This
afternoon former Mayor Ed Koch was placed in the intensive care unit at
New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Joseph Tenenbaum, Mayor Koch's
cardiologist and lead doctor, said he wanted to monitor the former mayor
more closely.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Bronx Informational Forum RE: School Bus Strike-February 5, 2013
The Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
In partnership with the
Citywide Council on Special Education,
District 75 Citywide Council on Special Education,
Resources for Children with Special Needs, and
The Bronx Borough President’s Disability Advisory Council
Invite Bronx Parents impacted by the NYC School Bus Strike
to attend an Informational Forum
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
@ 6:00 p.m.
Bronx Library Center
310 East Kingsbridge Road
Bronx, NY 10458
For Details Call: 718-590-6012
Wave Hill Events February 15–February 22
Early
snowdrops have suddenly sprung up on the hillside below my second-floor
window in Glyndor House, making me yearn for spring. (Enjoy yesterday’s
snapshot of a charming cluster of snowdrops in the Wild Garden, the
first attachment here.) That primed me for Anne Raver’s lovely tribute
Tovah Martin today in the Times, another “Home” section cover story. We’re
longtime admirers of both of these writer/gardeners. And what better
way to encourage us to focus on what’s growing indoors in winter? It
also happens to make for a perfect invitation to join the
“Behind-the-Greenhouse” tour that Wave Hill gardeners are providing this
Saturday. And spending Sunday afternoon―or any Sunday afternoon—on an
hour-long, free walk in the gardens and Conservatory with one of our
Garden Guides will keep your enthusiasm simmering nicely till spring.
To
families we offer an extra-special treat on Tuesday, President’s Week
target Free Day, when we offer two free programs, indoors and
out, for school-age children. We’d planned a whole week of family
programs, by the way, and then Hurricane Sandy happened, and kids were
sent back to school Wednesday through Friday. And if you live in the Bronx, take advantage of free admission to the grounds for more than a weeek, starting February 16!
SAT, FEBRUARY 16 THROUGH SUN, FEBRUARY 24 PRESIDENT’S VACATION WEEK
Spend
an afternoon or a week at Wave Hill. On Tuesday, special programs are
geared to families with children between the ages 5-10. Registration is
recommended. Admission to the grounds is free for Bronx residents throughout this 10-day period. Please note that Wave Hill is closed Monday, February 18, as is customary.
SAT, FEBRUARY 16 FAMILY ART PROJECT—A DESERT UNDER GLASS
A Desert under Glass/Un desierto bajo vidrio
Take
a visit to Wave Hill’s Cactus and Succulent House and leave winter
behind. Spend some time sketching and painting the exotic desert
dwellers, then, using sand and paint, make a desert mirage. Free, and
admission to the grounds is free until noon.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM
SUN, FEBRUARY 17 FAMILY ART PROJECT—A DESERT UNDER GLASS
A Desert under Glass/Un desierto bajo vidrio
Take
a visit to Wave Hill’s Cactus and Succulent House and leave winter
behind. Spend some time sketching and painting the exotic desert
dwellers, then, using sand and paint, make a desert mirage. Free with
admission to the grounds.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM
SUN, FEBRUARY 17 GARDEN AND CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM
MON, FEBRUARY 18
Closed to the public.
TUE, FEBRUARY 19 PRESIDENT’S WEEK TARGET FREE DAY—FITNESS & MOVEMENT
Join
Yoga for Bliss instructors for a one hour session of fun movement
activity learning simple stretching, yoga, and breathing techniques
indoors followed by active walking, jumping and playing outdoors. This
program is geared to families with children between the ages of 5 and
10.
Registration
recommended. Free, and admission to the grounds is free to all visitors
today, thanks to the generous support of Target. Due to a change in the
calendar for New York City schools following Hurricane Sandy, family
programs on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have been cancelled.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1‒2 PM
TUE, FEBRUARY 19 PRESIDENT’S WEEK TARGET FREE DAY—ARTY AFTERNOON
Express
yourself with an array of creative art projects led by Family Art
Project Leader Ilse Murdock and staff and/or Wave Hill’s Guest Winter
Workspace Artist. This program is geared to families with children
between the ages of 5 and 10. Free, and admission to the grounds is free
all day, thanks to the generous support of Target. Due to a change in
the calendar for New York City schools following Hurricane Sandy, family
programs on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have been cancelled.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 2–4 PM
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—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.
ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in February. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.
PROGRAM FEES Program s 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 3o 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 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.
WHO WANTS TO BE NYC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR? COMPTROLLER LIU RECOMMENDS REFORM OF MAYORAL CONTROL
Comptroller Liu Recommends Reform of Mayoral Control and Strengthened Standards for Top Education Job; Highlights Bloomberg’s Failures
A
new report by the office of Comptroller John Liu recommends that all
future New York City Schools Chancellors have substantial educational
credentials. All three Schools
Chancellors named by Mayor Bloomberg required state waivers because
they failed to satisfy basic education requirements for the job.
“When
people are asked if the Schools Chancellor should be an educator by
background, they commonly answer, ‘Of course! In fact, it ought to be
the law,’” Comptroller Liu said. “Well, it
turns out it is State law. The Chancellor should be an educator, pure
and simple. Waivers should not be routinely sought.”
The
report, “No More Rubber Stamp,” makes recommendations for reforming the
Panel for Educational Policy (PEP), which was intended to provide a
check and balance to the Mayor’s overall control,
and sets out 15 common-sense educational, managerial, and personal
criteria for the Chancellor position. The criteria build from the
present City standards for school-district superintendents, envisioning
the Chancellor as a “superintendent of superintendents.”
Download the report here:
http://www.comptroller.nyc. gov/bureaus/opm/beyond-high- school.shtm
“A
more substantive PEP can only strengthen school governance to improve
the quality of education. A PEP that is not merely a rubber stamp will
restore the accountability that was always
the goal of mayoral control,” Comptroller Liu said.
The
report points out that current Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott and
former Chancellors Cathleen Black and Joel Klein each lacked crucial
educational credentials, such as prior experience
in running a large city school district and at least 10 years of
successful experience as an educator.
The
report, part of Comptroller Liu’s “Beyond High School NYC” initiative,
also looked at the Mayor’s interactions with the PEP and proposes
changes in the way members of the PEP are selected
so that the panel is less of a mayoral rubber stamp and more responsive
to community and educational stakeholders. It proposes the creation of a
PEP nominating committee, fixed and secure terms for PEP members,
stipends and staff support for the PEP, a PEP
veto on Chancellor nominations, and an end to the State waiver of
unqualified Chancellor selections.
“It’s
clear that the current form of centralized mayoral control under
Michael Bloomberg has not worked. There are many approaches we should
consider to create more checks and balances,
and this report puts forth some creative suggestions that could help
make the system more democratic and more responsive to parents,” said
Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers.
“‘No
More Rubber Stamp’ is another thoughtful education report from the
Comptroller’s office, this one exploring much needed improvements to the
PEP. It recommends possible steps that might
add legitimacy and independence to a potentially important panel that
currently has no muscle at all,” said
Ernest A. Logan, President of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators.
“The
New York City Parents Union has been at the forefront of the fight to
reform the Panel for Educational Policy, including introducing
legislation to change the PEP’s composition. We
thank Comptroller Liu for recognizing the undemocratic nature of the
PEP and applaud his efforts to include parents and communities in his
recommendations. These PEP reforms will put the public back in public education,” said
Mona Davids, President of the New York City Parents Union.
“There
is the widespread concern about the functioning of the PEP, and this
report starts the discussion with an interesting proposal. It is a very
important discussion
that needs to be had,” said Joseph P. Viteritti, Thomas Hunter
Professor of Public Policy and Chair, Department of Urban Affairs &
Planning at Hunter College, CUNY.
“It’s
clear that John Liu believes and respects the value of parent and
community voices when it comes to education in New York City. He has
engaged in a thoughtful proposal that would offer
a larger voice to those constituents, much different than what we are
currently experiencing,” said
Zakiyah Ansari, Advocacy Director, Alliance for Quality Education.
“This
study has essentially solved the dilemma of how to conduct mayoral
control of education in a fair and democratic manner. There is always
more that can be done, but restructuring the
PEP to be an independent, education-oriented body is essential, and
that is what has been done here,” said
Chris Owens, Brooklyn education advocate and former President of Community School Board 13.
Background:
The “Beyond High School
NYC” initiative seeks to increase the proportion of New Yorkers with a
college degree to 60 percent by the year 2025 through strategic
investments in public education. It consists of
“No More Rubber Stamp” and two earlier reports:
·
“The
Power of Guidance,” which shows that a critical impediment for students
seeking success in higher education is the lack of quality counseling,
advising, and mentoring
programs in New York City public high schools, and makes five
recommendations to enhance student support systems to help overcome the
obstacles to obtaining a college degree. Information and a link to the
report can be found here:
http://www.comptroller.nyc. gov/press/2012_releases/pr12- 10-108.shtm
and here: http://www.comptroller.nyc. gov/bureaus/opm/reports/2012/ Power_of_Guidance_Oct_PDF.pdf
·
“Beyond
High School: Higher Education as a Growth & Fiscal Strategy for New
York City” found that New York City, which regards itself as the
intellectual capital of the
country, is actually only in the middle of the pack of major cities
based on the percentage of the working-age population with an
Associate’s Degree or higher, and shows how that hampers the City
economically. Information and a link to the report can be found
here: http://www.comptroller.nyc. gov/press/2012_releases/pr12- 09-105.shtm
and here: http://www.comptroller.nyc. gov/bureaus/opm/reports/2012/ Higher-Education-Report-FINAL. pdf
Visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov for
the latest news, events and initiatives.
Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter. To receive Twitter updates via text message, text “follow johncliu” to 40404. View the latest Comptroller’s office videos on YouTube.
Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter. To receive Twitter updates via text message, text “follow johncliu” to 40404. View the latest Comptroller’s office videos on YouTube.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein and Bipartisan Group of Senators Propose Tax Credit for Businesses Hiring Young Returning Veterans
Local Business Owners
Voice Support for Bill
Seeking new and effective ways to spur job
creation and address perennially high unemployment rates amongst New York’s
returning combat veterans, Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, alongside fellow IDC
member Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland) and a bipartisan group of Senators
from across New York, introduced legislation yesterday providing major tax
credits to private employers hiring veterans discharged after 9/11. The
legislation is named “Jobs for Heroes.”
Senator Klein called the bill (S.3043) a win-win for business and veterans: “With this bill, we’re tackling two major issues head-on. Not only are we incentivizing job creation, but we’re also putting our returning soldiers at the front of the employment line.” Jobs for Heroes marks a culmination of work on veteran employment issues for Senator Klein, including hosting a veterans job fair and holding “Thought Raisers,” small roundtable discussions comprised of veterans, veterans groups and business leaders.
Business leaders from across the state also came out to support the proposal. These leaders included Tim Rooney, the Owner of Yonkers Raceway and Empire City Casino, and Chuck Tobin, the CEO of Focused Technologies in Albany. Both business owners regularly seek out and employ veterans for critical jobs at their companies.
Also in attendance was Bronx small business
owner, Bob Bieder, who expressed his
support of the bill. Mr. Bieder said, “As a small business owner, finding
hard-working, dependable employees who I can invest in can be challenging at
times. American veterans have been put to the test time and time again and Jobs
for Heroes makes it possible for me to hire returning servicemen
and women as my business grows.”
New York State is home to more than 8,000 unemployed post-9/11
veterans. The unemployment rate among these veterans is a startling 10.7%,
according to statistics released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Under
the proposal released today, business owners who employ a post-9/11 war veteran
to a new, full-time job will receive a state tax credit equal to 10% of the new
employee’s gross annual salary. The tax credit can be up to $10,000 for each
non service-disabled veteran and up to $15,000 for each newly hired
service-disabled veteran. Employers may apply the tax credit towards each and
every new veteran that they hire for a qualifying job, without limit.
Senator Carlucci is the prime sponsor of the legislation.
***********************************************************
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez Responds to Mayor Bloomberg's Preliminary Budget Proposal
The
preliminary budget proposed by Mayor Bloomberg this morning focuses way
too heavily on cuts when there are clear opportunities to recover
revenue. However, it is on the mayor to realize those opportunities by
coming to the table with unions and the city council.
As
it stands, Mayor Bloomberg's refusal to sit down with the UFT to
develop a plan that works for all parties will end up costing the city
$724 million in state aid over the next two years and $1 billion in the
out years. This means we will immediately lose 2,500 teachers from our
classrooms; vital hours of school aides and substitute teachers; 700,000
hours of after school programs, crucial for struggling students; key
services for bullying prevention, conflict resolution, professional
development and technology in the classrooms; and countless supplies
such as textbooks and basic classroom necessities.
Additionally,
because of his refusal to meet with council members to develop a new
home taxi plan for the outer boroughs the city projects to lose $190
million in revenues. But the city is capable of securing the full $790
million in taxi medallion sales, currently in jeopardy in the courts,
should the mayor decide to come to the table and work out a plan with
council members.
Mayor
Bloomberg's decision to act unilaterally on these issues will cost the
city close to $1 billion in revenue over this year and the next, which
will now be cut from our children's education, the most important aspect
of our city's future.
I
ask the mayor to come together with the respective parties to secure
this much needed revenue. Collectively we can come up with new and
creative revenue streams that will ensure the budget is not balanced on
the backs of the middle and lower class families and our city's
children.
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez.
LIU STATEMENT ON MAYOR’S PRELIMINARY BUDGET
City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following on the Mayor’s FY 2014 Preliminary Budget:
“In
order to make up the budget shortfall resulting from City Hall’s failed
negotiating strategy on teacher evaluations, the Mayor has decided to
scapegoat our City’s public school teachers. The real fault, however,
lies with his own misguided ideology, which could cost our children over
$720 million this year alone. He should look to the DOE’s runaway
consultant spending rather than make cuts to the
classroom.
“This
budget illustrates the Mayor’s continuous refusal to negotiate
contracts with our City’s workforce, which he is leaving for the next
administration.
His reliance on one-shots and a ‘my way or the highway’ negotiation
strategy has led us here, and, sadly, our kids will pay the price.”
Visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov for
the latest news, events and initiatives.
Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter. To receive Twitter updates via text message,
text “follow johncliu” to 40404.
View the latest Comptroller’s office videos on YouTube.
Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter. To receive Twitter updates via text message,
text “follow johncliu” to 40404.
View the latest Comptroller’s office videos on YouTube.
Monday, January 28, 2013
What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén DÃaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
What is it, Senator Adams:
Ignorance, Vengeance or Pure Greed?
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
What is it, Senator Adams:
Ignorance, Vengeance or Pure Greed?
You should know that the latest
bombshell in the saga of what's going on in the New York State Senate has
been contributed to by Brooklyn State Senator Eric Adams, who suddenly
and unexpectedly jumped ship to accept the Chairmanship of the Senate Aging
Committee that was offered to him by Senators Dean Skelos and Jeff Klein.
As you know, even though the Democrats have 33 Senators making them the Majority of the State Senate – and thereby entitling them to be in control of the Chamber – this has been impossible to achieve due to 4 Democratic rebel Senators Jeff Klein, Diane Savino, David Valsesky, and David Carlucci – none of whom are Black or Hispanic.
These 4 Senators decided to abandon the Democrats and join the Senate Republicans – none of whom are Black or Hispanic – thereby preventing Black and Hispanic Senators from ruling as the Democratic Majority and obtaining the primary leadership roles in the New York State Senate.
Since that time, the Republicans and Senator Jeff Klein (leader of the rebel Democrats) have been very active trying to find any token Black or Hispanic Senator to join their Coalition, in order to prevent any appearance that their coup was, in fact, against the minority community. In that process, they have been quite successful after luring Senator Malcolm Smith to their side – and this week, they hit a home run by convincing Senator Eric Adams (from Brooklyn) to join them and accept their offer of Chairmanship of the Senate Aging Committee.
You should know that some people have been asking me why a leader like Eric Adams, who is well-respected, has a good reputation, and has been fighting on behalf of his community since his days as a New York City Police Officer and Captain, would allow himself to be used in this manner and give more power to the Republicans. They want to know how Senator Adams could put a nail into the coffin of the Democratic Leadership in the New York State Senate.
Some of these same people have tried to explain why they believe Senator Adams has done such a thing. There are those who believe it's because of ignorance; others conclude that it was an act of vengeance; and the rest just say it was because of pure greed.
Here are some of their explanations.
The first group of people understand that these offers by Republicans to certain Black and Hispanic Senators are only to serve in minor Committees, and that this is nothing except window dressing. They believe that the Republicans would never allow Senator Adams to do anything important or independent because “they” will always control and rule what should be done in the State Senate. They also say that since Senator Adams is running for Brooklyn Borough President, many Democrats might be inclined to reject him as he has rejected them … unless he has been instructed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to do this in exchange for the Governor’s endorsement, and for the Governor’s help campaigning and fundraising for him. If this is so, I’m afraid we’ll have to disregard the reason of ignorance.
The second reason some people offer is an act of vengeance. You should know that many people believe that when Senator John Sampson was the New York Senate Democratic Conference Leader, it was Senator Adams who was the power behind the throne. When a coup was organized by Senator Liz Krueger, Senator Mike Gianaris and others to bring Senator Sampson down and install Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins as the Conference Chair, Senator Adams lost all of his power and influence in the Conference – and in an act of vengeance, he is helping to bury what's left of the New York State Senate Democratic Conference and its new leaders.
The third reason, pure greed, has a more complicated explanation by some people about what Senator Adams has done. You should already know that any Senator who becomes Chair of a Committee receives a “lulu,” and the amounts of these lulus depend upon how important the Committee is. In the case of Senator Adams, the $12,500 he will now receive as the Chair of the New York State Senate Aging Committee will not make a dent in what he's already receiving. We already know that Senator Adams is a retired New York City Police Captain, receiving an annual pension of what is believed to be $92,000 per year. If you add those figures to the base salary of $79,500 as a New York State Senator, and also add in the per diem stipends Senator Adams receives for daily expenses while in Albany – $171 per full day and $61 per half day – we know that this lulu will not make him much richer. I don't believe that Senator Adams would jump and compromise his principle and his standing in the community for just $12,500, when he doesn't need that.
However, all of these questions – Was it ignorance? Was it vengeance? Or was it pure greed? – that people are asking me and the possible reasons for Senator Adams jumping ship and joining Governor Andrew Cuomo and those working behind closed doors to keep the Republicans in power and us minorities in the back seat of the bus, can only be properly answered by Eric Adams himself.
This is Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.
As you know, even though the Democrats have 33 Senators making them the Majority of the State Senate – and thereby entitling them to be in control of the Chamber – this has been impossible to achieve due to 4 Democratic rebel Senators Jeff Klein, Diane Savino, David Valsesky, and David Carlucci – none of whom are Black or Hispanic.
These 4 Senators decided to abandon the Democrats and join the Senate Republicans – none of whom are Black or Hispanic – thereby preventing Black and Hispanic Senators from ruling as the Democratic Majority and obtaining the primary leadership roles in the New York State Senate.
Since that time, the Republicans and Senator Jeff Klein (leader of the rebel Democrats) have been very active trying to find any token Black or Hispanic Senator to join their Coalition, in order to prevent any appearance that their coup was, in fact, against the minority community. In that process, they have been quite successful after luring Senator Malcolm Smith to their side – and this week, they hit a home run by convincing Senator Eric Adams (from Brooklyn) to join them and accept their offer of Chairmanship of the Senate Aging Committee.
You should know that some people have been asking me why a leader like Eric Adams, who is well-respected, has a good reputation, and has been fighting on behalf of his community since his days as a New York City Police Officer and Captain, would allow himself to be used in this manner and give more power to the Republicans. They want to know how Senator Adams could put a nail into the coffin of the Democratic Leadership in the New York State Senate.
Some of these same people have tried to explain why they believe Senator Adams has done such a thing. There are those who believe it's because of ignorance; others conclude that it was an act of vengeance; and the rest just say it was because of pure greed.
Here are some of their explanations.
The first group of people understand that these offers by Republicans to certain Black and Hispanic Senators are only to serve in minor Committees, and that this is nothing except window dressing. They believe that the Republicans would never allow Senator Adams to do anything important or independent because “they” will always control and rule what should be done in the State Senate. They also say that since Senator Adams is running for Brooklyn Borough President, many Democrats might be inclined to reject him as he has rejected them … unless he has been instructed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to do this in exchange for the Governor’s endorsement, and for the Governor’s help campaigning and fundraising for him. If this is so, I’m afraid we’ll have to disregard the reason of ignorance.
The second reason some people offer is an act of vengeance. You should know that many people believe that when Senator John Sampson was the New York Senate Democratic Conference Leader, it was Senator Adams who was the power behind the throne. When a coup was organized by Senator Liz Krueger, Senator Mike Gianaris and others to bring Senator Sampson down and install Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins as the Conference Chair, Senator Adams lost all of his power and influence in the Conference – and in an act of vengeance, he is helping to bury what's left of the New York State Senate Democratic Conference and its new leaders.
The third reason, pure greed, has a more complicated explanation by some people about what Senator Adams has done. You should already know that any Senator who becomes Chair of a Committee receives a “lulu,” and the amounts of these lulus depend upon how important the Committee is. In the case of Senator Adams, the $12,500 he will now receive as the Chair of the New York State Senate Aging Committee will not make a dent in what he's already receiving. We already know that Senator Adams is a retired New York City Police Captain, receiving an annual pension of what is believed to be $92,000 per year. If you add those figures to the base salary of $79,500 as a New York State Senator, and also add in the per diem stipends Senator Adams receives for daily expenses while in Albany – $171 per full day and $61 per half day – we know that this lulu will not make him much richer. I don't believe that Senator Adams would jump and compromise his principle and his standing in the community for just $12,500, when he doesn't need that.
However, all of these questions – Was it ignorance? Was it vengeance? Or was it pure greed? – that people are asking me and the possible reasons for Senator Adams jumping ship and joining Governor Andrew Cuomo and those working behind closed doors to keep the Republicans in power and us minorities in the back seat of the bus, can only be properly answered by Eric Adams himself.
This is Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.
******************************************************
Friday, January 25, 2013
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn Endorses Andrew Cohen For the 11th City Council Seat
Current City Council Speaker Christine Quinn came up to the 11th council district this afternoon, but not to see the current councilman G. Oliver Koppell. Speaker Quinn came to Louie's Dale Dinner located on West 231st Street in the Kingsbridge section of the 11th council district to endorse Andrew Cohen as her choice to be the candidate to replace the current Councilman, G. Oliver Koppell. Koppell by the way has already endorsed Andrew Cohen as has local Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Congressman Eliot Engel, and State Senator Jeff Klein. Quinn said that she has know Mr. Cohen a long time saying that they had met in 1997. She stresses that candidate Andrew Cohen's community record as a member of Community Board 8, along with his fine law background, and constituent work is exactly what is needed in someone you want to be as your council member. Quinn continued that it is important to be able to get out in the community to do constituent work such as Mr. Cohen has done, but that he can also do the job that is needed at City Hall.
After the brief endorsement statement both Quinn and Cohen took questions. There was a question from another newspaper reporter as to why she is endorsing Mr. Cohen and not one of the other candidates, to which Quinn answered "I know Andrew, and I know that he is the best candidate in the race". She added that Mr. Cohen has done a lot of work supporting the local merchants, and that is why the endorsement is being done here on this merchant strip. I asked about the speaker's thoughts on the Kingsbridge Armory, and which of the two latest proposals she prefers. Quinn answered by saying that she is not fully clear on the Young Woo plan, but wants to consider Councilman Cabrera's thoughts on the armory plans.
To my question about if she would reintroduce "Congestion Pricing", while not outright saying yes Speaker Quinn hinted strongly that it could happen as the city will have to look for new revenue in the future. After a few more questions Speaker Quinn had to leave, but on the way to her car I asked one final question. I asked Speaker Quinn with the conviction of former Councilman Larry Seabrook if there was any investigation into her office as to the matter. Quinn said that any investigation was over a long time ago, and that nothing is to come of it. Below are a few photos of the endorsement.
Left - 11th City Council Candidate Andrew Cohen Greets current City Council Speaker Christine Quinn as she arrives to endorse him for the 11th council seat.
Right - Inside Louie's Dale Diner located on West 231st Street Speaker Quinn and 11th council candidate Andrew Cohen talk over their old friendship as they make the endorsement announcement of him.
Left - Speaker Quinn poses with Louie's Dale Diner owner Steve Kathikouisas, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (who was on hand for the Cohen endorsement), and 11th council candidate Andrew Cohen.
Right - 11th council candidate Andrew Cohen says good bye to Speaker Quinn as he thanks her for her endorsement of him.
.
SENATOR RIVERA BECOMES RANKING MEMBER OF SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE
Senator Rivera Becomes Ranking Member of Senate Health Committee
Bronx, NY - State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) was today named ranking member of the New York Senate's Health Committee.
As a member of the Senate Democratic Conference, Senator Rivera will
be representing the interests of the conference on issues of health.
"I am proud to
represent the people of the 33rd Senate District as well as the Senate
Democratic conference as the ranking member of the Senate health committee," said Senator Rivera. "The issues that will be addressed in the health committee
in the coming years are of particular interest to the individuals I
represent. The Bronx is unfortunately the unhealthiest county in the
state, and yet also looks to the healthcare industry as an economic
engine, employing a great deal of my constituents. "
"Senator Gustavo Rivera is an outstanding choice to serve as Ranking Member on the Senate Health Committee," said Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Health.
"He brings knowledge, passion, and dedication to the many health care
challenges facing New York. I look forward to working with him to build
a progressive health care policy for our state."
"I congratulate Sen. Gustavo Rivera on his appointment as a ranking member of this important committee," said Dr. Steven Safyer, President of Montefiore Medical Center.
"The Senator is a true leader whose passionate commitment to health and
healthcare is an inspiration to our community. I look forward to our
continued partnership."
"I congratulate my
friend, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, on his appointment as the ranking
member of that body's health committee. Gustavo and I have done great
work through the Bronx CAN-Changing Attitudes Now-health initiative in
the Bronx, and I know firsthand that he has what it takes to develop a
robust agenda on health for the entire state," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
"I congratulate Senator Rivera on his new appointment," said Dr. Scott Cooper, President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Barnabas Hospital. "He
has always been a passionate advocate on behalf of the St. Barnabas
Hospital community, and I look forward to continuing to work closely
with him in his new capacity."
From Douglas L. York, CEO, Union Community Health Center stated, "Union Community Health Center congratulates Senator Gustavo Rivera on his appointment as Ranking Member of the Senate Standing Committee on Health.
There has been no better health advocate for our community. Both
personally and professionally, Senator Rivera embodies Union's mission
of improving health outcomes in our neighborhoods. Union Community
Health Center looks forward to continuing to partner with Senator Rivera
towards a healthier Bronx."
Senator Rivera has served on the health committee since he was elected two years ago. Over the past two years, Senator Rivera has focused on addressing issues of health equity, as well as promoting better nutritional and exercise habits through his Bronx CAN Health Challenge and his partnership with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
BP Diaz - Black History Month Celebration
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Black History Month Celebration
Celebrating African-American Culture
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
5:30 pm
Dreiser Loop Community Center
177 Dreiser Loop in Co-op City
Seating Limited. RSVP required. Please call 718-590-3522 or email lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov
Save the Putnam Trail Asks why a “Conservancy” Would cut down 400 Trees and Pave 1 mile of Nature with Asphalt?
Say NO to "Bloomberg Boulevard"
A conservancy is “an
organization that works to protect animals, plants, and natural resources
especially by purchasing and caring for areas of land,” according to
Merriam-Webster. The mission statement of Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy
(VCPC) is: “to sustain and enhance the park as a vibrant destination for
recreation, leisure and the enjoyment of natural
landscapes.”
Yet still, the VCPC is
doing nothing as NYCParks burns $2.41 million in federal/city taxpayer dollars,
to widen and pave over a popular historic trail that runs 1.5 miles through
nature preserves, sometimes feet away. The NYCParks plan destroys 1.5 to 2 acres
of forest and 400 trees, harming both plant and wildlife thriving
there.
Two wildlife preserves flank the
trail - Tibbets Brook/Lake, and the Northwest
Forest.*
Forever Wild preserves are supposed to receive special protection by the
city. The parks dept. describes them at their website: "The Forever
Wild Program is an initiative of the New York City Department of Parks &
Recreation to protect and preserve the most ecologically valuable lands within
the five boroughs."**
Asphalt causes water
runoff issues that result in contaminated water and rotted tree roots. The
Putnam Trail runs between the Lake and Tibbets Brook, with the lake enjoyed by
local fishermen.
An urgent problem: the
President of the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy is also the administrator of Van
Cortlandt Park, in other words a parks department employee. This is clearly a conflict of interest,
says SPT.
Neither the
conservancy nor parks dept. is paying attention to the parks department’s poll
at their website for Van Cortlandt Park, where 55% of people say if they could
visit the park every day for one activity, it’d be to wander the nature trails.
Others chose: birdwatching (6%), fishing (9%), golf (6%), horseback riding
(25%).***
“When the parks
department sends out a spokesman about the Putnam Trail and says, `well, the
conservancy supports our idea,’ that’s nonsense,” said
SPT.
Please
write a note to Mayor Bloomberg and make him aware of this conflict of
interest and that his legacy will always be associated with the
destruction of 1 acre of land, 400 trees and unwanted asphalt on the
Putnam Trail in Van Cortlant Park. http://on.nyc.gov/3CDcV6
Tell
Mayor Bloomberg it's his choice and that the Putnam Trail can forever be
referred to as the "Bloomberg nature walk" or if current plans go
through the "Bloomberg asphalt raceway". (Bloomberg Boulevard)
______________________________ ______
Webster’s New 20th
Century Dictionary, Unabridged, defines conservancy:
"The act of preserving;
conservation; preservation from injury or improper use.”
Van Cortlandt Park,
the city's fourth largest, has many recreational outlets including multiple
ball fields, bocce and basketball courts, fitness equipment, pools, ice skating
rink, etc.***
Thursday, January 24, 2013
MTA Hearing to Increase Non-Peak Service on Hudson Line
Thursday night the MTA held a hearing to increase non-peak service on its Hudson line of the Metro North to the Irvington (Yonkers), North Riverdale (Bronx), and Spuyten Duyvil (Bronx) stations. No one in the sparsely attended hearing objected to adding increased service, but several asked why the MTA was not adding more rush hour service. After many different types of cutbacks to the rush hour service of increasing headway between trains to eliminating a train here or there, "rush hour trains have become like the sardine packed subways" one rider said.
There were 48 seats set up, and with as many as ten Metro North Police officers (in uniform or in plainclothes) along with the ace four legged member of the K-9 squad, several technicians, and the MTA representatives sitting up front, they outnumbered the public in the audience.
Former Bronx BP and MTA Vice-Chairman Fernando Ferrer who is now the acting Chairman with the departure of Joe Lhota (to run for mayor) opened the meeting on time. Besides Ferrer the other MTA board member in attendance was Robert Bickford. Mark Mannix (Director of Govt. & Community Relations) gave the presentation, and Robert C. McLarger (VP of Planning for Metro North) was also sitting up front.
Mr. Mannix said that this was not to be a question an answer session, and mentioned the three effected stations Irvington, N. Riverdale, and Spuyten Duyvil. He went on to say that non-peak service was to be increased to half hour service from its current larger time difference between non-peak trains. There was no opposition to the added service, but questions of what the added service would do to the homes that surround the stations as to additional traffic. Andrew Sandler represented Councilman G. Oliver Koppel saying that Councilman Koppell thanked the MTA for the additional service to two stops in his district. Whilhelm Ronda representing Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. also spoke in support of the increased service, and added that BP Diaz is awaiting the new East Bronx Metro North Service to four new stations at Coop City, Morris Park, Parkchester, and Hunts Point in the Bronx.
The hearing would have been over in less than one hour, but Ferrer called for a half hour recess whereas after the recess two more people decided to voice an opinion. It was mentioned that the new service was from trains that are already in the schedule, but had bypassed the three stations in the past.
Left - MTA board members Ferrer (far right) and Bickford, with Mark Mannix and Robert C. McLarger of the MTA.
Right - Is a photo of the sparsely attended hearing.
Left - Andrew Sandler of Councilman Koppell's office reads a statement from Councilman Koppell.
Right - Two Metro North K-9 Police officers on hand with their trusty Police Dog, one of many that the MTA has.
Senator Klein’s Statement on Passage of Co-op/Condominium Tax Credit Renewal
Today, the New
York State Senate passed the renewal of the co-op/condominium tax credit with
overwhelming support. Senator Klein
called the bill critical and commonsense.
“I am
very pleased that this critical tax credit for co-op and condominium
owners passed with bipartisan support in the Senate. Failure to renew
this tax credit would have resulted in drastic and unnecessary tax
increases for New York families and seniors. This bill provides co-op
owners and condominium owners with concrete assurance that their taxes will
not balloon overnight. It provides nothing less than essential financial
stability to these property owners. This renewal is long overdue, but I’m
pleased to see that this critical measure for Bronx residents is now on it’s
way to the Governor’s desk.”
The bill (S2320)
extends a tax credit for co-op and condominium owners. The credit corrects
flaws in the current property tax system that would otherwise leave co-op and
condo owners paying at rates far greater than those who own one and two family
homes. Passage of the bill has already been met with support from the co-op and
condominium community.
Suneerat Moreno,
condominium owner and treasurer of her condominium complex in Bronx Park East,
expressed her relief at passage of the bill. “I am a retired senior citizen and
this bill helps middle-class owners of condominiums like me. Our building is 87
years old and needs a lot of work. Without the tax credit, we would not have
been able to make much-needed repairs, such as leaks and damage-repair from
Hurricane Sandy. We are so thankful to Senator Klein for his leadership on this
bill.”
Barbara Moye, condominium
owner and president of her condominium board in Shorehaven, remarked, “this has
been a long-haul for home-owners. For the past two and a half years, our family
has had to set aside money in the event that this tax credit would not be
passed, which has prevented us from doing any upgrades on our condo. This tax
credit directly affects me and I am very thankful to Senator Klein for working
to get this done.”
The original tax
credit legislation was enacted in 1997.
Wave Hill Events February 8–February 15
Truly
wintry temperatures here in the gardens yesterday and today—as across
the region—yet the gardens have rarely been as spectacular and engaging.
I nodded all my way through Michael Tortorello’s paean to the winter
garden on the first page of the “Home” section of this morning’s New
York Times! The birds are in on this, too, as well as the artists at
work in our Winter Workspace residency. Bring your valentine and see for
yourselves!
SAT, FEBRUARY 9 FAMILY ART PROJECT—HEARTS AND FLOWERS
Hearts and Flowers/Corazones y flores
Breathe
in the fragrance of greenhouse flowers and enjoy their colorful
blooms. Use them as inspiration to make lovely, lacy, feathery and
flowerful Valentine’s Day cards. Free, and admission to the grounds is
free until noon.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM
SUN, FEBRUARY 10 WINTER BIRDING
Hudson
River valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species, even during
the winter months. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands
with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter
habitats. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather
cancels. For weather-related updates call 718.549.3200 x245
by 8AM the day of the walk. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC
Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM
SUN, FEBRUARY 10 FAMILY ART PROJECT—HEARTS AND FLOWERS
Hearts and Flowers/Corazones y flores
Breathe
in the fragrance of greenhouse flowers and enjoy their colorful
blooms. Use them as inspiration to make lovely, lacy, feathery and
flowerful Valentine’s Day cards. Free with admission to the grounds.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM
SUN, FEBRUARY 10 WINTER WORKSPACE OPEN STUDIOS—SESSION I
For
the fourth winter, Glyndor Gallery is transformed into studio spaces
for artists to develop new work and offer opportunities for public
interaction in the context of the garden. Individual artists share their
studio practice with the public on this open studio day. Artists
include Manuel Acevedo, Zachary Fabri, Asuka Hishiki, Maria Hupfield,
Paloma McGregor and Linda Stillman. Registration not required.
Reservations not required for this drop-in event. Free with admission to
the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1:30‒3PM
SUN, FEBRUARY 10 GARDEN AND CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM
MON, FEBRUARY 11
Closed to the public.
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—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.
ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in February. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.
PROGRAM FEES Program s 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 3o 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 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.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Borough President Diaz State of the Borough Address
The Honorable Ruben Diaz Jr.
President, Borough of the Bronx
Cordially invites you to
The State of the Borough Address
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
11:30 a.m.
James Monroe High School Auditorium
1300 Boynton Avenue
The Bronx
RSVP
Statement by IDC Leader and Senate President Pro Tempore Jeffrey D. Klein on Governor Cuomo’s 2013 Budget Address
“As
Governor Cuomo recognizes, our number one goal must be to pass a
balanced budget that meets the evolving needs of New York families and
businesses, without raising taxes or fees. In doing so, the IDC will be
advocating for several critical priorities during the budget process.
“To start, our state’s
lowest wage workers deserve a raise. Doing so will put more money in the
pockets of working class families, while stimulating spending and
creating thousands of local jobs. When it comes to filling these new
jobs, we want to make sure that New York’s 10,000 unemployed veterans
from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are at the front of the employment
line. That’s why, as part of the budget, we will push for a tax credit
that rewards business owners who hire one of our country’s bravest men
and women. The unemployment rate for veterans in New York State is twice
that of the general population. That’s an inequity that we simply
cannot tolerate any longer.
“In order to build a better
workforce, we also need to ensure that every bright young New Yorker can
afford a college degree. That’s why we are committed to enacting a
fully funded DREAM Act that will provide all of New York’s smartest and
most ambitious students with access to the tuition assistance that they
need. Our bill ensures that neither state budget constraints, nor a
student’s immigration status, will ever stand in the way of a young
student’s college dream.
“Mandate relief remains a
priority concern for members of the IDC. Throughout the budget process,
we will continue to identify ways that help push the weight of undue
mandates off of New York’s counties, cities, and towns, so that local
governments can lower property taxes while still funding all of their
essential local needs.
“We can and will accomplish
these goals for New Yorkers. The IDC is committed to working on a
bipartisan basis to get these things done and to do so with another
on-time budget.”