A.G. Schneiderman, Gov. Cuomo, & Mayor De Blasio Announce Settlement With Major NYC Landlord To End Tenant Harassment And Hazardous Living Conditions

Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force Reaches Settlement With ICON Realty Management To Protect Tenants And Preserve Affordable Housing, Following Harassment And Hazardous Living Complaints From East Village, Lower East Side, And Brooklyn Tenants

ICON To Also Pay $500,000 In Penalties, Fees, And Costs

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a first of its kind settlement between the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force (Task Force) and ICON Realty Management (ICON). This settlement provides tenants broad relief, requiring the landlord to end harassment and hazardous living conditions for the hundreds of tenants in buildings owned and managed by ICON.

Tenants in several ICON-owned rent-regulated buildings in the East Village, the Lower East Side, and Brooklyn were forced to live in adverse conditions, enduring excessive dust and debris from construction in the building common areas and apartments, inconsistent and irregular heat and hot water, and lack of cooking gas and elevator service for extended periods. The Task Force investigation found that, on multiple occasions, ICON failed to obtain Department of Buildings (DOB) work permits, performed construction outside the scope of permits issued, and failed to appropriately clean or maintain the construction work areas. The Task Force investigation also found that ICON ignored tenants’ requests for repairs, failed to timely correct housing and building code violations, and subjected tenants to long-lasting interruptions of heat, hot water, and cooking gas services.

The Assurance of Discontinuance (AOD), executed today by the Attorney General’s office, requires ICON to adopt policies and procedures to prevent future violations and safety risks; corrects all outstanding housing, maintenance, and building code violations; establishes safe construction practices; provides rent abatements to tenants during disruptions of essential services; appoints a tenant liaison to immediately address tenant concerns; and establishes an independent monitor to ensure ICON’s compliance with the agreement. The settlement also requires ICON to pay $300,000 to the State of New York (on behalf of the Task Force) and over $200,000 in penalties, fees, and costs to New York City’s Housing Preservation & Development and Department of Buildings.

“Unscrupulous landlords should be on notice: we’ll use every legal tool at our disposal to protect New York’s tenants,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Too often, bad landlords see rent-regulated apartments as a goldmine – looking to make a quick buck by using construction to harass tenants out of their homes. No New Yorker should have to fear for their health or their safety in their own home. This settlement marks another win for New York’s tenants as our Task Force continues to protect their rights and hold landlords accountable.”

“This settlement agreement makes it clear that we have zero tolerance for a landlord’s illegal and harmful construction that exposes tenants to harassing and hazardous living conditions.  I am proud of the TPU and all the work we’ve accomplished with the Task Force to protect rent-regulated tenants from predatory and abusive landlords. New Yorkers have the right to safe decent homes that do not jeopardize their health and safety,” said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

"Property owners in this City have a clear legal responsibility to their tenants and those duties were repeatedly violated by this company. We will continue to work hand in glove with our law enforcement partners to protect New York tenants and punish deadbeat landlords,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force was created in 2015 in response to growing complaints that landlords were using construction as a mean to harass and endanger the health and safety of tenants. It includes the Governor’s Tenant Protection Unit, the New York State Attorney General (NYAG), and New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Department of Buildings (DOB). The Task Force combines multi-agency resources to address actions that jeopardize affordable housing and endanger tenants.  It executes unannounced top-to-bottom inspections of buildings in New York City, interviews tenants, and shares agency data to build investigations and provide tenants with comprehensive relief. The work of the Task Force has led to criminal prosecutions, such as the case against Daniel Melamed, and/or civil litigation or settlement, such as today’s settlement with ICON.

Maria Torres-Springer, Commissioner of New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, said, “Landlords like ICON are exactly why Mayor de Blasio recently enacted eighteen new pieces of legislation strengthening New York’s protections against tenant harassment and increasing penalties for owners who continue to engage in it. One of these new bills, Intro. 1549, specifically addresses this type of behavior and ensures tenants have the right to sue landlords for harassment for repeated disruption of essential services. Landlords know that engage in construction harassment will face consequences.”

New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Rick D. Chandler, PE, said, “We are proud of our work on the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force and my agency will continue to take strong action to ensure landlords who violate the laws and harass tenants will be held accountable. No landlord is allowed to use unsafe construction practices to harass tenants.”

“This agreement is a big win for tenants” said Yonatan Tadele of the Cooper Square Committee. “Tenants have suffered for years under ICON ownership and management. They've spoken out and tenaciously organized against ICON’s tactics. A coalition of Icon tenants from around the City, Icon Community United (ICU), brought their concerns to the Task Force. We are very glad to see such a strong settlement come forward.”

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS FOR BRUTAL BEATING OF DOG

ALSO CHARGED WITH ENDANGERMENT FOR STRIKING CANINE IN FRONT OF GIRL

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted for Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and related charges for the brutalization of a small dog. 

   District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant was cruel and relentless in his incomprehensible attack on a small, defenseless animal. Surveillance video captured this horror and we will now work hard to obtain justice; we emphasize our continued dedication to protecting vulnerable animals.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, George Reid, 37, of 2414 Belmont Ave., was indicted for Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, Torturing and Injuring Animals and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas and bail was set at $25,000. He is due back on December 20, 2017. If convicted of the top charge, he faces up to two years in prison. 

  According to the investigation, on August 16, 2017 in his apartment building, the defendant allegedly repeatedly attacked his dog, punching, kicking and slamming the animal to the ground. At one point during the assault, the defendant held the small dog by the neck and punched the canine in front of a young girl. The crime was captured on surveillance video and the defendant was later seen taking out a garbage bag. The body of a small dog was observed in the building’s garbage bin later that evening.

  DA Clark thanked the NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad, specifically Detectives Kevin Connors and Charles Cadiz, as well as ASPCA veterinarian, Dr. Robert Reisman. 

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

WEDNESDAY: MAYOR DE BLASIO TO HOST TOWN HALL WITH COUNCIL MEMBER TORRES

  

  On Wednesday, October 4, Mayor Bill de Blasio will host a town hall with residents of the 15^th Council District, including the neighborhoods of Bedford Park, Fordham, Mount Hope, Bathgate, Belmont, East Tremont, West Farms, Van Nest, Allerton and Olinville. The event is co-sponsored by Council Member Ritchie Torres, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Congressman José E. Serrano, State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assembly Member José Rivera.

Residents of the 15^th Council District are asked to RSVP by October 2 at 5 p.m. via email atbronxtownhall@cityhall.nyc.gov or by calling (212) 788-6732. Space is limited.

 WHAT:           Council District 15 Town Hall

WHEN:           Wednesday, October 4, 2017

                        Doors open at 6:00 P.M.

   Program begins at 7:00 P.M.

WHERE:         I.S. 254

                 2452 Washington Avenue, 

                        between 188^th and 189^th Streets

  Bronx, NY 10458

Bronx Chamber of Commerce 2017 Bronx Biz & Information Expo | Thursday, October 5th, 11:00 am-5:00 pm, at The Mall at Bay Plaza

M/WBE CERTIFICATION EVENT AND ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING UNPRECEDENTED M/WBE AWARDS

  On the one-year anniversary of the Office of Minority and Women-owned Enterprises (M/WBEs), Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives Richard Buery, Citywide M/WBE Director; the Mayor’s Office of M/WBEs; the Department of Small Business Services and State Senator Marisol Alcantara hosted an M/WBE certification event at the Isabella Geriatric Center in Washington Heights.

At this certification event, Deputy Mayor Buery announced that, for the first time, the City has awarded over $1 billion to M/WBEs in one Fiscal Year (FY) – FY17. The $1 billion in awards to M/WBEs is double the value of contracts awarded in FY15. For context, the City awarded nearly $400 million to M/WBEs in FY15. Awards to M/WBEs increased to nearly $700 million in FY16.

The contracts have been awarded by the Mayoral agencies governed by Local Law 1, which does not include non-mayoral agencies such as NYCHA, EDC and Health and Hospitals. When including the awards of non-mayoral agencies, the City has awarded over $6 billion to M/WBEs since FY2015 under its OneNYC Plan– a plan that established a goal of awarding $16 billion to M/WBEs by close of FY 2025.

The Deputy Mayor also thanked leadership and member of both houses of the Legislature, in particular legislative bill sponsors State Senator Alcantara and Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman for passing a State bill that expands economic opportunity for New York City’s M/WBEs.

A key goal of the de Blasio Administration is to certify 9,000 M/WBEs by 2019. The certification event helped firms learn how to obtain M/WBE certification, which is done by the Department of Small Business Services, with the City of New York and access free programs and services to help attendees grow and sustain their businesses. Certified firms are listed on the City’s online directory of certified companies where they are more visible to City agencies and private companies.

About S6513-B/A8508-A

S6513-B/A8508-A allows the City to spend up to $150,000 on purchase contracts (goods and services) with minority and women-owned businesses without requiring those businesses to first go through a time-consuming formal competitive bidding process. This increased discretionary spending limit for goods and services is now closer to the State’s $200,000 limit in this area. The City currently has $20,000 and $35,000 in discretionary spending limits for purchase contracts and construction, respectively.

This change would help minority and women-owned businesses overcome the historical disadvantages they have faced in the marketplace. The legislation also allows the City to award points or price preference to a firm for being a City-certified or State-certified M/WBE during the RFP evaluation process. In June 2016, the legislature passed the bill with a vote of 115-15 in the Assembly and unanimously in the Senate.

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION PREVIEWS NEW SHARED STREET AS PART OF EAST MIDTOWN’S PUBLIC SPACE IMPROVEMENTS

   The de Blasio Administration detailed plans to launch a Shared Street on 43rd Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue as part of the rezoning of Greater East Midtown. That comprehensive plan, developed with Council Member Dan Garodnick and Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, included major improvements to the public realm and streetscapes across the business district. The NYC Department of Transportation will begin piloting a new configuration of 43^rd Street between Lexington and Third Avenues in spring 2018 that will increase sidewalk space, provide room for tables, chairs and plantings and lower vehicle speeds—while maintaining access for deliveries. A full capital buildout of the space will be completed by 2021.

The rezoning of East Midtown directly ties new commercial growth to improvements in the district’s public transit and public space. In addition to the 43^rd Street ‘shared street,’ New Yorkers will see major investments in subway stations, less congested sidewalks and expansive plazas across the district.

“This shared street will make a big difference in the quality of life for people working and traveling near Grand Central. It’s part of our commitment to a new formula for growth,” saidMayor de Blasio. “In the years ahead, this neighborhood will see major upgrades to subway stations, more expansive space for pedestrians, investments in its iconic landmarks, and a new generation of office buildings that will spur good jobs for New Yorkers.”

A “Shared Street” is a roadway designed for slow travel speeds where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists all share the right of way. Vehicles are advised to drive 5MPH and the roadway is flush from building line to building line without the typical curb line grade separation. Shared streets can be designed and managed in a variety of different ways to balance the needs of all users while enhancing the safety, aesthetics, and overall experience of the area. Earlier this year, DOT created its first full-time Shared Street on Broadway between 24^th and 25^th Streets in the Flatiron District; on that block during evening rush hours, pedestrians had previously outnumbered vehicles by an 18:1 margin.   

East Midtown is the city’s largest business district, generating 250,000 jobs and 10 percent of the city’s property tax revenue. But its office buildings average 75 years-old and have become increasingly out-of-date and inefficient for today’s companies. The rezoning passed in August will spur a new generation of office buildings to grow jobs and keep New York competitive, while investing in the area’s streets and public transit.

“Our newest Shared Street, steps away from Grand Central Station, will be an amazing public space in the heart of one of the densest parts of New York City,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.  “In a part of Midtown where pedestrians can outnumber cars by as much as 16 to 1, we will strike a better balance.  Pedestrians, bicycles and slow-moving cars will all safely share this block of East 43^rd Street, which will become more welcoming and more vital.  We thank Deputy Mayor Glen, Councilmember Garodnick and our community partners for their leadership in the continued transformation of this vibrant neighborhood.”

Wave Hill Events Oct 13–Oct 20

Wedged between two autumn high points—Wings over Wave Hill Day and Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend—this is a week to absorb the rich, fall landscape. Assistant Director of Horticulture Matt Turnbull’s walk on Saturday, Late-Season Blooms, would be a fine place to start. Perhaps begin the morning at master carpenter Frank Perrone’s woodworking workshop and come away with your own, one-of-a-kind, sculptural bird feeder—but make your reservations soon! After a light lunch in The Café, stroll back toward Glyndor Gallery and a reading of Mark Twain’s controversial “The War Prayer” by Call & Response exhibition artist Kiran Chandra. Food for body and soul!

Sat, October 14    Woodworking: Bird Feeder Workshop

Using basic woodworking tools, assemble a one-of-kind sculptural bird feeder for your garden’s avian friends with master woodworker, author and Wave Hill Director of Facilities Frank Perrone. The finished project can be mounted on a pole or hung from a wire, just in time for winter birdwatching! No carpentry experience required. Ages 12 and up welcome with an adult. Space is limited. $60/$50 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. 

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 9:30AM–4PM

Sat, October 14    Family Art Project: October Treasures

Stroll along Wave Hill’s Conifer Slope or venture to the lower woodland to see the treasures autumn trees have laid upon the grounds. Use your findings, along with buttons, small stones and a bit of sparkle, to decorate a recycled box or metal tin, a home for your growing nature collection. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, October 14    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR C ENTER, 11AM

Sat, October 14    Garden Walk: Late Season Blooms

Trees are not the only colorful part of Wave Hill’s autumn landscape. Late-blooming plants such as asters, dahlias, perennial sunflowers and salvias create a spectacle equal to that of spring. Join Assistant Director of Horticulture Matthew Turnbull as he shares his seasonal floral favorites. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

Sat, October 14    Mark Twain’s “The War Prayer,” A Call & Response Interpretive Reading by Kiran Chandra

On select Saturdays, Call & Response artists present talks, readings, live music, performance art and workshops in and around Glyndor Gallery. Artist Kiran Chandra presents an interpretive reading of Mark Twain’s controversial 1905 text “The War Prayer.” When Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was a resident of Wave Hill House, he built a treehouse on the property. Chandra’s reading commemorates Twain’s structure and the writings at Wave Hill at the beginning of the 20th century. The reading will be performed in front of Chandra’s outdoor installation. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, October 15    Family Art Project: October Treasures

Stroll along Wave Hill’s Conifer Slope or venture to the lower woodland to see the treasures autumn trees have laid upon the grounds. Use your findings, along with buttons, small stones and a bit of sparkle, to decorate a recycled box or metal tin, a home for your growing nature collection. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, October 15    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, October 16    

Closed to the public.

Mon, October 16    Members Trip: Mansions along the Old Croton Aqueduct   SOLD OUT

Meander along the Old Croton Aqueduct trail from Irvington to Tarrytown to admire mansions, architectural landmarks and Hudson River views, with Sara Kelsey of the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct. Hear about local history as you explore the 19th-century Tiffany Reading Room in Irvington, as well as the landscape and architectural features of the Lyndhurst estate, an unusual octagonal house, and other historic properties along the route. This trip includes significant walking, mostly along level terrain. Lunch on your own in Irvington. $65 Wave Hill Member includes transportation and tour fees. Reservations required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Rain date:Monday, October 23.

MEET WAVE HILL’S FRONT GATE, 9:30AM–4:30PM

Tue, October 17    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, October 17    Gallery Tour

Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow leads a tour of the current exhibition in Glyndor Gallery. This fall, the entire gallery is given over to new site-responsive projects honoring the tenth anniversary of Wave Hill’s Sunroom Project Space. Call & Response showcases the work of 50 artists who have exhibited in this unique venue, in projects ranging from art objects created from natural materials gathered onsite, to sound pieces, outdoor installations and performance works. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Thu, October 19    Art Workshop: Plein Air-Journals    SOLD OUT

Using the intimate space of the journal page, depict human-made elements in the landscape in this outdoor workshop. Artist Wennie Huang shares traditional and alternative journal formats and provides individual guidance on drawing and plein-air techniques. Basic materials provided; participants receive a short list of additional recommended materials. This four-session workshop continues October 26,November 2 and 9. $185/$150 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM, starting March 15.  Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.