander Childs High School football field (800 East Gun Hill Road). More than 2,000 people from community-based organizations and businesses will be marching in the parade.

Inside the football field will be over 50 community-based exhibits and vendors, games for the children, health-care activities, free food, and music. Outside the field will be mobile vans that will pro-vide free health and wellness services, such as dental screenings, legal services, flu shots and more. There will also be a NYPD Rock Wall and a “Shooting 4 Peace” 3-on-3 Basketball tournament featuring celebrity pro ballers and local streetball legends.

The day’s event is a partnership between the High School of Contemporary Arts, Council Member Andy King , Fun In the Son NYC, Good Neighbors and Shooting 4 Peace.

  NYC Council Member Andy King to host NYU Dental Van

The NYU College of Dentistry's "Smiling Faces, Going Places" dental van will provide free dental services to Bronx residents of all ages in partnership with City Councilmember Andy King on Saturday, Aug. 5^th as a part of the 5^thannual 12th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert.

The van will be parked on Barnes Avenue in front of Evander Childs High School Campus at 800 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx. Services provided will include exams, X-rays and screenings.

Interested residents must fill out permission forms at Council Member King’s office, 940 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx. For more information, call 718-684-5509.

12^th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert

It will all happens on Saturday, August 5, 2017, starting with a community parade that kicks off at noon at the intersection of Eastchester Road and East Gun Hill Road and culminates at Evander Childs High School football field (800 East Gun Hill Road). More than 2,000 people from community-based organizations and businesses will be marching in the parade.

Inside the football field will be over 50 community-based exhibits and vendors, games for the children, health-care activities, free food, and music. Outside the field will be mobile vans that will pro-vide free health and wellness services, such as dental screenings, legal services, flu shots and more. There will also be a NYPD Rock Wall and a “Shooting 4 Peace” 3-on-3 Basketball tournament featuring celebrity pro ballers and local streetball legends.

The day’s event is a partnership between the High School of Contemporary Arts, Council Member Andy King , Fun In the Son NYC, Good Neighbors and Shooting 4 Peace.

Highest Number of Petition Signatures in The Bronx!

  

Thanks to the hard work put in by you and so many other dedicated volunteers and community members, I’m excited to announce that we officially filed 6,094 petitions -- the most amount of petition signatures in The Bronx -- to get my name on the ballot for the September 12th Democratic primary! 

Additionally, we were able to raise $180,040 for this filing period. These victories are testament to the strength of this campaign.

The most important endorsement a candidate can receive is that of his neighbor. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dozens of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help me meet voters. I am incredibly thankful for their dedication to this campaign.

The summer is just beginning and I look forward to continuing to meet with all of you to hear more about the issues that matter most so we can work towards tangible solutions together. If you'd like to join our efforts and volunteer, email NewYorkersForMarkGjonaj@gmail.com.

Thank you again for the support you have shown me.

Sincerely,

Mark

Velazquez Calls for Community Input on Controversial Baychester Square Development

In unprecedented move, Bronx Community Board 10 Executive Member Marjorie Velazquez urges board's inclusion in ULURP zoning process for proposed $200 million shopping center development under consideration by neighboring Community Board 12

 

Velazquez cites potential traffic and quality of life impacts to surrounding community, opposition by local residents

Velazquez: We deserve to have a voice

Amid contentious debate over a planned shopping development at a former state-owned property in the Baychester section of the Bronx, Community Board 10 Executive Member Marjorie Velazquez is once again taking the unprecedented step of calling for her board to have a say in a zoning vote on the project in neighboring Community Board 12 in the coming months. The City Council's Land Use Committee today held a hearing on the project.

 

In announcing her request, Velazquez is pointing to potential traffic jams at the site and quality of life concerns raised by local residents critical of the project.

 

"Any potential impact from the Baychester Square development doesn't stop at the border between community boards," said Community Board 10 Executive Member Marjorie Velazquez. "This project could increase traffic for a borough already starved for transportation options, and negatively affect quality of life for our families. We deserve to have a voice."

 

At issue is a $200 million, 350,000 square-foot development proposed for a former Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) property across Interstate 95 from the Bay Plaza Shopping Center. The development, called Baychester Square, would include at least 40 stores, a senior housing building with 170 units, and parking space for some 1,200 cars.

 

Under the current proposal, the development exceeds current zoning for the site and therefore went through the city's Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). After that, the project went to the local Community Board 12 for a vote, and it was approved. However, under the current ULURP procedure, it does not allow for other Community Boards - namely Community Board 10 - to have a voice in the decision, though the project will directly affect its district.

 

This has Velazquez concerned about the lack of input on the project by Community Board 10, which borders Board 12 and which she sits on as an Executive Member and Treasurer. Velazquez pointed out that the Baychester Square site sits opposite multiple commercial developments in an area with limited public transit options and borders Co-Op city, the largest cooperative housing development in the world.

 

Velazquez contends that this has the potential to greatly increase traffic both around the site and in neighboring Board 10, negatively impacting families' quality of life. These concerns are shared by local residents, who have banded together to voice their opposition to the plan.

 

In response, Velazquez is urging the city to allow Community Board 10 weigh in on the ULURP process. Velazquez also intends to highlight the issue in her campaign for the City Council's 13th District. As a candidate, Velazquez has pushed for improved public transportation for communities long considered a transit desert. For Velazquez, traffic and transportation issues are central to the longterm economic growth of the Bronx.

 

"We can't continue to develop and build without considering the transportation needs of our community. This is the key to encouraging economic growth, and this is what I will advocate for as our next city council member," concluded Velazquez.

 

NYC CHARGES QUEENS LANDLORD WITH RETALIATING AGAINST IMMIGRANT TENANTS WHO FILED DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS

NYC Commission on Human Rights continues enforcement against landlords discriminating against tenants based on immigration status, sending cease and desist letters to other landlords in violation of the NYC Human Rights Law and warning of legal consequences

  New York City announced charges today against a landlord in Ridgewood, Queens for retaliating against immigrant tenants after they reported him to the NYC Commission on Human Rights for discrimination based on immigration status. In March, the Commission served the landlord a notice of the complaint alleging discrimination after Make the Road NY brought the case to the Commission. In his response letter to the Commission, the landlord denied the allegations and indicated that he sent a copy of the letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which included tenants’ personal information, in violation of the NYC Human Rights Law’s retaliation protections.

The Commission is now charging the landlord with retaliation against his tenants and filing a complaint against him on behalf of the City. Out of concern for the tenants’ safety, the Commission is not releasing the names of the tenants in these cases. The Commission has notified the landlord of the retaliation charges and is awaiting a response.

"Our message is loud and clear: we will hold landlords accountable for discrimination in our city,” said Mayor de Blasio. “We stand with tenants, regardless of their origin, in Queens and across the five boroughs."

“The Commission will not hesitate to take action against bad actors when they retaliate against New Yorkers who have reported discrimination,” said Assistant Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Bureau at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Sapna V. Raj. “The NYC Human Rights Law makes it illegal to retaliate against any individual for reporting discrimination, regardless of their immigration status. Everyone in New York City deserves the right to live free from discrimination and harassment and should not fear for their safety when reporting violations of the Law.”

“This repeated harassment and retaliation against immigrant tenants is unlawful and unacceptable in New York City,” said Nisha Agarwal,Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “It is very unfortunate that certain bad actors feel emboldened to follow Washington’s lead in hostility towards immigrants. We are proud of our colleagues at the NYC Commission on Human Rights for taking action, standing with our fellow New Yorkers, and making clear that immigrants’ rights must be respected in our city.”

“While landlords have been threatening to call ICE on immigrant tenants for years, we have seen a significant increase in this form of harassment since Trump was elected,” said Senior Staff Attorney at Make the Road New York, Ryan Napoli. “The Commission on Human Rights has been an important partner and advocate for the immigrant community in combating this intimidation, and we applaud the Commission's actions in this case.”

“My landlord has been harassing and threatening me and my family for over a year. Most recently, he started threatening us with ICE unless we moved out of our apartment immediately,” said a tenant and member of Make the Road New York. “With the help of Make the Road New York and the Commission on Human Rights, I know that I have rights and I no longer feel that I have to live in fear. I am grateful for this support and I am glad that the Commission is launching these investigations. I urge other immigrant families to reach out to the Commission and stand up for their right to live with respect and dignity.”

In an effort to further crack down on landlords for discriminating against tenants based on their immigration status, the Commission recently sent a cease and desist letter to landlord Zara Realty Holding Corp (Queens) for discriminating against immigrant tenants. Last month, the Commission sent a similar letter to landlord Jaideep Reddy (Queens) after it learned he was discriminating against tenants based on their immigration status. The Commission has heard from these landlords and is exploring further enforcement actions.

When the Commission identifies housing discrimination, it may take the following actions to address the violation:

• Launch investigations against landlords based on complaints from tenants.

• Launch its own Commission-initiated investigations into landlords the Commission believes is discriminating against members of the public. The Commission may launch a Commission-initiated investigation after receiving anonymous tips, reports, or complaints from members of the public or based on evidence uncovered through its testing program.

• Send a “cease and desist” letter when it learns a landlord has engaged in discriminatory behavior to direct the landlord to immediately comply with the Law.

In this specific case, the Commission filed additional charges against the landlord after he copied ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in his response to the Commission’s initial complaint filed by tenants alleging discrimination based on their immigration status. The NYC Human Rights Law explicitly prohibits retaliation for filing discrimination claims with the Commission. It is also illegal in New York City to discriminate against or harass a tenant because of their immigration status or national origin, among other protected categories.

The Commission has the authority to fine violators with civil penalties of up to $250,000 for willful and malicious violations of the Law and can award compensatory damages to victims, including emotional distress damages and other benefits. The Commission can also order trainings on the NYC Human Rights Law, changes to policies, and other relief such as community service and mediated apologies.

Over the past two years, Commission has increased enforcement efforts to address housing discrimination based on immigration status and national origin.

• Over the last two years, the Commission has doubled the overall number of investigations into discrimination based on immigration status and/or national origin, filing 376 claims in those areas in 2016/2015 compared to 155 claims in 2014/2013.

• In 2016 alone, the Commission more than doubled the number of new investigations into discrimination based on immigration status and/or national origin in housing, filing 60 claims in 2016 compared to 22 in 2015. 

• The Commission is currently investigating 291 claims of discrimination based on immigration status and/or national origin, 89 claims specifically in housing.

Additionally, the Commission has held nearly 400 workshops and outreach events this year to educate tenants about their housing rights. The Commission also trains housing providers on their responsibilities under the Law with the goal of preventing future acts of discrimination and regularly engages housing advocates and vulnerable communities to address housing discrimination and inform people of their rights. Learn more about housing protections against discrimination in New York City atwww.nyc.gov/fairhousing.

If you or someone you know believes they are the victim of discrimination or harassment by their landlord, call 311 and ask for NYC Commission on Human Rights or call the Commission’s Infoline at 718-722-3131. Reports may also be filed anonymously. People may also report discrimination on the Commission’s website.

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN STRAY BULLET SHOOTING OF 5-YEAR-OLD BOY

Victim, Celebrating His Birthday, Suffered Severe Brain Damage 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on charges of Attempted Murder and Assault for firing a bullet that struck a 5-year-old boy in the head, causing severe injuries, in a shooting that was meant to target other individuals. 

   District Attorney Clark said, “This case is even more sorrowful since the little boy was celebrating his fifth birthday. On a day that should have been joyful, he was caught in the crossfire of a violent rampage and will now carry memories of pain instead. Thankfully, he is out of the hospital and now in rehab but he has a long road to recovery ahead of him. It is now our job to secure some measure of justice for him and his family as the defendant faces many years behind bars.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Michael Quiles, 27, of Washington Ave., has been indicted on three counts of second-degree Attempted Murder, first-degree Assault, two counts of second-degree Assault, first-degree Reckless Endangerment and two counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. He was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas and was remanded. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top charge. He is due back on October 30, 2017. 

  According to the investigation, on June 5, 2017, in the area of 167th Street and Washington Ave., Quiles fired multiple shots during an argument with two men. One of his bullets struck Jaheem Hunter, who was hospitalized with severe brain damage.

   District Attorney Clark thanked Detectives Jose Valdez of the 42nd Precinct and Keith Walker of the Bronx Homicide Squad.

  An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.