MY FELLOW DEMOCRATS, GIVE NEW YORKERS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING THEY DESERVE

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Councilman Rubén Díaz Sr.

Bronx County, New York

 You should know that the New York State Democratic Senate only needs 32 votes to approve legislation and they now have 39 Democratic Senators. That means they do not need one single Republican Senator vote to pass the Rent Control Regulations for the poor people of New York State.

 

You should also know that an article titled “Cuomo threatens lawmakers with extended session to finish business” written by Bernadette Hogan appears in the June 7, 2019 edition of the New York Post.  Here is how the article begins: “Gov. Andrew Cuomo threatened to hold state lawmakers hostage in Albany this summer if they can’t agree to pass rent reform before the end of the legislative session on June 19.”

 

It is important for you to know that unlike the Republicans, we Democrats are proudly defined as being opposed to homelessness and as champions of affordable housing for all.

 

If this is still true, then Democrats in New York State need to get their act together this week, if not, landlords will be able to evict tenants without cause, and rent regulated apartments will be turned into free-market units.

 

According to Ms. Hogan’s article: “Laws covering nearly 1 million rent-stabilized tenants in New York City are set to expire June 15, and the Legislature is considering a broad new set of tenant protections that are deeply unpopular with landlords because the laws would limit their ability to raise rents or take units out of rent stabilization.”

 

It is important for you to know that Governor Andrew Cuomo has given his word that he will sign into law whatever rent package the Senate passes. So what is the delay in passing these bills before rent and tenant protection laws expire?

 

My dear reader, with Democrats in control in New York State, why is this dreaded deadline still looming overhead?

 

With Democrats in control, why are protesters filling buses to Albany to jam the hallways with chants and signs to demand universal rent control regulations?

 

With Democrats in control, why are truly concerned housing advocates, including NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, getting arrested in Albany during these protests?

 

Should there be any reason at all for Governor Cuomo to have to threaten elected officials that he will keep them in Albany after Session if they do not pass these laws to protect New York’s tenants?

 

You should know that many of my constituents and people here in the South Bronx are extremely troubled about this, as am I. But what can I say to those who tell me repeatedly that they vote for Democrats because they believe the Democrats are there to represent their needs, and then they have such anxiety because New York Democrats in charge haven’t resolved this matter yet?

 

With all of the public protests – and Governor Andrew Cuomo having to act like a Den mom – I can only hope the Democratic chaos will end and New York’s senior citizens, families and individuals will get the affordable housing they need.

 

I am Council Member Reverend Rubén Díaz, Sr. and this is what you should know.

The New Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Amazing events happening this week!

Yemini Community Parade Across Rhinelander Avenue Saturday June 8th

  One can only guess what Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are saying to each other as they prepare to march in the first Bronx Yemini Community Parade. 

Police estimates were that over five-hundred people marched the five blocks across Rhinelander Avenue from Matthews Avenue to White Plains Road where the Mosque for the Muslim American Society is located. In front of the Mosque it was estimated that there were up to one thousand people for the speeches and other events. This event was one year in the making drawing people from across New York City and six states including California. 

Above - The parade across Rhinelander Avenue begins.

Below - As the marchers are coming there is dancing in the street in front of the Muslim American Society.

Above - It was 2021 Mayoral candidates Term-Limited City Comptroller Scott Stringer sitting next to another 2021 Mayoral candidate Term-Limited Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Next ro BP Diaz is probable 2021 Bronx Borough President candidate Term-Limited City Councilman Fernando Cabrera, with non term-limited District Leader (and past State Assembly candidate) John Perez also in the photo. 

Below - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. speaks of the diversity of the Bronx, saying that the Bronx is home to many immigrants who have chosen to make the Bronx their home, and welcomes the Yemini population who are hard workers and excellent additions to any of the Bronx's many communities.

Above - Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks about the current president's policies on immigration, where many of the Yemini families are split apart due to some family members coming to America, but others not being able to now. 

Below - City Comptroller Scott Stringer brought a citation for the Yemini community of the Bronx with him, that he presented while he spoke.

TESTIMONY TO BE GIVEN BEFORE THE HEARINGS OF THE RENT GUIDELINES BOARD ON JUNE 11, 2019

This was e-mailed by SAVING JUSTICE Editor, Dr. Jim Fairbanks, (and to other media outlets.)

My desire is for trust and the working together of landlords and tenant associations so that our buildings and South Bronx community can survive and thrive.

Yet, looking historically, trust requires the justice of an apology and restitution from the real estate industry! After 50 years I still have not received an apology from the millionaire landlords for milking and burning down 10,000 buildings in the South Bronx for arson profit, and for making 500,000 residents flee for their lives in one of the greatest crimes and migrations of the 20 th century.

Rent increases? But, trust requires apology, restitution, repairs, rent rollback, more rollback. and a lot  more rollback. I would prefer that this not be a hearing on rent increases, but rather a hearing of a Truth & Reconciliation Commission. I would gladly forgive and restore trust!

A predatory landlord bought my building a year ago, and in less than a year, 25% of the tenants have fled the building because the landlord is ending the preferential rents of all tenants. Talk about a rent increase of hundreds and hundreds of dollars! And, the Rent Guidelines Board is considering increases? Really?

If things weren’t bad enough, here comes the Mayor’s unaffordable rezoning gentrification plan to destroy the diverse cultures of the South Bronx community and drive out the people of low and moderate income. And landlords want rent increases?

After the destruction and abandonment of the South Bronx by the real estate industry, we rebuilt the South Bronx by sweat equity, low income coops, non-profit community housing developers, and years of demand to the government and the private sector to rebuild. And the real estate industry made their billions in rebuilding. So, why gentrify and drive out the people again?

Thanks to the unprecedented organizing of CASA and dozens of such groups across the city, we are trying to hold off another eve of destruction. How long will the notion continue that the residents of the Bronx do not know what is best for the well being of our community, but only the people of power, wealth and control?

My desire as a tenant leader is the restoring of trust between landlords and tenant associations so that our buildings and community can survive and thrive. Thank you.

Please attend the Rent Guidelines Board’s Hearings on rent increases on Tuesday, June 11 at the Hostos Community College Main Theater. CASA will have a press conference at 5:00 PM before the Hearings.

TEAM DIAZ “Abrazo Boricua in New York”

  Thursday night the TEAM DIAZ  “Abrazo Boricua in New York” was held at the Eastwood Manor on Eastchester Road in the Northeast Bronx to a packed room as usual. 500 people were on hand for the evolution of TEAM DIAZ under City Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. which has changed over the years. 

TEAM DIAZ 2019 features (L - R) 79th Assembly candidate George Alvarez, 87th A.D. Female District Leader Julia Rodriguez, City Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr., 87th A.D. Male District Leader and Assembly candidate Sergeant John Perez, and Community Activist Antonio Cabrera. Not in the photo is TEAM DIAZ 2019 member Councilman Rafael Salamanca.

The honorees for TEAM DIAZ 2019 TEAM DIAZ  “Abrazo Boricua in New York” were Mr. Frankie Hernandez President of La Flor De Mayo Express, Community Board # 2 District Manager Ralph Acevedo, Community Activist Carmen Martinez, and Puerto Rican Pioneer Federico Perez. 

Above - Councilman Rafael Salamanca with his honoree Community Board # 2 District Manager Ralph Acevedo.

Below - 79th Assembly candidate George Alvarez with his honoree Community Activist Carmen Martinez.

Representative Adriano Espaillat Celebrates LGBTQ Pride Month; Holds 9th Annual Pride Forum June 30th at Indian Road Cafe

  Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, released the following statement in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month.

“Each year during the month of June, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community comes together to celebrate their courage, their identity, the freedom to love who they love, and their right to equal treatment under the law. In communities across this country, LGBTQ individuals can still be fired from their jobs, evicted from their homes, and denied services simply because of who they are or who they love. It is critical that we do more to protect the dignity of the LGBT community and work to ensure full legal and societal equality. That is why I was proud to join my congressional colleagues last month in voting to pass the Equality Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, which would ensure comprehensive civil rights and protections for LGBTQ individuals in communities across the country.

“Pride Month recognizes the courage it takes for LGBTQ people to come out as their true selves into a society that is not always accepting, and it celebrates what for many is a transition from hiding who they truly are to boldly accepting and being proud of their identity.  It is an observance of those who have fought for equality, in some cases losing their freedom or even their lives. This year is particularly important as we recognize the 50^th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots -- the starting point for the LGBTQ equal rights movement – and as New York City hosts the World Pride festival.

“As we celebrate Pride during the month of June, we also pause in reflection of the 49 individuals killed during the attack at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and countless others whose lives have been lost due to targeted attacks based on their identity.

“As a strong ally, I am proud to celebrate Pride Month and recognize the significant contributions of the LGBTQ community throughout New York’s 13^th congressional district and around the nation. When we are inclusive of all persons, including our LGBTQ family, friends and fellow citizens, we are a stronger, more resilient and more unified society.”

Bronx Rally for NYC Culture

Join City Council Member Ritchie Torres 

in a Rally to Urge City Hall Not to Cut Funding to the Department of Cultural Affairs!

 

Monday June 10th @ 10AM

At the Bronx River Art Center Event Space

1087 East Tremont Ave, Bronx NY 10460

www.bronxriverart.org Bronx River Art Center, 1087 E. Tremont Ave, Bronx NY 10460 Train: 2 or 5 train to West Farms Square - E Tremont Av Station Bus: 9, 21, 36, 40, 42, Q44 to E. Tremont & Boston Road Click here for directions

Reprinted from the Bronx Chronicle

Senator Biaggi Holds Housing Resource Fair·

State senator Alessandra Biaggi greets guests and participating housing agency representatives. (Photos: Robert Press)

On Friday, State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-34) hosted a ‘Housing Resource Fair” at PS 83 in the Morris Park section of her district. Many city agencies related to the needs of a renter or homeowner joined other housing advocacy, civic or nonprofit organizations to provide a wealth of information to the many people who attended.

• 

  Senator Biaggi greets guests and participating housing agency representatives. 

Senator Biaggi went around room chatting with and thanking the volunteers manning the many tables set up with valuable housing information, And she spoke to many of the attendees.

NY Health Works RV at State senator Alessandra Biaggi’s Housing Resource Fair 2019. (Photos: Robert Press)

Outside PS 83 was a vehicle from New York Health Works where people could get their blood pressure taken and obtain information about developing a Roadmap to Health. Healthy foods, such as various cut fruits, and water were available to participants.